Carbon Leaf brings three decades of experience to shows
Founded at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, in 1992, Carbon Leaf evolved from a house party cover band into original music when they moved to Richmond. Their new mini-album, “Gathering 2: The Hunting Ground,” was recorded at the band’s studio, and the collection marks the second installment of the group’s four-part “Gathering” series.
The band is made up of lead singer Billy Privett, guitarist Terry Clark, stringed instrument player Carter Gravatt, bassist Jon Markel and drummer Jesse Humphrey.
Carbon Leaf will be performing at Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St. in Annapolis, at 3 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday and at 1 p.m. Sunday. They performed a show Friday night as well. Tickets are available at ramsheadonstage. com.
Privett talked to The Capital about touring and sticking together as a group for three decades.
How did the COVID-1 9 pandemic affect the band?
I think like everyone else. It was a tough adjustment and we were naive early on. It resulted in us canceling the full year, then rebooking things every four months over the last year in a half. Things have started to stick in the last half of this year with some of the protocols and mandates. We have had a successful tour across the country for the last 12 weeks behind our new album ‘The Hunting Ground.’ It’s been tough and challenging, but we are thankful.
How has the songwriting process been through the pandemic?
We were supposed to be further along with an album we planned to release around this time, but with the pandemic came a ripple effect on our schedule and how we get together. Some of the guys with kids had to adjust to at-home learning. Ironically with having a year-and-a-half off the road, there wasn’t tons of time to work on new music. We are working on it now.
What did you all miss the most about performing?
When you go on tour, you are energized by it, then by the end of it you are ready to go home. We had a prolonged home mode so just getting back on the road was the affirmation that we are doing what we are called to do. Having people come out to connect live is what it’s about. You can sit at home and write songs and record, but that is gratifying for you. At a certain point, the idea is to present that to people that resonate with it. That is the gratifying part of a tour. Just connecting with people after that long time off.
Favorite song to perform?
I think it is different for everybody. ‘One Prairie Outpost’ is a classic. It is a simple acoustic song that was written years ago when we took our first tour out west. It speaks to choosing your own life path and doing what you love. This song always resonates with fans, and you can hear the audience sing along.
How has the reaction been to the new album?
It was released at the tail of last year since we weren’t able to tour behind; then we decided to now. ‘The Hunting Ground’ is part of the four-part ‘Gathering’ series. It is a symbolic title to gather ourselves to share them with the community. ‘The Hunting Ground’ has a little edge to it.
Where did you get the name of the band from?
The band name came from when we were in college and we were about to play our first show in a friend’s apartment. So we needed a name and we were throwing out names coming from a rafting trip, and I was looking out the window and Carbon Leaf popped in my head. We never officially decided to call us that, but the friend got wind of it and put the name on some posters around campus and that is how it was born. We were too lazy to change it after that.
How did you manage to stay together for so long?
The camaraderie. Being friends first and foremost and, at this point, a family is key. Communicating and listening to each other and having your arguments, but making sure there is some resolve and understanding. Taking each other’s temperature and making sure we are all good. Being a band for almost 30 years now, your life changes. You used to be all of one mind and young and not a whole lot of commitments, no families, mortgages. We could tour all year with no repercussions, but now things have changed and we have grown in our roles as adults but we are also artists. Having balance is a big part of being successful when you are committed to beginning a band.
What are you all most looking forward to performing in Annapolis this weekend?
I just ate at Iron Rooster in downtown Annapolis. Just going to local places and having breakfast is cool. It is a packed weekend for us; we have four shows in 36 hours. We will celebrate one of the guy’s birthdays, and I have already gone to the local shops. Walking around some of the historical spots is nice. Being able to set up our gear and leave is nice and not having to head to the next town. It is a nice break for the band to wind down this year.
What’s the plan or goal for 2 0 2 2 ?
We will jump into writing mode and recording this winter. We will finish up bookings for next year. We are getting out this album that we wanted to get out this year and putting it out next fall.