Griffin House draws inspiration wherever he goes

Griffin House. Photo by Karla Olmedo.

We’ve got something a little different in store for you this week. Griffin House’s songs range from folk to rock, and Birmingham has grown familiar with his sound over the past several years; he’s even been here several times in the past year with the Ten out of Tenn tour. This time, Birmingham guitarist Clint Wells is on tour with House, so we’ve got a double shot of music coverage for you. Today’s interview is with House himself, and tomorrow we’ll share an interview with Wells.  They’ll play Friday night at WorkPlay, with Shelly Colvin and Charlie Mars opening.

Birmingham Box Set: “I Remember (It’s Happening Again)” sounds like it was inspired both by family history and current events, and you cover a wide range of topics on Flying Upside Down. What other sources do you draw inspiration from?

Griffin House: Wherever I can get it. I really just try to write good songs, depending on what’s going on during what I’m thinking about, or what books I’m reading or what’s happening in my life. However I can get a good bead on a good melody or topic or lyrics.

I read quite a bit. It’s easy to do when you’re on planes and trains and car rides all the time.

BBS: What have you been reading lately?

GH: I read a classic, The Jungle by Upton Sinclair, recently. I read another book by this guy from Grand Rapids, where we’re heading tomorrow [Feb. 11], by a guy called Rob Bell. It’s called Sex God. It ties sexuality and spirituality together.

BBS: Clint Wells mentioned that you like to change up the set list every night. How do you determine what you’ll play on a given night?

GH: I kind of just go with my gut. I look at the room, and usually walk in the room and get a feel of the crowd before we play. It also kind of depends on how I’m feeling too. If I’m in a more down mood, we might start with songs that help me cope through that minute, then we’ll get rocking a little later. In Chicago the other night we went out and I played all electric songs for the first seven or eight songs because it was a sold out show and we just felt like bringing the heat right off.

BBS: So there’s no telling what you’ll play in Birmingham, then? [laugh]

GH: No telling at all. We might play all AC/DC covers.

BBS: You’ve got one Birmingham guy with you on tour now, and I’ve heard that another [Brian T. Murphy] will also join y’all for a few dates later this month. How are musicians selected and hired for a tour?

GH: It’s kind of difficult sometimes because those guys have to do what they can to make a living, and that includes working with a lot of different artists. These days in the music business, without a huge label in place you can’t put anybody on retainer. These guys I think I’ll try to figure out a way to keep around as much as I can because I think they’re the best band I’ve ever had and I want to keep them around. You’ve got to be nice to them.

BBS: You’ve been through Birmingham quite a few times, but especially recently with the Ten out of Tenn tour. How does a tour like that affect your career?

GH: I don’t know, to be honest. I don’t know that it does because … I’ve noticed the crowds are quite different when we do those shows than they are when I play. Sometimes there’s really no indication for who will show up. … I’m always surprised at how smart [fans] are and how selective they are. We’ll only advertise a lot of those shows online. [He drew 550 fans to a solo show in Chicago, but on to the only plays two songs per show.] ToT’s fun, though, because it’s just fun to be around different people and there’s a lot less to worry about. You’re not responsible for making sure the whole tour goes well.

BBS: What’s up next for you?

GH: I’d love to work on this new record. We just can’t wait to get a new one done. We’re going to do that. I’d like to go spend some time in San Francisco, go up there and hang out. Go back and spend some time in Nashville and hang out.

On Feb. 20 Griffin House returns to WorkPlay—and he says he’s especially eager to see Davy Moire, WorkPlay’s sound engineer. “We love that guy and it’d be great if he reads it for him to know we’re looking forward to seeing him,” House says. You can hear House—and WorkPlay’s terrific sound—yourself. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 the day of the show and available at workplay.com.