We're only a week and a half into 2013, but Dry River Yacht Club is already having a great year so far. These gypsy rockers were one of the five artists added to the River Jones Music Label on New Years Day. The big news doesn't end there, the band is gearing up for its second performance at its Crescent Ballroom residency, or "Crescidency" as drummer Henri Benard likes to call it.
"At first we were unsure, because people always say too many shows wear out your draw, etc. However, I don't know what I really believe anymore on that, as long as everyone is always having fun," Benard says. "I say, 'Keep playing shows and get your band tighter, it takes 1,000 shows...period.'"
Find out more about DRYC's upcoming shows and the band's decision to sign with River Jones after the jump.
See also:
River Jones Music Adds Five Bands to Roster; Here's Our Breakdown
"We entertained the idea of having an awesome residency, and setting up four awesome shows (Every Thursday in the month of January 2013) where we can pick all the bands to join us and have a totally different show with new themes and surprises each week," Benard says. "[On] January 10 we are releasing two new songs free with admission, we are doing giveaways, video, fan appreciation stuff, the works. So that is exactly what we set out to do. And with the shows showcasing some of AZ's best talent -- yes, we have a Tucson 'thang goin' on for a couple of the nights -- the dream all became very exciting, and the Crescidency was born."
DRYC will be joined by a combination of old friends and new bands.
"We are so delighted and thankful with the way all of the artists of every bill rounded out, with us playing with quite a few bands we have not played with in a while, and even more a handful of bands whom we have never played with on our own shows. We have so many old yet so many new friends joining us, it just seemed as though each show would make for great parties each week," Benard says, "and as for the Crescent: great venue, great stage, great people, great sound! It just made sense for fun."
The band recently moved from 80/20 Records to River Jones Music Label. Fortunately, there were no hard feelings.
"We recently decided to start working with River Jones Music Label in an effort to expand our horizons and connect with other awesome bands in new markets," Benard says. "We recently left 80/20 Records on very positive terms and wish them and all their new bands success on their collective journey. After spending a year and half with 80/20, we just decided it was time to try a fresh approach with new faces and new ideas for the new year."
When thinking about the future, a quote from the singer of Arcade Fire comes to mind.
"In the words of Win Butler, 'We ask ourselves if this move is a smart business decision.' We think so, and hopefully Win would approve as well, especially since we are currently in the studio working on recording material for a tentative late spring release," Benard says. "We are also working on new music videos, new press photos, new merch, over hauling the whole deal. And once it is released, it's on with the record. It is going to be pushed far and wide, and it will be traveling with us as continue to build regionally, and hopefully nationally and internationally. Got to have those big dreams if they are going to come true."
Dry River Yacht Club will perform at Crescent Ballroom every Thursday throughout January. All shows are 21-and-up and $5. On the 10th, DRYC will be joined by Quick Henry, Yellow Minute, Haymarket Squares, and Gospel Claws.
