5 Questions with Bryan Minks (Those Crosstown Rivals)

THOSE CROSSTOWN RIVALS are a Lexington KY band making quite a name for themselves across these United States, supporting their latest record HELL AND BACK, melting faces and emptying bottles of cheap bourbon. They’ve got the ear of people who dig bands like LUCERO, THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM, TWO COW GARAGE and MOTöRHEAD. They’re playing Detroit for the first time on Friday and we caught up with front man Bryan Minks for 5 questions.

Hey Bryan – Detroit is stoked about TCR’s first show here. How about breaking the ice with these 5 questions?

let’s do it!

1) In a couple sentences, tell me what TCR is all about musically and personally:

I think we can answer musically and personally together. Our music is very personal and sincere, we play unapologetic rock and roll, driven on conviction, at a volume that demands your attention. And if you really want to know what TCR is all about, you have to attend a live show. There is a lot that just doesn’t translate to recording. Our live shows are intense, packed full of energy, and usually an infectiously good time for everyone attending.

2) What’s on your turntable these days? What’s getting played in the van?

As of today, I’ve been listening to Get Hurt (the new Gaslight Anthem) pretty much non stop. I’m a big fan of theirs, and have been excited for this release. I also think Brian Fallon is one of the best lyricists out there. The other record I cant put away is the new Chuck Ragan (Til Midnight), I cant say enough good things about that album.

The music of the van is totally at discretion of whoever is at the wheel. But, we spend so many hours on the road, we have a lot of headphone time. No main radio, and everyone just pops on their earphones and listens to what they want. It’s great to have a break of silence, so if you wanna catch up on some albums you’ve been wanting to hear no one’s gonna disagree. Also makes van napping a little more possible. However – if it is 5:00 am and you’re driving the red eye – there’s usually some pretty crazy shit cranked to try and stay awake. Anything from stitches to Johnny Paycheck may be in rotation.

3) What’s your history around Michigan and Detroit? Roots here? Gigging history? Favorite urban myths you need to follow up on when you’re in town?

This is actually only our second time in Michigan, but we are really excited to be back. We played Kalamazoo last year, and had a great time. I do have some family that lived in the north Detroit area, but most have either passed away or aren’t there now. I’m from eastern Kentucky, and there we’re lots of people who moved up during the peak years to work at the auto plants. I’m really just excited to be in Detroit, it’s such an important part of American history and I’ve got a good tour guide to show me around. (Jeremy) Also – what’s the deal with the RoboCop statue? Is that really going to happen?!?

4) What’s happening in Lexington that’s got you excited these days?

Lots going on here that I am really excited about. There are tons of great musicians from the area putting out great material right now! I also feel a sense of community beginning to develop here, and I believe it’s going to lead to plenty of great things for everyone involved. Beyond that we just played the Well Crafted festival, which was a craft beer and music festival, and was excellent! Also – I’m putting on a charitable event named SquallFest. It is September 20th, in Lexington, KY. There are sixteen bands, including Detroit’s own Jeremy Porter and the Tucos, for only $20 bucks, and we will be making a donation to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. I’m really excited on so many levels about this event.

5) Where can people check you out before the show – streaming music, videos, etc?

You can listen to all our releases, and purchase all our merch at http://thosecrosstownrivals.bandcamp.com

We have some videos scattered around youtube as well, just do a search for Those Crosstown Rivals and see what you find.

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