GRAND RAPIDS — Following 2022’s Alpenglow and the stadium tour that followed, Dave Simonett and Trampled by Turtles are trying something new on their next release.
“I don’t have any interest in making the same album that I’ve already made,” Simonett said on Centerstage Minnesota. “Constantly being open to finding new creative outlets is my challenge to myself.”
The new project will feature both bands Simonett fronts and writes for, Trampled by Turtles and Dead Man Winter. With obvious musical differences between the two, the bands will both record the same set of new songs.
The vision for the release is a split vinyl, with Trampled’s versions on the A-side and Dead Man Winter’s on the B-side. Fans of the bands will know that although writer and vocalist (Simonett) and bass player (Tim Saxhaug), are in both groups, each has a distinct sound and style.
The project's intention is also to explore the relationship between a song and the people who bring it to life.
“I’ve always thought of the song as its own thing,” Simonett explained. “And then the people that play the music, depending on who you have with you or what instruments you happen to have lying around — it can change so much.”
No dates were given for the release of the album. But at the time of this interview (Jan. 19), Trampled by Turtles had already finished recording at the legendary Pachyderm Studios in Cannon Falls. This studio has hosted both groups, along with Simonett with his solo work. Dead Man Winter have since completed recording as well.
The continued exploration in the recording studio comes after 2023’s tour in support of superstar Zach Bryan, also new territory for the band. Most nights the band was playing “in the round,” meaning the stage is in the center of an arena floor. They were on the road for a month, much longer than they normally stay away from families and homes.
Touring with an artist like Bryan brought the band exposure with new audiences. The band saw it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and welcomed the challenge of winning over new fans.
“There’s definitely a lot of people in that room that have never heard your name, heard a note of music from you,” Simonett said. “ ... If you’re willing to go up there and do it and realize that not everybody is going to be a fan of yours, then it can be a really cool artistic and creative challenge.”
"If you’re willing to go up there and do it and realize that not everybody is going to be a fan of yours, then it can be a really cool artistic and creative challenge."Dave Simonett on touring with Zach Bryan and playing for new audiences
Simonett was in Grand Rapids for a Dead Man Winter show at the packed Reif Center, playing to an audience familiar with their work. Many attendees came away saying it was the best show they had seen by the group.
While Minnesota music fans might be familiar with what Dead Man brings to the table, it will be interesting to see if sharing an album with Trampled will bring the group to new audiences.
