‹‹ Indie 102.3 Sessions

The Band Of Heathens Finds A New Mantra On ‘Duende’

Listen Now
<p>(Photo: CPR / Daniel Mescher)</p>
<p>Band Of Heathens</p>

The Band Of Heathens celebrated its 10th anniversary last year and recently released its fifth studio album "Duende." The Austin, Texas, quintet incorporates elements of Americana, jam band music and country into a groovy style that's made them a live favorite in their hometown and beyond.

More from OpenAir Sessions:

The Band Of Heathens stopped by the CPR Performance Studio before a pair of Colorado concerts. They performed four songs from "Duende" -- a word that roughly translates to "a heightened sense of emotion" -- and spoke with Jeremy Petersen about the new album's title, the evolution of the band across its first 10 years and some of the band's memorable Colorado shows.

Stream the session and watch The Band Of Heathens perform "Trouble Came Early" above.

Interview highlights:

Singer and guitarist Gordy Quist on the album's title:

"It kind of became our mantra in the studio: going for the highest level of musicianship and soulfulness, and tapping into the soul of the band and the soul of each song."

Quist on the band's relationship with its hometown:

"I'd say the band is kind of a little microcosm of the Austin community. Or a little snapshot of what it was a decade ago, in the collaborative nature of how it came together.

"There was no business sense or business plan to launch the band, which is one of the strengths and one of the weaknesses of the Austin music scene. There's not a whole lot of music business infrastructure there."

Songs performed:

  • "Sugar Queen"
  • "All I'm Asking"
  • "Green Grass Of California"
  • "Trouble Came Early"