With little need for introduction, Foo Fighters are widely known as a band who have dominated the world stage for years, boasting top-of-the-chart rock albums and sold out stadiums.
Like many musicians in successful bands before him, guitarist Chris Shiflett has been working on a side project for several years. The difference between Shiflett and others is the way he’s tackled a completely different spectrum of music to what his ‘main band’ is known for.
Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants are a country – or more specifically, honky tonk – band who have just released their sophomore record All Hat And No Cattle, a covers compilation. As indicated by the name, Shiflett fronts the band and enjoys a lot more musical autonomy.
Shiflett explains how the band came about: “We made an album a few years ago after calling up some old friends, and we went out to do some shows and then had a bit of a break.”
Commitments with Foo Fighters stagnated the progression of the Dead Peasants for a time. But before too long, Shiflett was keen to get back into it.
“When things started to slow down, I got back to the band and this time around I had a particular idea that I wanted to attempt.”
Having started out releasing a self-titled album of originals, Shiflett wanted to experiment a little when he returned to the project.
“I wanted to learn a million old honky tonk songs and just be a cover band for a while, so we decided that’s what we were going to do.”
It was so much fun touring that the band “decided to go on and make a record” of honky tonk covers.
Given the vast differences between the two animals that Shiflett is a part of, his experiences with the Dead Peasants has been eye-opening.
“I’m proud of our first album, but going out and playing the songs live has been very special” the frontman reflects.
“There is a simplicity and a discipline in this particular type of country music that I’ve never really had in my songwriting before.”
Shiflett is already curious to see how the touring experience will affect the next record the band writes.
“There is a simplicity and a discipline in this particular type of country music that I’ve never really had in my songwriting before.”
“Playing these honky tonk songs is different to the usual, they’re just fun songs and good for a live show in a bar with people having a few drinks and maybe getting out on the dance floor.”
Without having an active interest in country music previously, let alone a sub-genre like honky tonk, Shiflett is now soaking up all the side benefits. “I look at myself and think how mopey I was before we did this album.”
After releasing All Hat And No Cattle, Shiflett is hoping to do some touring across the U.S. but has no real schedule as of yet.
“We’ll see, we’ve got a few shows lined up here and there, I think we’re going to do a West Coast run and then we’ll just see what comes up after putting our feelers out there.”
As much as he enjoys playing honky tonk music live at bars, the freshly-groomed country singer is not sure if the demand will match. With the power and calibre of a band like Foo Fighters behind him, one would assume the Dead Peasants have aready made fan base.
“A handful of Foo Fighters fans come to our shows but if anybody is going to get in their car and drive down to a bar that you’re playing at, chances are that person just wants to have a good time,” admits Shiflett.
“But of course, most people that know who I am through playing rock and roll, which is okay with me.”
It is important to note that Shiflett didn’t start the project due to boredom or any other negative factors that one might associate it with.
“It’s fun to go out and play music with different people and play different styles of music,” he endorses. “I just think as a musician it’s good for you and my tastes are pretty wide.”
“Of course, most people that know who I am through playing rock and roll, which is okay with me.”
Of course he’s not the only experimentalist in the Foo Fighters, with vocalist and hard rock ambassador Dave Grohl venturing into other areas as well.
“Dave’s tastes are super wide too, I mean talk about somebody doing side projects – he’s the busiest guy I know.”
And don’t we all know it. Grohl spoke earlier this year at the annual South By South West festival in Texas and also produced documentary Sound City, which was coupled with a soundtrack featuring a range of musical wizards – and those are just a few of the plates he’s been spinning.
With busy schedules between Shiflett and Grohl in addition to the other members of the band, Foo Fighters have taken a break over the past few years – but are resurfacing in the near future.
“We haven’t even really started recording the new album yet but we will be soon,” reveals Shiflett. “We’ve been recently playing together and learning new songs which is going great and is very exciting.”
The Foo Fighters will certainly be back, then? “Oh yes, stronger than ever.”
In the meantime, Shiflett is hoping to bring the Dead Peasants down to Australia. And he’s not shy about it. “If anybody reads this interview, please take us on tour – we’d love it!”
There you have it, promoters; you might have the freshest act for next year’s Tamworth Country Music Festival.
“You never have to twist my arm to come down to Australia, I love it down there.”
The last time Shiflett visited Australia was during the tour for Foo Fighters’ Wasting Light in 2012, which featured support from Tenacious D. One way or another, we’ll no doubt see Shiflett Down Under again, whether it’s with the Dead Peasants, Foo Fighters or something else altogether.
All Hat And No Cattle is out now through Shock Records / SideOneDummy Records.
