PC: When did Briar Branch Road begin their music career?

DA: I started playing some acoustic shows with Aaron (Lead Guitar) about 3 years ago. Aaron had been playing blues guitar for some time, but the stage was new to me. After a year of that, we decided to put a full band together. By this time, I was in law school and had befriended Will, a fellow law student, who had studied classical violin. He knew and loved all the same bands that I did; naturally, I convinced him to play fiddle for us. Kye, the bass player, was added about a year ago and that's when the band really started coming together. We picked up Michael Fitch, who's drumming resume is really extensive, this past fall. So, we've had a band for about two years, but we were constantly changing members. This band has been together for a shorter period of time, but all the elements are finally there. That's the short answer.

PC: Who are Briar Branch Road main musical influences?

DA: Mine are numerous. The most relevant guys are Townes Van Zandt, Waylon Jennings, and modern songwriter Chris Knight. I think he's brilliant with lyrics. We're all big fans of the Drive-by Truckers, who I feel write great rock songs with substance. I mentioned that Aaron played blues and Will classical music, so I suppose Stevie Ray Vaughn, and...somebody damn good at playing Chopin. Kye's father was a rock'n roll guy who was the front man for The Five Americans (Best known for the song "Western Union"). Kye truly loves all kinds of music, but perhaps influenced by his father,he seems to be especially fond of classic rock. The Hendrix kind, not the Whitesnake kind. Fitch doesn't give a damn what's playing as long as he can bang on the drums with it.

PC: Where can someone get a copy of your CD? 

DA: Our website, www.briarbranchroad.com; www.lonestarmusic.com; Hastings in Ada, OK; live shows.

PC:  If you had to pick a couple of songs you have written or recorded that you are most proud of, what would they be and why? 

DA: Maybe some of my new material (to be recorded soon), but for the sake of discussing songs that people are familiar with, I'll pick a few from our last album. 

Based on the "song" alone, I distinguish this from songs that are more about the musical composition; cathcy, but less substance, probably "The Pain I Deserve" and "Far From Saints". The first song is really personal to me and ties into the second song a little bit. I think we all make a lot of mistakes during our life or get by with doing things we shouldn't in our relationships. That song was about venting some guilt. 

"Far From Saints" was written from a number of actual conversations I heard from working guys unwinding. In the summers between college, I would go back home to Southeast Oklahoma and work on a logging crew. I had always heard negative stories about some of the guys that worked with me. After a few weeks with them, I realized, of course, that they were just people too. They had all kinds of problems in thier lives that I don't have to deal with; I won't begin to get in to sociological arguments about whether they chose that type of life. They looked out for me in a really dangerous business; they shared some great stories, and yes, they even bought me a drink a few times. Despite the admirable aspects of their character, they're still far from saints, but hell, we all are.

PC: Where would you like to be in five years?

DA: Still recording and playing music. I didn't say just playing music, because I don't want to be playing at some bean supper every now and then wondering what might have been.

PC: What's your fondest career memory so far?

DA: I've got fond memories from everytime I've stepped on a stage. Even the band horror stories are funny in hindsight. I have been able to play with almost all of my favorite bands, but I suppose it was a particular pleasure for me to open for Chris Knight.

PC: If Briar Branch Road could do a duet with anyone who would that be and why?

DA: Waylon Jennings, but unfortunately, that will never happen. Willie is an easy answer but it's true. I love his voice and I've listened to him play my whole life. He's an icon. I suppose for a less traditional answer, Chris Knight or Steve Earle because I really admire them as songwriters. If they were willing to do a duet, then they must approve of my songs too, and that would mean a lot to me.

PC: If not for music, what would you be doing as an career?

DA: Attorney

PC: What CD would be found in your CD player right now?

DA: It's either Waylon Jennings Live, or the Drive-by-Truckers. I can't remember what I was listeing to on the way home last night.