Tired of the same old Texas Music scene? Looking for something new and exciting? The Texas Black Heart Brigade may just be what this scene has been waiting for! Founder of the TBHB, Richard (aka Dicky) Avants is a veteran of the Texas Music scene. His most recent stint as bassist for the Bleu Edmondson Band gave TXRD fans an opportunity to see the energy that he brings to his music, and also something to look forward to with his new project, the Texas Black Heart Brigade. Avants is working to bring something new and fresh to the scene.

According to Avants, “It will be an in-your-face, high energy, rock and roll show, and who doesn’t like that?” During a recent visit with Richard, he said that he has a deep appreciation for the loyalty of the fans in this scene, and is looking forward to bringing some new talent and a new brand of music to the people.

Just where did the band’s name come from? According to Avants, although the band will be based in Oklahoma, some of his musical and personal experiences while living in Texas were “very dark and cold,” hence “Texas Black Heart.” Avants further stated that “Brigade is used as a term to bring fans together, join them to a ‘movement’ giving them something to be a part of—real life music with a positive message about bigger and better things in life. It won’t be about drinking and bad day songs, but will convey a positive message. Life in moments of clarity rather than intoxication.” He is currently in the process of auditioning potential group members and is looking for players with high energy and an intense passion for bringing great, raw edge music to the fans. “I want people to leave a show asking, ‘What the (hell) was that? I want to see that again!’”

Richard is already making plans for the first studio CD, tour dates, and fan interaction. The TBHB’s first CD will feature special guests, such as the Stragglers’ (yes, as in Jason Boland’s band!) Roger Ray who will be lending his talent on the pedal and lap steel, Noah Jeffries on the violin and mandolin, and Brad Rice who will assist Avants with percussion and samples. As for a big-name producer, Avants doesn’t see that it fits in with his plans for the band. “If you get a big time producer in there, sure, it helps, but the record often ends up sounding like that producer, not like the unique sound of the band. It limits what you are doing as an artist. I want this record to sound like the Texas Black Heart Brigade, not like someone else’s idea of what it should sound like.”

Richard stated that the band’s website should be up and running in February. March will find the band in the studio recording, with the first live performances in late April/early May, possibly opening for some heavy hitters such as Cross Canadian Ragweed and Jason Boland and the Stragglers. Avants is adamant about including fans in the process. Soon a street team/fan club will be organized, interactive chat room on the website for members to connect, and opportunities for fans to earn free tickets and backstage passes to shows. Some big name company endorsements have already signed on as well, such as Southern Thread and Shine (drums).

I have seen Richard perform over 70 times this past year, however this interview was the first opportunity I have had to listen to his insights and views on the current state of the Texas Music scene. His frank and honest opinions were very refreshing. When discussing the current state of music, Avants said “There is some bland stuff out there right now—cookie cutter bands, if you will. Lots of parody, same tired themes in songs. It’s starting to lack fun. Where is the individuality? There are so many singer/songwriter bands out there, and although they are putting out some good music, where is the collaborative creativity from the other band members? Are they just hired guns? Bands are lacking a sense of brotherhood. Exceptions are Cross Canadian Ragweed; those guys have been together for years. Boland’s guys too. Where is the raw talent that makes artists such as Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Stevie Ray Vaughn have such a timeless quality?”

Avants went on to discuss his vision for the TBHB, “I want to put out a tight group of guys who are busting their asses on stage as a whole, presenting all of their hard work and love for music as a gift to the audience. Each member of this band will have creative input, work as a team to bring the product together for the fans.” On a personal level, Richard tells me that to him, music is about being a musician first. “Although ultimately you want people to enjoy what they are seeing and hearing, it’s about being a musician first and foremost.”

He recongizes the loyalty and passion of the TXRD music fans, and is hoping that people will catch on to the new breed of live show he wants to bring to the stage. “These people are the most loyal fans any genre of music could have. They stick with a band through thick and thin, until they feel you are selling out.” When asked his thoughts on an artist “selling out” he had a very unconventional response. “That’s stupid. Musicians work hard to earn a spot on the big stage. We all want a good record deal to have the chance to play to a wider audience. People think artists ‘sell out’ and are not keeping it real anymore, and that does happen. But, what does ‘doing it for the cause’ mean anyway?” Using the example of Pat Green who went from the smaller venues in Oklahoma and Texas to the big stage and a major label record deal, Avants said “Yeah, he got a good deal. He earned a chance to play to a larger audience and got chastised by his fans for selling out. Guess they feel like they have lost their connection to that musician, but he still comes back to play the small venues, as does Ragweed, Boland, Randy Rogers…..”

As a fan and a writer, I am looking forward to reviewing the Texas Black Heart Brigade’s first CD and first live shows. Richard did play some samples of the songs for me, and I really believe people will connect with this music. It is positive, uplifting, real, and best of all, fun! Until the website is up and running, you can get all the TBHB info on the myspace site www.myspace. com/texasblackheartbrigade.

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