Are there any aspects about the way music gets to people these days, via social media and the Internet, that appeal to you in contrast to how you did it when you first started out, through a record company?
It’s open for the taking. If you have something to say, something that people will connect with, it will happen regardless of the exact route.
Are there other producers you’d like to work with in the future?
For producers, I’d love to work with Dan Auerbach. Jonathan Wilson and Blake Mills are two others. I also like what Jamie Candiloro did on Ryan Adams’ Easy Tiger.
You were a major part of the Malibu scene of the early 2000s that was essentially the starting point for the artists like Dawes and Blake Mills. Did you think at the time that this is where you all would be 10-15 years later?
I thought something would come out of it. I didn’t think it would be this explosion of Malibu bands. I knew there was talent there. Cisco (Adler) is a really talented guy. He has his hand in about 20 different cookie jars at a time, so I knew he’d do something. I knew that between Blake Mills and Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes), they were probably going to do something. Did I think that there was going to be a nationally recognized scene in Malibu? No, I didn’t think that.
How did it come about that you joined Great Southern?
The whole Whitestarr thing was on hiatus, and didn’t seem like it was going anywhere at the time. I needed to get out of L.A.. I went back to spend some time on the road with my dad, sitting in. Then the job was offered to me, so I took it. That’s been a steady gig ever since.
Were you ever concerned that taking the job would get in the way of your own career?
I never thought not to do it. I would like to get to a point where I’m doing my thing. In all honesty, my dad is probably not going to tour much longer. When he does tour, it’s 20-25 shows a year, so I don’t see it as being much of a conflict.
And, I’m sure you have learned a lot.
Playing in that big of a band, especially with three guitar players, you learn you have to leave holes. I learn a lot from listening to people. I pick up on things Andy (Aledort) is doing, or what my father does, and I try to take a little bit of that and mix it with what I like and naturally have. Hopefully, it becomes something of my own.
As the son of such an iconic guitar player, was the career path for you inevitable?
At first I started playing drums. I wanted to play drums when I was really young. I was given a guitar first, but it seemed really difficult and foreign to me. I’d see my dad’s band rehearsing in a warehouse or whatever, and I just thought the drums were cool. I played drums on stage, sitting in with the Allman Brothers. I switched (to guitar) when I was 13. Growing up on the road, I was actually into the business side of things. I maybe could’ve done something like that, too.
Seems like many acclaimed guitar players- Stevie Ray Vaughan, Trey Anastasio, Carlos Santana- were drummers, too.
My father could play drums a little bit. I know Warren (Haynes) is a good drummer.
Has having a father who is a famous musician been something that has made it difficult for you at times to trust the intentions of people you have met?
In the grand scheme of things, my dad is not Cher, you know what I mean? A lot of people have been really affected by his music, and he’s a legend, my hero, too, but most people don’t know who he is. The history of the band, being named after Duane, it is an honor. It is special, and hopefully I can carry that torch proudly and make good on that.
The Allman Brothers Band members and families have produced quite a tree of musical talent; Derek Trucks, Duane Trucks, Vaylor Trucks, Devon Allman, Berry Oakley, yourself. Has anyone ever proposed the idea of getting you all together for something?
Yeah, there is stuff that we talk about. I’ve talked to Devon about stuff like that. Devon has a lot of really amazing ideas. Nobody, officially, on the business end has come to us with an offer. That hasn’t happened. Devon I sit in with anytime I am at the gig, which is nice of him. I love playing with Derek. I’m down for anything. I just want to play music. A lot of people ask about it, but it would have to make sense.
You are in your mid-30s, but it seems like you have lived a lifetime already in the music business. Any moment that stands out as particularly special?
A lot of great moments. A lot of fond memories. As far as a magical period of time, it was probably when Backbone69 had done their record. It was summer in Malibu, and it was like the Summer of Love. There was a very tribal, communal vibe and everybody would be together all the time. It was 15 years ago, but that time stands out as really special, that felt a certain way.
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