Grindstone Creek just released their first single of the year “Why Oh Why.”
Grindstone Creek is composed of lead singer Kari Crow, guitarist Sir Timothy Groce, guitarist Chris Reid, bassist Jason Johnson, and drummer Brian Smith.
In 2024, the St. Joseph-based band released a remastered version of their album ‘Heartbreak Boulevard.’ The band also played at High Tops, Unplugged, TNT Tavern, The Rendezvous, and The Pub in Maryville, Missouri.
Drummer Brian Smith says:
“Last year was a little more quiet of a year as a whole, compared to previous years. There were a few disappointments, but we did have some major celebrations like Kari’s 10 year anniversary with the band, which is quite a milestone worthy of celebration! With all the time we’ve put in as a band, we can look back and reflect on all the ups and down, highs and lows and peaks and valleys. I've learned that with bands and music that things are often seasonal, and learning when to push and when to let things rest. Because when we were young, it's all push, push, go, go, go. . .and once you've been established and been around for a little while, you kind of find the balance. You can let things sit for a minute and enjoy your final outcomes, and triumphs. There's nothing wrong with letting people miss you just a little bit either and not oversaturating a specific market, online or your fans. I'd def say we've become quite a bit more strategic in our decisions and movements we make as a band.
“Even when it's been quite a while since we've all been together, we always seem to instantly recognize that spark and have that excitement of knowing we have something special when we do get back into a room together and kick into that first song!
“Last year we laid a little more groundwork for a very fulfilling 2025. We have lots of goals for the upcoming year. I have recorded drums for about a half dozen new songs already. I'd like to see new music, new videos, new merch and after completing and releasing some new songs, start planning a full length release. Not promising that a new full length album will happen this year, we've learned to not even say those kinds of things aloud! Haha.
“But that's the great thing about being an independent band. We don't have to rush anything and we're on no one's schedule but our own. I think that's one of the blessings we have. We have Lyon’s Den Studio at our fingertips and can sit with songs for a while, and make sure everything is perfect so we can stand behind every single song, note and vocal, knowing that's exactly how we want it and how we want to present it to the world!”
“Why Oh Why” lyrical-wise was written by bassist Jason Johnson.
“I wrote it when I decided to quit drinking,” Johnson says. “It's about life being a drag when you're stuck in the daily grind of working just to pay bills and blowing the rest on booze and stuff rather than having plans and goals for a better future.”
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Guitarist and producer Sir Timothy Groce owns the recording studio Lyon’s Den Recording Services, where Grindstone Creek records at.
Groce says:
“The recording process is super simple; usually it starts with Brian recording his drums tracks. Then we just one by one layer on top, like all the best lasagnas. We are all pretty open when it comes to putting what parts we’ve made for the song up for critique. If something isn’t right, it isn’t right and we all lean on each other to serve the song justice.”
“We’re all songwriters in Grindstone Creek,” Johnson agrees. “When one of us writes a song or a piece of a song like a riff or lyrics, we introduce what we've got to the rest of the band either in person or with home recordings. Then, during rehearsals or writing sessions, the song or piece develops into its final version until we're ready to record.”
Lead singer Kari Crow adds, “We work really hard to bring a unique flavor and style to our music, and it helps that everyone has a different musical background that we can bring together to accomplish that goal.
“We'll be pulling out some stops on this next album, going a little heavier with some of the songs, but in a rich, velvety way. Definitely more of the lowdown dirty country that people have come to expect, along with lyrics you can identify with and sing along to.”
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