An Interview With Marty Bohannon: Part I

I recently sat down with Marty Bohannon, co-founder of the popular local band the Bohannons. In the first of a two-part interview, we discuss the music making process as well as touring and the profound influence KZ-106 has had on his life.

Since 2005, the Bohannons have steadily harvested a loyal Chattanooga fan base, playing as many shows as they could handle. For most bands, becoming rich and famous is the ultimate goal. But, for Marty and Matt Bohannon, Josh Beaver and Adam Brown, it's never been a question of fame and fortune. It's really all about the music. Honest. I asked Marty myself.

Marty and Matt Bohannon have lived in Chattanooga all of their lives. The two brothers have always co-written songs together. When they were younger, they collaborated on various "noise projects" and as they grew older, began writing songs, some of them complete and others simply sketchings of ideas. "It kind of evolved into us having a common interest in a lot of different kinds of music." says Marty, one of two lead singer-songwriters for the Bohannons. "So, it was kind of a thing that we ended up collaborating on. Which I kind of always knew would happen one day. I just kind of moved in that direction to fulfill some artistic urges."

According to Marty, most of the band's influences are guitar-oriented bands. "I think with this project we try to cover everything." The Bohannons' music has a noticeably classic rock feel to it at times. "There's very few constants in my life, but it's kind of book-ended by a few things and one of them is definitely KZ-106. It's odd, I know. And KZ-106 has been one of those odd constants. I mean, there's days when I actually hate it and there's some days when there's this warm sort of comfort."

The more I talk with him, the more I notice Marty's passion for music, especially when it comes to recording. He talks about the recording process, which is one of his favorite aspects of being in a band. His eyes light up as he talks about a new aspect of music he had never noticed before he was in a band. "If there is a bookend it's just constantly in motion...you know, like getting new music all the time,trying to stay in touch with what I can; especially with the recording arts. The whole experience opens up this whole back catalog of music, the science of music. So now, for the first time in the last three or four years, this music has this whole other side to it, this DNA to it; the tone, the pattern, this texture to it. It's one of the funnest parts; much more fun than making a flyer and hanging it up or loading up gear."

Marty considers the Bohannons' recording process pretty simple, with minimal editing that goes into arranging a record. The band feels it should be considered one body of work for right now and as the process evolves, they'll begin to concentrate much more intensely on producing a full-fledged record. "It's just right now everything's so fun. It's like don't mess with the formula."

Bright White Lights, the band's new EP, is a collection of pure rock and roll songs straight from your local classic rock station...say...KZ-106 but not as predictable. Blend that with an indie-rock feel and you've got one of Chattanooga's premiere bands.

Marty's voice screeches and howls, supported by his brother's edgy, gritty, guitar solos who, by the way, is easily one of Chattanooga's best rock guitarists. Matt's voice, on the other hand, is a bit softer, a bit smoother but just as suited for their brand of music. It's a classic, and at times, psychedelic joyride. "Everything is a demo," Marty says. "Until you've sold ten or twenty thousand records or it's in mass production, these are blueprints. The EP Bright White Lights was recorded in Murfreesboro three songs of mine, three songs of my brothers."

The Bohannons do around fifty shows a year, though this time it may be around eighty. They would like to do more and plan to. Earlier this year, they went to England with the Black Diamond Heavies. Both bands played nine straight shows. "It was great. We saw the countryside, the sea, had great crowds every night, thanks to the Heavies, who have completed their tenth UK tour, I believe. We also played with the High Plane Drifters, who are from Stockton On Tees. They're coming over to the States for seven to ten shows and then we're flying over there for a week to nine days. I think Ireland will be part of the next tour, maybe France for a few shows."

Stay tuned for the second part of Resistance Magazine's interview with local music legend, Marty Bohannon. Until then, check out the Bohannons playing live tonight at JJ's Bohemia along with Caitlin Rose and Missisippi John Doude. Show starts at 10:00 p.m.