What is your name and role within The Devil Makes Three?
I’m Pete Bernhard, singer and songwriter/rhythm guitar.
How did you start?
We started the band in Santa Cruz California in 2002 with the hope that acoustic music could be more fun than it was at the time. We all come from the DIY punk scene but we love traditional American music. With these unlikely ingredients the strange creature known as TDM3 was electrocuted and brought to life.
Where are you based?
We are currently based in Austin Texas, and southern Vermont.
Please give an example of your music writing process?
Usually I start with a basic guitar part and lyrics and bring the idea to the band. We write the harmonies, leads and finish the arrangements as a group. Cooper McBean and Lucia Turino and I block out the song and we usually road test the songs for a few tours before they we go into the studio.
What are you working on right now?
We are currently working on songs for our new studio album (hopefully out later this year) and starting to mix live tracks from our show at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver Colorado last year.
What is your gear setup?
We all play our instruments through amps, Fenders mostly, and a 410 bass cab for the upright with a GK head. Our instrumentation is upright bass, two guitars, banjo (both tenor and 5 string) and drums. We usually travel with a fiddle player when we tour as well.
What do you like to do outside of music and does it affect your music?
Outside of music I like to write short stories which I hope helps improve my songwriting abilities. Other than that I like to get outside and hike. Everyone in the band is a fan of nature and conservation.
How would you describe your music genre?
” The bottle we come in doesn’t have a label” -Captain Beefheart
We try to avoid musical classification whenever possible. The more you describe it the easier it is to understand the less mystery it contains.
Do you know any music theory?
Yes, I know the basics but there is always more to learn and I plan to keep studying until I croak. The more tools in the toolbox the better the house I always say.
What are your plans for the future?
We would love to tour the rest of the world including Australia and New Zealand! We currently tour the USA, Canada and Europe but we would like to see some new places and spread the word of TDM3 far and wide.
How did you get into music?
My family got me interested in music when I was young. My first guitar was a gift from my father when I was about 9 years old. My brother played as well as my father, aunt and uncle. You could say it was the family business.
What are you listening to at the moment?
I am currently listening to a box set of Albert Ammons and Meade Lux Lewis. Boogie Woogie piano masters.
Who are your top 5 influences and icons?
Howling Wolf
Little Walter
Muddy Waters
Willie Dixon
The Rev. Gary Davis
When are you playing next?
We will be back on the road in the US in the fall.
Please feel free to include any extra info.
Come visit us http://thedevilmakesthree.com
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