October 11th, 2012 
The Wheeler Brothers is an Austin-based quintet that combines the “gutsy vibe of modern central Texas music scene with the longing strains of time honored Texas folk.”
The Wheeler Brothers (Photo Credit: The Examiner)
The Miss A Austin team had the opportunity to interview Danny Matthews of the Wheeler Brothers. Matthews plays guitar and sings vocals for the band. Here’s a look at some of the things we discussed.
Q: How is the tour going?
A: I am writing to you from Elko, Nevada. We stayed at The Red Lion Casino last night. Needless to say, most of us left a little light. Regardless, the tour is going great! California and Colorado are such wonderful, vibrant music states. We had a festival last weekend and another this weekend, plus a handful of club dates in San Francisco, L.A., some ski towns in Colorado. Overall, good spirits. Happy and healthy and hungry, we love the road.
Q: So, I hear your goal is to perform 200 concerts by Christmas. How many concerts will you have under your belt after your performances at ACL?
A: I have yet to take an actual tally, but at least 150. Recording has been much more time consuming than anticipated.
Q: What is another goal the Wheeler Brothers has set for themselves?
A: Finish this record. By November.
Q: What is your favorite thing about touring?
A: My favorite thing about touring is getting the chance to explore the United States with my best friends. You forget how beautiful your own backyard can be until you travel 60,000 miles of it in a year.
Q: Is preparing for ACL just like preparing for any other concert?
A: Well, yes and no. We are playing two shows and rehearsing the new songs all that week. Giving it a little more attention to detail than usual. It will be a very focused, exciting week.
I guess it’s more about being mentally prepared. We know the songs, we know how to perform them. Just focus on giving back all that Austin has given to us in the last couple of years. Be thankful for the fact that we even have the opportunity to play ACL. Let all the weight calm you down, then get out there and give it to ‘em!
Q: Being an “Austin” band, what advice do each of you have for aspiring Austin musicians who have dreams of performing at ACL one day?
A: Work hard, stay humble, be prepared to sacrifice, don’t take any wooden nickels, surround yourself with people who also believe in your project, give your fans everything.
(Photo Credit: Guidestar.com)
Besides rocking out on tour and in the studio, the Wheeler Brothers also take the time to give back to local organizations. The band plays benefit concerts for Austin Sunshine Camps. It’s a really great organization that provides “enrichment opportunities for low-income boys and girls of Central Texas.”
Be sure to check out the Wheeler Brothers at ACL. They will be performing two shows during the weekend. First, on Wednesday, October 10, they will play at Stubb’s with Gary Clark, Jr. as part of the Waller Creek Conservancy Benefit. During ACL, they will play Saturday, October 13 at the Austin Ventures Stage.
