Seven Questions - COLIN GILMORE
January 3, 2021
A native of Lubbock, Colin Gilmore grew up hanging around the original Stubb’s BBQ, soaking in the music of Texas luminaries like Joe Ely, Terry Allen, and Lloyd Maines—not to mention his father, Jimmy Dale Gilmore. These days, Gilmore has made his name for himself by blending a Buddy Holly-infused West Texas sensibility with the simmering rebelliousness of Brit bands like the Clash and the Pogues. He talked with us from his South Austin home, where he extolled the virtues of frequent travel and bourbon on ice.
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1: WHAT GETS YOUR MOTOR RUNNING, ARTISTICALLY?
Music and travel together. Any kind of motion, but especially being on the open road. Seeing the scenery passing by just makes music more real to me—another reason the pandemic has been tough on me creatively.
2: TELL US ABOUT A WORK OF ART YOU FEEL IS WOEFULLY MISUNDERSTOOD OR UNDERAPPRECIATED.
The Pogues album Peace And Love. It’s the one I discovered as a fourteen-year-old and it completely transformed me; almost felt like they were teletransporting me. I meet Pogues fans all the time, but it’s tough to find someone who likes that album (I’m not even sure the Pogues like it—Shane MacGowan called it “dodgy!”) It’s not a classic like Rum Sodomy & The Lash, but it’s got a special place in my soul.
3: WHAT ARTIST, LIVING OR DEAD, WOULD YOU LIKE TO THROW BACK A COCKTAIL WITH? WHY?
Buddy Holly. The guy basically set the course for rock n’ roll as we know it. Took all the styles of the era, blended them and added his magic. But the main reason I’d want to have a drink with him is he just seems so approachable and relatable, that rare combo of nice and infinitely interesting. I’d also try to talk him and all the gang out of getting on that plane.
4: TELL US ONE THING YOU CAN’T DO WITHOUT.
Friends and family. I know you said one thing, but in my life they’re inter-woven. A unit. They give me reason to live.
5: HOW DO YOU GET OUT OF A CREATIVE RUT?
Having a friend show me stuff they’ve been listening to. It gets me out of my own head and habits, and points me somewhere new and fresh. I have a few friends who can always inspire me with what they’re playing and listening to. It’s like they have just the right combo of my taste plus something else that makes me see things in a new light.
6: WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW? WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?
My Chicago-based band and I (who have been playing together for over ten years now) started an EP but never finished it. We’re all looking to get back in the studio together once it’s safe to. Until then, I’m just trying to get through these times and keep writing.
7: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPIRIT OR COCKTAIL? HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR WHISKEY?
My favorite cocktail is the old fashioned. I usually like my bourbon on ice with a little water (old man style!)
