I’ve been hearing about this amazing band, Davina and the Vagabonds, for quite some time now. Everyone I know who has seen them says they’re beyond good, beyond fun, and out of the grasp of description. Needless to say, I was thrilled to hear they would be in town and I’d finally have the chance to see them live!
Over the last couple of weeks, I had the distinct pleasure of chatting with Davina Sowers about her band and their story.
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Smile Politely: How did you get this band on its feet?
Davina Sowers: I worked my tush off getting a boatload of gigs so I could hire the best. Some stayed, some went. The vagabonds that have stayed are my family. I couldn’t ask for better musicians or a better group of guys. They are all super well-rounded, honest, hardworking, level A players. (I’m the crazy one FYI). Michael Carvale and I started the band. We are the founding members. We have been partners in crime for about eight years.
SP: What is the name all about?
Sowers: I got the name based upon our love of travel. We are gypsies at heart. Some of us are gypsies by blood, too. It’s a heck of a name though. I’m going to eventually make a coffee table book of pictures and … the misspelled ads and signs of our band name being promoted.
SP: I love the name! Do you have a stage style? I imagine costumes being a part of the overall Vagabond experience…
Sowers: Petticoats, vintage dresses, suits, and ties. That is our stage happenings.
SP: How did you meet Michael Carvale?
Sowers: I met Michael while I was a street musician in Key West. He was on tour with a blues band from Minnesota. We literally ran into each other. I was leaving a local bar, he was entering. About an half hour later, he passed me on the street while I was performing. He asked me for directions. I said, ‘I’ll give them to you if you buy me a drink.’ I moved to Minnesota about a week later.
SP: Kickass. Romantic entanglements or purely musical soul mates?
Sowers: Both. He’s a wonderful man and supports me through all this music business hell. He helps me through the crap so we can enjoy the love of what we are meant to do: perform.
SP: Best kinds of relationships. I ask all of my musical interviewees: What are some of your favorite places to play (or visit)?
Sowers: I have a number of favorite places for a number of different reasons. Some for friends, some for money, some for food, some for venues, some for views, some for the travel, some for the language.
It’s difficult for me to name my favorites. It’s easier for me to name the places I hate. Smaller amount. But I won’t do that.
SP: Go on! Go ahead and give me a story! (No specific names required.)
Sowers: Just lame business stuff. I’m not a fan of low ballers, drama givers, and people who feel entitled. I work hard, they work hard, and let’s work hard together. This business is hard enough. Let’s at least put a smile on our faces while we paddle up the river.
I was called fat once by a venue owner. I cried the whole way to the next gig. I was heartbroken.
SP: What a dick! And unprofessional at best. I like the “put a smile on people’s faces” business model.
What’s it like making music for a living? Some haters think that success is a sign of selling out. I think, as long as you do what you love and believe in, people can pay you and it makes no difference to your integrity. Thoughts?
Sowers: Alrighty … if someone would came to me and said, “I will give you tons of money and success if you keep working hard, making music, writing, touring, creating,” I would say yes to that. The Vagabonds and I work so hard. We love what we do and we deserve the world because of it.
My goal is world domination. Not because I want a mansion in the sun, but because I want my band to be heard and recognized for their talent.
SP: Well said and felt. I would love to hear what YOU think of your sound. What’s it like?
Sowers: Our music is fun, with some surly undertones. I’m known for my minor key [writing], but people seem to smile, even with my sass. My agent, who passed away last month, said we were like Adele fronting the preservation hall band.
I’ve had a lot of people say [we’re] the love child of Tom Waits and Billie Holiday with Louis Armstrong as an uncle. I get Janis [Joplin] and Adele a lot.
SP: Sorry to hear about your agent. Must be rough to lose that relationship…
On a happier note, I’m so excited to see the shows this week at Mike N Molly’s! You seem like my kinda lady — meaning smart and sassy. And my friends rave about you guys.
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You can experience Davina and the Vagabonds at Mike ‘N Molly’s on Tuesday and Wednesday nights! Tuesday is the early show, starting at 7:00 p.m. with James Jones Trio opening. Wednesday’s show also starts at 7 p.m. (ed. note: correction made, an earlier version listed tomorrow’s show as starting at 11:00 p.m.) and Jammin’ Jimmy Bean will start the night off.
According to the Facebook event, Davina and the Vagabonds are “more fun than sex, inspire the biggest sourpuss to dance,” and will “bring you to tears with the raw emotion of their music.” Don’t miss this event or “you will be SO pissed” because “you will hear it from EVERYBODY who had the sense not to not miss it.”
I don’t know about you, but I’m pumped!