Deadstring Brothers: Country Toughs from the Motor City

It may be a surprise to hear the wistful Americana sounds of Detroit’s Deadstring Brothers coming from a city better known for loud rock, but disillusionment can take many channels. Desolation, frustration and regret have always been present where great country music was played, and from its bombed-out inner city to its sterile suburbs, Detroit has its share.
Deadstring Brothers began as a two-piece in fall 2001. Since then, the Deadstring Brothers have worked to develop their own take on Americana, drawing influences from a variety of sources. “It’s all in there somehow,” declares Marschke, “but blues and country music just feel the most natural.”

Not unlike Exile-era Stones, the Deadstring Brothers deliver a menacing sound that draws equally on the melancholy of country ballads and the abandon of rock and blues. The band’s music is deeply rooted in the storytelling and instrumental traditions of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and the “Outlaw Movement,” but is also informed by the song structure and understated aggression commonly associated with Detroit bands. Their haunting melodies reveal the influence of early ‘70s rock icons like The Band and Gram Parsons, while Marschke’s vocals betray the more modern influence of outré singer/songwriters like Jeff Buckley, Leonard Cohen, and Nick Cave. Deadstring Brothers’ live performances have the energy of lo-fi guitar rock, but sophisticated arrangements keep them from being “just another Detroit band.”

Deadstring Brothers have shared the stage with acts ranging from Cat Power and Jesse Sykes to Giant Sand, My Morning Jacket and Drive by Truckers. Since January 2004, the quintet has been touring steadily in support of their debut self-titled release with plans for more touring in support of their second album – scheduled for release on Bloodshot Records during the early months of 2006.

E Travis Harrett - drums/percussion
Masha Marjieh - backing vocals/percussion
Kurt Marschke - vocals/guitars
Philip Skarich - bass/backing vocals/percussion
Ross Westerbur - piano/organ/rhodes