American Bandstand

Tennessee's Everybodyfields Updates That Sweet Trad Sound

originally published May 9, 2007

Five or so years ago, a man in a cowboy hat in Concord, NC, dedicated his entire being to a trio called the Avett Brothers. Ever since, the band has rapidly gained fans by staying on the road almost constantly. The man in the hat was Dolphus Ramseur and his small upstart Ramseur Records has grown to support many other acts (mostly via the Avetts’ success). Among Ramseur’s new signings, The Everybodyfields is probably the act most likely to succeed.

The Johnson City, TN, natives of The Everybodyfields make earnestly beautiful Americana music that could make any Yankee head south. They fit into a small pocket of Americana/ folk acts that revive hundred-year-old Appalachia sounds - groups like the Avett Brothers, Old Crow Medicine Show and the Mountain Goats. These acts have a solid following among older Americana enthusiasts, and especially college kids in the Southeast and western states. Most of these acts spend nine or 10 months of the year on the road - playing consistent shows to account for the money they won’t make on record sales. Because the vast majority of their support is regional, the bands can’t expect to see any chart action, and therefore make their money on tour.

Perhaps the greatest irony in this scenario is that these acts create genuine and honest songs that can touch even the coldest of hearts. The Everybodyfields’ Jill Andrews (vocals, guitar, bass) says she prefers not to acknowledge the glass ceiling of traditional Americana music. “We just keep playing and keep traveling and try to play new places all the time. And if people keep liking it, then we’ll keep doing it,” says Andrews.

Growing up in Tennessee, Andrews was a church mouse with a passion for country standards and folk tunes. She sang traditional hymns in the church choir, and picked up on her parents’ music in the family car and at home. “I listened to the radio when I was little," she says. "We had three or four different tapes - Oak Ridge Boys, Lee Greenwood, Kenny Rogers and Alabama. In high school, I started listening to Golden Smog and the Jayhawks.”

The Everybodyfields’ music is steeped in both sincerity and virtuosity. Andrews and bandmate Sam Quinn trade and mix vocals, and instruments during gigs. They each possess impeccable voices and have an ability to play just about any instrument. The resulting songs are brilliantly written and faultlessly executed. So, it’s not surprising that the band’s audience is growing rapidly. The growth of the alt-country genre, a term applied more and more loosely to many country artists outside of the pop realm, allows The Everybodyfields’ Americana and folk sound to gain more credence. Andrews hopes that her group’s upcoming album Nothing Is Okay, slated for release this summer, will benefit from the rising popularity of alternative country music. She also thinks it’s the best album she’s ever made.

“Were really proud of it,” says Andrews. “It’s taken a really long time to get it just the way we wanted it. We have a lot of different instruments and musicians on this one - electric guitar, fiddle, piano and drums - which is different from the others that focused on acoustic guitar and dobro. I think we put more thought into this record than the others.”

Nothing Is Okay is The Everybodyfields' first release on Ramseur Records. The bandmembers have spent the past several months on the road, playing many dates with the Avett Brothers, and are very excited about their new label digs, and especially working with Dolphus Ramseur. “He lets us do whatever we want as far as music goes,” says Andrews. “We can play whatever we want. Our album is however we think it should be and he just trusts us. He keeps us really involved and doesn’t ever make decisions for us.”

Andrews says her band will stay on the road for the next several months. There are few mainstream outlets for Americana music and persistent touring is the best way to attract fans.

Despite the inconvenience of being away from home, Andrews is still pretty content with her current path. She even chuckles about The Everybodyfields’ last trip to Athens with the Avetts: “Last time I was at the Georgia Theatre watching the Avetts, I was standing amidst all the fans singing along, and I was trying to get closer to the front. At some point, I felt something under my boot. Turned out it was an entire foot-long Subway meatball sandwich. That was pretty gross. The guy behind me had to help peel it off."

Ian Wheeler

WHO: The Everybodyfields, Little Country Giants
WHERE: Melting Point
WHEN: Saturday, May 12
HOW MUCH: $8.50 (advance), $10 (door)