Ignition Music Magazine Blog: Papadosio

Jam Band Gives Ignition a Dose of Their Mojo

Interview: Sarah Locke // Photos: Dan Florez

Papadosio playing at Freebird Live!

Papadosio recently released T.E.T.I.O.S., a fresh and exciting raved-about double-disc album, with a playing time of more than two hours, featuring 20 pieces of artwork. With their professional experience and popularity growing at an exponential rate, there’s only one place left to go- Papadosio’s going straight to the very tippy-top.

From their early successful beginnings, to their very own popular Rootwire Festival, as well as their Rootwire label imprint, their name has become a solidly recognizable on the specified genre circuit.
I recently had the opportunity to interview Anthony Thogmartin (guitar/keys/vocals), Sam Brouse (keys/vocals), and Billy Brouse (keys/vocals). The guys chatted about their current Future Forrest Tour with a wrap-up date at Aura Music Festival on February 13th, what makes their Rootwire Festival so unique, their move from Ohio to Asheville, and apple cider vinegar- just go with it.

Your music is so versatile and crosses over into so many different genres, especially with this recent album, T.E.T.I.O.S., so what would you say describes your style/sound the best? Jamtronica/livetronica?
Billy: Our genre is whatever people feel like calling it. Most people say livetronica or jamtronica which I think don’t really fit us too well; I think Progressive Rock suits us. I feel it encompasses what we do in two words more so than livetronica or jamtronica.

When exactly did the band relocate to Asheville and why?
Billy: We moved to Asheville about two and a half years ago. We came to spread our roots out and see what a change of scenery had to offer us, and we found a wonderful city with just about everything we need.

And you now have your own studio there as well, which is where the new album was recorded. Plans to record other bands there in the future?
Anthony: I’m actually recording the band Silo Effect from Richmond, Virginia this week. We started a label called Rootwire Records, which is pretty underground for now, but we plan on recording a lot and having many musicians on it. I enjoy producing and experiencing the energy of other creative people.

How did Rootwire Festival come about? Was it something you guys had been planning for a long time?
Anthony: I always dreamed of a bunch of easels in an outdoor setting, a massive group of people creating along with us. Rootwire has exceeded this vision among many others. There is something indescribable happening at this event- a feeling of well being that few other experiences in my life compare to.

I know one of the things that sets Rootwire apart from other current festivals has to do with the stage set-up/ sound check that you have in place. How else is Rootwire different, more unique, perhaps even better than the other current music festivals out there?
Anthony: We do not seek to separate ourselves from other festivals, we are not trying to compete or be perceived as better, we would rather be seen as a different experience entirely. The festival seems to just summon like minded people, I can’t really explain it, that’s just what it does. There is a humble and friendly energy of the people, and it seems everyone in attendance makes a lasting connection with multiple others throughout the weekend. Yes, we have the biggest art gallery, and if you look at pictures, the entire festival is basically a canvas, but what is really amazing is the vibe of Rootwire’s amazing community.

The whole creative concept behind it, is to encourage the discovery of your inner artist. Elaborate a bit on that if you will.
Anthony: Everyone is an artist. Something happens to a person when they truly take that understanding to heart- their entire approach to life is changed, their values, their demeanor, and it’s almost like something is trying desperately to speak through us and it is art, be it music, visual, performance, writing, humor that unifies this message into a lucid and tangible thing.

You’ve got a pretty busy next couple of months, especially with the 2013 Future Forrest Tour. What are your essentials while on the road other than the obvious deodorant/toothbrush answers??
Sam: Apple Cider Vinegar. It keeps one healthy.

I know you guys are also prepping for the Aura Arts & Music Festival. What are your thoughts on that event and what do you enjoy most about it?
Billy: Aura is a great time. I have enjoyed seeing it progress since the first year to now being at Suwanee. It feels like I have another little nephew who has just graduated and is moving out into the world- kind of weird, but that’s how it feels sometimes. I really like the staff, some of the greatest people I know, and the people who come to the festival are normally pretty laid back, which is nice. Can’t wait to see all the music as well, but that’ a given.

Any international developments/plans for the band? I read that you guys were trying to play a festival in Shanghai?
Billy: As soon as it makes sense we are going out of the country... maybe even before it makes sense.

Well thanks for taking the time to chat with us guys. Can’t wait to see your performance at Aura! Enjoy your travels and shows until then!