Welcome to the Photo Interview series! Instead of just having one local artist answer a few questions and take a few photos, this time around you will will be introduced to 3/4ths of one of the most rockn’ bands in Dallas: The BAcksliders. The BAcksliders are known for putting on high energy live performances, and have won Dallas Observer Music Awards for Blues and for Hard Rock. Today I would like to introduce you to Jason, Kim, and Chris Bonner of the BAcksliders. Brother, Wife, Husband/Brother for those trying to keep track at home 
.
*Taylor Young was not available for the interview.
Z-What is it like having a band that is mostly family?
Chris- It has some benefits, like the fact that we are able to do things without consulting each other. It is easy to be honest with each other, and not have to worry as much about how the others will take it. It can be good or it can be bad.
Kim-Hell. Ha!
Jason- It is very volatile, but it also can make refinement a lot easier.
Z-I will never forget when I saw the Stones play when I was younger. That show gave me an appreciation for showmanship, and when I left I realized that even if you had never heard of the Rolling Stones before, you would have enjoyed that show. You guys have a great stage presence; were there any bands that really taught you showmanship?
Jason- I learned a lot from the Stones too. Whenever you see them on stage they are up there smiling and having a good time, no matter what is going on in their personal lives. They are smiling at each other and having a good f@ckn’ time and making sure you are having a good time too. You don’t have to be all stoic up there. I want people to know that that is my f@ckn’ brother over there, and he is rippn’ a crazy lead, and I am going to go over there and sing out of his mic and we are going to rock it out.
Chris- If I wanted to be a musician, I would have joined the f@cking symphony. I’m in show business. I want to entertain people. Guys like,Kiss, The Who, The Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and Chuck Berry playing guitar between their legs, smashing guitars, playing with their teeth. That stuff never goes out of style for me. I want people to watch us and know that something is about to happen. It might be bad or it might be good, but something is about to happen.
Kim- The first time I went to see Fishbone, two of them got thrown in jail on the way to the show, so they had to do an a cappella show opening for The Replacements at Bronco Bowl. These guys were such great musicians, and such great performers that even missing people they sounded amazing. They sounded so good I cried. You didn’t have to know or like their music, and you would not have been disappointed in the show.
Z-What is the story with your albums being named Thank You, and You’re Welcome?
Chris- It was kind of a joke from when we were touring early on. Whenever anything good or successful would happen, I would tell Kim “Annnnd you’re welcome!”. For our next album that we were going to be giving away to our fans, it only seemed appropriate to name that one Thank You.
Z-Best hamburger in Dallas?
Jason- Jake’s or Keller’s
Kim- Adair’s or Maple and Motor
Chris- I hear Barley has a burger that is 1/3rd ground bacon!!!
Z-What would be a dream bill for a BAcksliders show? What local musicians would you want up there with you?
Chris-RTB2
Jason-The Royal Butchers and Salim Nourallah
Kim- Johnny Lloyd Rollins
Z- Kim, what is the hardest thing about being a female lead singer?
Kim-Having your period. That’s the only problem. Everything else is easy.
Chris-That’s gross.
Z-Your album Thank You is available on your site for free to anyone who wants to download it. No registration, e-mail address, or any other strings attached. Why?
Jason- Bands recover money by playing shows. Most bands don’t make much off of their records anyway. What a record is and was in the classic sense, is a tool to promote bands that are touring around and helping them make money off of the draw to the shows. That’s what the industry is getting back to. Bands make their revenue off of playing shows.
Chris- Asses in the seats. That’s the answer. We want people to come to the show live. When people know your songs, they might sing along when they come to the show. We want to reach as many people as possible with our music, and encourage them to want to come see us live and experience it.
Z-How important are the DOMA’s for local bands and musicians?
Kim-It’s good press.
Jason- It’s really great to be acknowledged for your fans. It’s really great that people took time out of their day to vote for your music.
Z-How would you define your style of rock? You have won awards for Blues and also for Hard Rock.
Jason-Kim-Chris(all together!)- Rock and Roll!
Z-Who were your early musical influences?
Kim- I wold say Soul and Adult Contemporary. I was a big Queen fan. Brazil 66, Burt Baccarat, Delfonics, Stylistics, Earth Wind and Fire, and Ohio Players.
Jason- The Beatles, The Clash. I like melody and song writers, but growing up… what did I like Chris? Kim wanted to be Freddie Mercury.
Chris- He liked Elvis and the Beatles. Chuck Berry, Stones, Little Richard, ELO, The Move. For me,Chuck Berry, The rolling stones, Little Richard. It all starts with Chuck Berry.
I encourage you guys to check out their webisite and listen to their music. They have their new album free for download and also streaming on their site. If you get the chance to check them out live, I know you will enjoy what you see and what you hear.
For other photo interviews, click here.
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