WORDS & PHOTO Weston Markwell
How did the band name come about?
The original idea came from my restless soul of exploration, and my willingness to experience true happiness. Through moments of bliss, revelation, and vulnerability, Adventure the Great thrives.
What genre do you consider yourselves?
I like to consider ourselves Transcendental, but no one really knows what that means in music. Transcendental meaning a sound that transcends traditional ideas, and takes a strong naturalistic foundation, thus stemming from the Transcendentalist in literature.
But on a more approachable and acceptable level, I would consider ourselves rooted in Americana / Folk with a dash of Indie rock and classical undertones.
Who are your influences?
When I first started writing songs at twelve, I was mainly influenced by the music my father played. Artists like Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and Pink Floyd have always been very important to me. As I’ve gotten older my influences have ranged from Kurt Cobain to Andrew Bird.
What types of instruments are featured in your music?
I always have a tendency to think that bigger is better. Whether or not that stands true in this sense, you tell me. I sing lead and switch out between acoustic and electric guitar, and ukulele. We also have two violinist, a cellist, a backup singer, drummer, bass guitarist, and the occasional trombone or xylophone.
Favorite band you’ve played with?
We played with a band at Workplay Theatre in Birmingham called Songs of Water who were absolutely incredible. They were all multi-instrumentalist and had a very worldly sound. They put us to shame, and I was totally alright with that.
Favorite show you’ve played?
Some of our favorite shows have been out at Standard Deluxe in Waverly. That place epitomizes the Southern experience.
What are you trying to accomplish with your band?
I simply wish to inspire those who hear us. Even if it’s just provoking a new thought or idea, or making one ask questions about things that they never knew to question. We are all on a journey searching for true beauty whether we realize it or not. I simply wish to provide the spark for that journey.
Favorite breakfast food?
The Oldtimer Breakfast Special from Cracker Barrel. It’s the only thing worth eating for breakfast.
Most prized possession?
A friend asked me a few days ago, “If your house was on fire, what would be the first thing you would grab?” I had a hard time with this question because so much is replaceable. I’ll never get rid of my granddad’s old watch. Or an old black and white photo I have of me as a kid sitting on my dad’s shoulders. Those things aren’t replaceable.
What do you do in your down time?
With the little down time that I have, I love to just go on country drives, get a little lost, and see what I can find.
Where do you call home, and what do you like about it?
I call Florence, Alabama my original home. It’s a very magical place in my eyes. The river has carved out beautiful bluffs that are inhabited by kudzu and forgotten bridges. People have always said there is magic in that river, and I believe them.
Current reading list?
I just recently wrapped up a Kerouac kick that I was on, and now I’m reading “A Moveable Feast” by Hemingway. He writes, “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” I hope to be one of the lucky ones.
Current playlist you’re listening to?
With autumn coming, it’s been Nick Drake’s “Pink Moon” record pretty nonstop.
Adventure The Great is writing a new record at the moment. Find its current album on iTunes.