Portland, Oregon may not be as recognized as cities like Austin and Nashville, but the Rose City is a low-key hotspot for Americana, folk, and seemingly every style of country music. Maybe it’s the flannel and the beards, or perhaps it’s the number of intimate venues across town that happily book small country bands who just want to jam and have a good time. Whatever it may be, Portland is fertile ground for all twang, boogie, and damn talented songwriters. Out of this environment comes TK & The Holy Know Nothings. Fronted by singer-songwriter Taylor Kingman (“TK”), the group has grown out of the laid back scene at beloved local haunt the Laurelthirst Pub. Playing the Pub’s free happy hours allowed them to develop a sound that has been described as “psychedelic doom boogie”. This week they will release their debut album Arguably OK, a collection of heartfelt country-rock tunes that deals with heavy subject matter like addiction, failed relationships, and drug trips. Despite the heaviness in the lyrics, this is infectious music you can dance to with a talented gang of musicians channeling an array of country and indie rock influences. Recently we talked with Taylor Kingman about the new album, the band’s loose and lively performances, inspirations and more.
Your music has been described as “psychedelic doom boogie”. Where did this come from?
There is a pervading darkness throughout our music, but we intend to dance with it. And we’d like y’all to too.
What are some acts and songwriters that have inspired your music?
Terry Allen, Michael Hurley, Jeffrey Frederick, JJ Cale, Dan Reeder, Doug Sahm, The Holy Modal Rounders, Jimmy Boyer, The Felice Brothers, Neutral Milk Hotel, Conor Oberst.
You’ve cited Terry Allen’s Lubbock (on everything) as a major influence on your songwriting. Do you have a memory of when you first discovered this album and what about it really connected with you?
I was trading songs around a campfire and my friend, Chris March, was covering some of his tunes. We got to talking and he told me to listen to Lubbock (On Everything) that night and that is what I did. I expected to listen to a few of the first tracks and pass out, but I was in a trance. Ever since, Terry Allen has been one of my brightest guiding lights.
Your live shows are known for a loose, anything-goes vibe. Was it a goal to channel this kind of energy in the studio?
Definitely. This band was always meant to be a wild bar band. We hold what we do sacred and because of that acknowledged and united respect, we intend to have some unholy good times with it. And recording was no different for us. We recorded it all live in 3 days.
Is the new album a departure from your solo work?
I’d say it’s more of a different shade. I still have other solo records in the works, but this side of me feels right at home in this project.
How did the Holy Know-Nothings come together?
I had been stockpiling songs for a country project for a some time. Material that didn’t fit with my other projects and I had been looking to make something out of it. At the time, I was living with [Jay Cobb Anderson (lead guitar, harmonica)] and Sydney Nash (keys, bass, slide guitar, cornet)] and we were only two blocks away from Tyler [Thompson (drums)] . [Lewi Longmire (bass, guitar, pedal steel, flugelhorn)] was a bit further away, but scrambled on over all the time. We would spend all our off time recording songs. Keeping it loose and alive. We would record a take and then all switch instruments and then record another take, over and over. We became a band when The Landmark Saloon gave me a monthly residency to do what I wished with. We threw together 3 hours of music and got down to it. Those were the some of the best shows I have ever played.
How did you fall in with the Laurelthirst Pub and what makes it such a special place in terms of the Portland music scene?
Lewi asked me to host the open mic there on Sundays. Through that I got to listen to meet The Freak Mountain Ramblers and numerous other bands. I ended being a back-up player for Lewi in a few bands too and the more I played and hung out at the Thirst, I began to learn more and more about the rich history of the venue and the community that surrounds it. It is home to freaks and outcasts and fringe folk. It is a place that cares, above all, about honest music and honest people. It is home.
Arguably OK is out May 24th on Mama Bird Recording Co. For more music and info visit tkandtheholyknownothings.com.
Photo credit: Forrest Cox
