Thank you for chatting with us! You recently released your new single, "I’m Gonna Grow Me a New Mind," that you also co-wrote. Tell us about the writing process and where the idea came from. "I’m Gonna Grow Me a New Mind" came from the desire to rise above the ever present back-and-forth tension on social media. We were looking for a way to recreate a positive outlook for the future. Even though we don’t have anyone listed as co-writer on this song, all of the songs from. "Ruffled Feathers;" "Songs in the Key of Me" were inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Aside from singing do you play any instruments? Yes, between the two of us we can play most instruments from guitars, mandolin, banjo, piano, bass, drums, pedal steel,
and violin.
How was the last year for you? What were your highlights? After opening shows for Dwight Yoakam on his Northeastern tour last fall with our full band, Sugarcane Jane and the Bucket Fillers, our journey was cut short by the pandemic. Necessity is the mother of all invention. Via Facebook Live, we were able to create the Hibernation Tour from our home studio (Admiral Bean Studio) where we performed 43 live shows in a row without any travel costs, babysitting expenses, or late night Waffle House adventures. From there, we released Fellow Man and then a month later, wrote, produced, and released the songs in a six day period for Ruffled Feathers; Songs in the Key of Me. So far, this year has been full of highlights despite the tragedy of a world shut down. So far, 2020 has been the most prolific year of our career.
What's your advice for young artists trying to establish a name for themselves? Make sure you are getting into the music business for the love, creation, and performance of the music instead of thinking you are going to get rich quick. Music is a lifetime journey. There is no instant payoff.
At the end of the day, what do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope people take away from your songs? The message would be of tolerance, kindness, spirituality and hope. We want people to feel free to express themselves while accepting others with opposing views.
Most memorable meal while touring. Where were you and what did it involve? Copenhagen, touring with Neil Young. Like most outings with the band, we would order expensive bottles of wine. However, because of the currency exchange being a bit more confusing than normal, the 1982 bottle of Chateau Lafite Rothschild wounded up being $5000 a bottle instead of $500 a bottle. Neil ordered two. We didn’t get bonuses that tour however the wine was excellent.
What is an example of a menu you would prepare if I came over? Vegetable pancakes; Whole wheat pancake batter mixed with shredded wilted cabbage cooked in a cast iron skillet, topped with a slice of homegrown tomato and Tamari sauce.
What do you think is the most important meal of the day is and why? Breakfast. It’s like filling your car up before you go on a trip. Give your body fuel for the day.
What is your favorite breakfast? huevos rancheros
If you could be sponsored by one food/drink brand who would it be and why? Alabama Gulf Seafood. We grew up enjoying the delicacies of the Gulf Coast and wish to educate others who love seafood that may not know what a gold mine we have here in Alabama.
Sugarcane Jane is Anthony Crawford and Savana Lee —Americana’s husband-wife duo from Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Between them, they have decades of rich musical experience: Anthony’s an in-demand multi-instrumentalist and producer who has worked with such notables as Neil Young, Steve Winwood, and Dwight Yoakam. The music they make together is simple and direct, rooted in country and rock, and anchored by their sweet and soulful harmonies.
Joining Dwight Yoakam’s Fall 2019 Tour as support act, they have put together an incredible band to back them up - Pete Nice on pedal steel, lap steel, and mandolin, Gary Edmonds on electric guitar, and Leif Bondarenko on drums, all hailing out of Anthony’s hometown of Birmingham, Alabama.
Sugarcane Jane’s latest release and tenth studio album, Ruffled Feathers; Songs in the Key of Me – came out in a flurry of thoughts over a one week period. Recorded, mixed, and mastered at Admiral Bean Studio in Loxley, Alabama. CD packaging includes a 12 page lyric booklet. Official release date is set for August 14, 2020. Copyright Admiral Bean Records 2020. All Rights Reserved.
“An album that deserves to be at the top of critics’ lists” and “One of the best duos since Johnny and June” - The Washington Times