Mix four bachelors, modern rock with a twist of Southern flavor and a popular college bar and it equals Ingram Hill live at Rick’s CafZ. The foursome performs tonight at 10 p.m.
“Our shows are high energy. We want the audience to be involved and to have fun. Students should come see us act like fools and forget all the crap that is going on in their lives. Performing live is the best part of it all for us,” guitarist Phil Bogard said.
The Memphis band has played together for two and a half years and released two albums. Four to five days a week they are on the road somewhere. Ingram Hill has opened up for bands such as Sister Hazel, Better Than Ezra, Tonic, Blues Traveler and Cowboy Mouth.
Since the spring of 2002 the guys have been touring and promoting their latest album Until Now. The CD features five songs co-produced by Tonic lead singer Emerson Hart. Bogard said the band learned a lot from Hart about the art of arranging a song.
“You listen to someone through your stereo for years that you idolized and then one day he is in your living room playing your songs; it is extremely cool,” Bogard said.
Ingram stopped by Rick’s this past July to promote Until Now. Bogard said Rick is like a brother him, always lets the band stay with him and takes care of the guys when they come into town. They plan to continue promoting for their album until May.
Besides touring, the guys made a demo with producer John Alagia who worked on John Mayer’s album and basically every Dave Matthew’s Band CD. Ingram Hill’s lawyer also represents John Mayer who helped them make the connection with Alagia. The guys recorded a three-song demo at his lake house in Maryland. When they were not recording they were able to fish, boat and relax.
“It was crazy working with John. The best ever,” Bogard said. “He has a ton of platinum albums everywhere; mostly from Dave Matthews. One day we were just chilling out and we were playing on a Chet Atkins guitar John had. When he came into the room he informed us that it was Dave Matthews’ first.”
Right now the demo is floating around major record labels. The band is already ahead of the curve. Until Now is approaching 10,000 albums sold. Most bands that are already signed with a major label have not accomplished that or worked with the high stature of names Ingram Hill has.
“We have been touring, touring, touring for this album. Ten days is the longest consecutive break we have had since we have been together,” lead vocalist Justin Moore said.
Hard work and consistency has proved well for this small Memphis band. With the success of other Memphis natives like Saliva and even pop superstar Justin Timberlake, music executives are now looking harder at the talent from Memphis. Their manager has been with Moore and Bogard prior to being with bassist Shea Sowell and drummer Matt Chambless. Moore said that he obviously saw something in them before they were in Ingram Hill and has stuck with them all the way through.
With the success of Until Now, the demo produced by Alagia and their wide popularity, Ingram Hill appears to be on the road of great success.
“Being on MTV and selling 10 million records is definitely on our list of career goals,” Moore said with a laugh. Moore also said he cannot remember not singing. As for Bogard he said since he was eight years old he knew this is what he wanted to do.
The band performs in various bars from Oklahoma, Chicago and all over the East. Ingram Hill hopes to travel to new places they have never played to spread their music.
“If students want to have a good time come see us and listen to some good rock ‘n’ roll,” Moore said.
For more information on Ingram Hill, check out their Web site at www.ingramhillmusic.com. Merchandise can also be purchased on their Web site or at Rick’s CafZ.
Categories:
Starkville favorite performs at Rick’s
Ashley Lay / The Reflector
•
January 17, 2003
0