Breck Lee Durham has long been a part of the Reno music scene, pushing out a sound that’s rockin’, rippin’ and filled with Americana lyrics. Whether you know his folky solo work, or his electric full band Trouble Show, you know Durham’s got something unique! For more info, visit breckleemusic.com.
What was the first concert you attended?
Merle Haggard, Carlsbad Convention Center, Carlsbad, N.M., 1983, with my mom.
What was the first album you owned?
Elvis Presley, Elvis Now, 1972, RCA.
What bands are you listening to right now?
The new The White Buffalo and the new Lyrics Born. It’s fall slipping into winter, so Mark Lanegan is in the mix.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
Pretty much radio hits of all genres. It’s always kinda been that way for me. If it’s contrived/manufactured to be a hit, it’s not going to hit with me.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Tom Waits.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
Currently, I’m going to go with “Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty. It changes week to week.
What’s your favorite music venue?
The Cellar is really nailing it. It has the old-school rock-joint vibe, but the sound system is dialed in tight. Dennis (McDonald) did a great job on it. I also really dig the Cypress, too.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
This week, “Fine, f&$k it, forget it” from “Heart Attack” by The White Buffalo
What band or artist changed your life? How?
Jack Logan. Back in the early ’90s, I read a Rolling Stone review of this album, Bulk. It was put out by Jack Logan, a washing-machine repairman from Athens, Ga., who hung out with Vic Chesnutt and Peter Buck. He’d been recording demos in his living room for years, and then Twin/Tone Records put out a double disc from years of his recordings. It had some great tunes on it, but the biggest thing it did for me was it made me realize I could just do it myself, and it’s never too late.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
“Want to write something together?” to John Hiatt.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“To Live Is to Fly,” Townes Van Zandt.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Damn. Might as well ask me to write out a physics equation to launch a rocket. OK, let’s go with Superunknown by Soundgarden. Ask me next week for a different answer.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
“Split the Difference” by Trouble Show. (SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION!)
Good interview. Good profile.