The Alabama duo of Zion Godchaux and Russ Randolph make music with a mix of live instrumentation and Ableton software, which is commonly used by electronic dance music musicians. Both Godchaux and Randolph are DJs and producers, but they don’t like to call what they do EDM. They call it rock ‘n’ roll.
They’ll bring their brand of rock ‘n’ roll to Wooly’s Saturday night.
“It’s kind of what we’ve always thought, it’s not like we’re reacting to the current state of the business, it’s just how we feel,” Godchaux said during an interview with both members of the group. “Other people can call their music what they want; we just like to think of it as rock, because that’s where our minds are at when we’re playing.”
The band is based in Muscle Shoals, Ala., where Randolph was born and Godchaux has lived for years. The area is known for music studios like FAME Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio where acts like Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Wilson Pickett, Paul Simon and The Rolling Stones have recorded.
Randolph broke down the different feel the Muscle Shoals area has that contributes to BoomBox’s music, along with many other acts.
“You definitely learn that no one’s in a hurry to get anywhere, or to play something that’s not right,” Randolph said. “There’s a swing or backbeat groove that’s a funky kind of thing, a very natural thing, that definitely influences the music.”
Godchaux moved to the area from San Francisco as a young man and was struck by the different feel the area had.
“It’s kind of a far out thing to try to put your finger on, but I think it’s something in the air or water,” Godchaux said. “It’s like there’s nothing to get in the way of a song or a groove.”
The band recently released a new song, “Lost Ya,” off its soon-to-be released third album. Godchaux and Randolph aren’t sure when the album will be released, but they hope it will be out in time for summer touring.
For fans of the Grateful Dead, Godchaux’s name probably sounds familiar. That’s because his parents, Keith and Donna Jean Godchaux, were members of the Dead during the ’70s. BoomBox has won plenty of fans through its own music, but Godchaux knows a few people will always turn out for the Dead connection.
“I hope they show up wanting to hate it and end up having their musical tastes changed,” Godchaux said. “Maybe they’re going because of the Grateful Dead novelty and they don’t really like electronic music and they’re not expecting to have a great time. All of a sudden, they’re thinking ‘Damn, this feels like rock ‘n’ roll.’ They may have come for the novelty, but now find themselves listening to all kinds of music they’ve never heard before.”
BoomBox
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Wooly’s, 504 E. Locust St.
Cost: $14 in advance, $17 at the door
Info: woolysdm.com or ticketfly.com
