 Courtesy of the Artist
Hailing from North Carolina, the Maggie Valley band came together in the town they now identify themselves with - Maggie Valley, NC. Sisters Whitney (vocals, guitar, mandolin, harmonica, banjitar) & Caroline Miller (vocals, bass, percussion) grew up in a home where playing the piano was a daily requirement, a requirement that soon turned to passion. TMVB recently released their debut album, The Hardest Thing, under the direction of Grammy nominated producer, David Mayfield. Here, the duo kindly answer their Essential 8 and talk musical mentors, challenges, road life, and more.
Did you have a musical mentor? If so, who was it and how did they influence you? Whitney: David Mayfield haha, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Sturgill Simpson. Caroline: Cadillac Sky & Mayfield for sure. We always knew Bluegrass but when we saw Cadillac we knew that Bluegrass could evolve into more-something that anything could go. Where do you draw inspiration from when writing? Whitney: Our personal pain, but also our personal hope. What’s the best advice you have ever gotten from another musician? Caroline: We’ve gotten to open for Reverend Peyton and His Big Damn band and he said “just remember, it’s a tough business kid. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” What’s the best advice to give to a musician just starting out? Caroline: If you honestly want it-keep going. Don’t look back and don’t think the world needs you. They don’t, but will you prove them otherwise? That you’re different? What’s your favorite food on the road? Caroline: Whatever’s free haha. One time we ate pizza for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for five days straight but it was free. Do you have any touring tips? Caroline: Plan it out and don’t spend money and don’t allow for free time. Free time means spending money.
How do you kill the long hours in the van?
Caroline: Depends on my mood, sleep, turn my phone into a hotspot and take care of band business, listen to songs I’m learning, or do ear training on my phone. Whitney: I drive mainly and listen to podcasts and music, if I’m not driving I’ll read. What do you love most about being on the road? Whitney: Meeting people and seeing new places. We get to travel but do what we love most and play music. What has been your biggest struggle so far? Caroline: Lack of affirmation. There is so much good music in the world, you just don’t know if what you’re experiencing is a normal struggle or is it a sign? We understand you have to put in your time, but how much rejection is normal in music business? Is drinking at gigs a positive or a negative? Caroline: Honestly, I think mostly negative. It does a lot of damage to people’s lives and everyone thinks their different and can tolerate it more. Musicians think it’s part of the scene, but it just makes them sloppy and unprofessional. People don’t understand how personal choices affect others. Favorite thing to do on a day off? Whitney: Practice and write. Caroline: Whitney does a great job of not having a day off haha. Hiking, reading, coffee, and talking band business. We don’t really have days off-if I do I’m thinking about band business the entire time. Do you have a favorite gift from a fan? Whitney: Cheerwine! Website Purchase
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