The band will be featured in the November issue of Performing Songwriter Magazine. Here’s what they have to say:

“We wanted to make a transition toward writing more durable songs with more memorable melodies, to make an album that was less disposable.” Guitarist Jeff Nordstedt is explaining the impetus for the Milwaukees’ latest opus, American Anthems Vol. 1, an album that’s as imposing as its title suggests. Borne from the band’s enduring road-warrior reputation, it retains the brash swagger of their three previous efforts. However, it also finds a hint of wistful nostalgia, culled from musical snapshots of people and places they’ve encountered in their journeys.

While the album title more or less presents an idealized view of their homegrown ethos, it’s also worth noting that the Milwaukees aren’t from Milwaukee at all. They’re Jersey boys fueled by the same sense of passion and purpose that binds the area’s other blue-collar brigades. Not surprisingly then, echoes of the E Street Band, Bon Jovi and Southside Johnny can all be heard in the restless, relentless drive of songs such as “Moonshaker,” “Breakup Song” “Highway to the Sun” and “Save Me.” However, as Nordstedt is quick to point out, the set has its sentimental side as well.

Crafting a sound that absorbs both tear stains and beer stains certainly helps to fuel their populist stance, one the Milwaukees seem all too eager to embrace … even over the possibility of reaping larger rewards. “We’re as ambitious as any band,” Nordstedt insists. “But the smartest thing we could do career-wise would be to make a record that we really love.” –Lee Zimmerman

Posted on October 17th, 2007 by Peter Grant
Filed under: Management