By Walter Price
This Red Dirt Metal band from, the smallish, Texas town of Denison have come crashing into the rock scene taking no prisoners and making no excuses for the past several years.
Texas Hippie Coalition is led by The Godfather of Red Dirt Metal, Big Dad Ritch. And he and the band say they are carrying the torch for the lovers of Southern Rock which is perfectly fitting since they have a sound-cocktail with equal parts of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, Pantera and some Willie and Waylon’s outlaw country.
They are currently out promoting their third album Peacemaker. Try to check it out but don’t forget 2008’s Pride of Texas and 2010’s Rollin‘. To get the real THC story go see them live! If you’re a metal/rock fan in Europe start a campaign to get them in your town.
I had a chance to speak with THC’s Big Dad Ritch not too long ago, he may be short on interview answers but he’s The Godfather of RDM, what did you expect?
The GTC would like to congratulate you and the band for all of your success these past several years. Looks like the gospel of Texas rock is continuing to be spread by The Texas Hippie Coalition.
Can I get an amen! Red Dirt Revival!
From the start THC has had a real DIY approach to growing its fan base. Is it more rewarding for the band knowing that hard work and not a ton of cash has made the band what it is?
Texas born American made. U know it baby, Family owned & operated. If we were a trucking company our motto would be “if we can’t truckem, fuckem!”
Being from a smaller town/city like Denison, Tx, what were your initial thoughts of hitting the road and is it just routine now?
Daddy was a oil company bumb. Been puttin miles on tires since I was a pup. Never routine. Every Rodeo u drawl a different BULL. But we will Ride the full 8 seconds.
THC has worked with some amazing producers, culminating in some of the best rock albums in recent memory. Do these guys change much about how you and the band wanted the tracks/albums to sound?
I think producers were formerly scientists for Nazi Germany. Haj jaH! We r THC no scientists can change that. But we have worked with some grand producers. Prader the would b juggler that is really a magician. Or ol Marlette the professor music 1 o 1. Pleasure working with them both. Neither mind well I expect troubled child hoods.
Most people outside of Texas have never heard of Red Dirt Music or Red Dirt Metal, can you give them a simple definition?
Red Dirt: Outlaw brand of Texas music, story tellin against the grain wheat n barley induced Waylon drinkin Willie smokin Rock n Roll.
Can you give some advice to the small town kid who wants to be a ‘rock star’?
Knockem dead KID!
THC is a busy band, the new video for “Hands Up” is killer and you guys are on tour across America. Any European plans?
SHOWNUFF. We plan on invading n conquering Europe soon as the Submarine is finished.
Thanks for talking with us today BDR. We love to see a Texas band going worldwide..
HIGH & MIGHTY.
Since this interview THC has announced they will be part of Danzig’s 25th Anniversary Tour.
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