LAist Interview: The return of Back Door Slam

Back Door Slam, the group I swooned over at the House of Blues last month and saw again at Lollapalooza earlier this month, is coming back to L.A. for a show at the Troubadour Wednesday, August 29.

In anticipation of this momentous occasion -- is that overstating it? -- I talked to lead man Davy Knowles. Apparently his girlfriend read the review I wrote of their show and was a little concerned that I wrote I wanted to "name my first born son after this guy." Oops -- I just adore blues music, I swear. On second viewing at Lollapalooza my first impression was confirmed. This old-style blues band made up of three kids from the Isle of Man rocks. And they started as a "normal school band, just like kids do."

LAist: I saw you here in L.A. at the House of Blues? Was that your first visit to the city?

I've been twice before. I love it in L.A. It's just the best place in the states for me. It has a little bit of everything.

Did you guys get to go out to some clubs while you were here?

We're all 20 which kind of sucks in the United States (author's note: he actually said "United States" every time he talked about this country) because we can't drink. Sometimes we can get something to drink after a show.

Your youth doesn't seem to be a problem when it comes to your mature taste in music -- isn't it unusual for guys your age to be playing blues like this?

I suppose it is. That's all I listened to growing up as a kid. It was never unusual until I met other kids. It's the kind of music that always struck a chord with me.

What were some of your influences as a little kid listening to this music?

Rory Gallagher, Hendrix, Clapton, John Mayer, Joni Mitchell.

You played a couple covers at your show, but a lot of original songs too. Who does the writing?

Writing came kind of late for me. Now I'm really into it and I love doing it. It's a big kick to play something that came out of your head.

As a "school band" that's making it big, what have been some of your biggest shows?

Supporting The Who, back on the Isle of Man, supporting Eric Burden, and REO Speedwagon.

You mentioned a girlfriend and you all have family and friends back home. Aren't you getting sick of this U.S. tour yet?

No, not really. I prefer it over here. This is all we wanted to do, full stop. It's just amazing to be out here.

The gushing went on, and he does seem sincere. He must be -- he's too young to be jaded yet. If you don't believe me, you'll have a chance to see for yourself at the Troubadour next week.

photo courtesy of Back Door Slam