The Devil Makes Three is the rare sort of band that one can describe as original. While many dare to call them “old-timey,” a more tasteful description of the trio’s sound – according to this writer — is “punk-Americana.” Guitarist Pete Bernhard, guitarist/banjoist Cooper McBean, and upright bassist Lucia Turino started playing together almost 15 years ago, forming in Santa Cruz. Pete and Lucia have since relocated to their native Vermont, although The Devil Makes Three seems to be on the road more often than not these days.
Still touring in support of 2013’s Buddy Miller-produced I’m A Stranger Here – which MOJO gave four stars – The Devil Makes Three will return to New York with a Feb. 11 show at Terminal 5. In turn, I had the pleasure of doing some Q&A with Pete, who assured that a new album is in the works. For more info Pete, Cooper and Lucia, click on over to www.thedevilmakesthree.com.
When the band was forming, was it a conscious decision to not have a drummer?
Pete Bernhard: No, when we started we actually had a drummer for the first few years. When he left, we went on without him. He could sing, play drums, guitar and wrote songs as well, he was hard to replace.
A lot of people consider The Devil Makes Three to have an “old-timey” sound. Does that create pressure to write songs a specific way?
P: We write the songs we want to write with total disregard for both genre and expectation. That said, we do love old-time music, so it always plays a role.
Who was the band or artist that made you want to pick up an instrument for the first time?
P: My family. My brother, my father, my aunt, and my uncle were all musicians. I looked up to all of them and they all encouraged me to play. I started with drums and then my dad gave me my first guitar and guitar lessons.
What do you remember about the first gig that you ever played in New York?
P: Our first gig in New York City was a warehouse show in Bushwick. We played with about five other bands, if memory serves.
Having been all around the world multiple times, is a New York audience really as tough as the legend goes?
P: New York is tough, but not as tough as a lot of other places we have played. Our audience in New York City has been getting progressively better ever since that first show.
At what point did the band go from being a hobby or weekend thing to a career?
P: It took a few years to make it happen. Four years, I think, after our first album came out, I quit my day job. We were extremely broke, but we were on the road and playing. We always wanted it to be our career but it took a minute.
Nearly 15 years into your career as a band, what is the most challenging part about being in a band these days?
P: Bands these days have to spend more and more time on the road. The record industry is not what it once was and record royalties are a thing of the past. I would say the hardest part is the time away from home, but after all these years I have grown to love it as well.
Is there a follow-up to I’m A Stranger Here currently in the works?
P: Yes, we’re currently working on a new record, Redemption And Ruin.
Is the band still part of the New West Records roster?
P: Yes, we are still on New West.
Are there any goals that you’re still itching to accomplish as a band?
P: Touring the rest of the world! We have done the U.S., Europe and Canada thus far, but Australia is on the list, and maybe Japan?
Is the primary goal of your career to earn a living and have some fun doing it?
P: I would say the main goal is to try to keep growing as a band and keep enjoying what we do. It sounds simple but it can be a challenge.
When you’re not busy with the band, how do you like to spend your free time?
P: I usually try to see my family and friends and work on my house. Sleep, lots of sleep.
Finally, Pete, any last words for the kids?
P: Hey kids, we’re playing Red Rocks in Colorado on May 27th. Yes, it’s a long way away, but arguably one of the most beautiful venues in the United States. You should come.
-by Darren Paltrowitz
