Hailing from Chagrin Falls, Ohio, The Crutches are a three-piece band eager to share their unique formula of rock.

Combining a blues-rock sound with the story-telling roots of old-school country, I spoke to guitarist and pianist Rigby Stone about the band’s sound, his opinion on the American music industry, and more.

Who are your top five influences?

That is a hard one. Typically it depends on what I am going for. For instance, we have a song that will be released later this year that is heavily influenced by Dean Martin and Doris Day. If we are talking about musicians that drive me to be better I would have to say 1. The Beatles, 2. Iggy Pop 3. Flat Duo Jets, 4. Weezer, 5. Red Fang.

What lyrical topics do you like to explore?

Personally, I like to be somewhat vague so people can construe whatever meaning brings them enjoyment from the music. We have toyed with some more politically driven songs but at the same time we don’t want to alienate anyone from enjoying fun music. That’s why often our content is about love and heartbreak because everyone has experienced that. 

What is the strongest factor in terms of creating your sound: Listening to music, thinking about music, or playing together? 

Until recently, all of our songs were written completely as a group. That said, we have started building a frame as individuals and then bringing it to the group as a collective effort where we build on the original idea in the studio. 

Where did the idea for alter-ego cartoon artwork come into play?

What alter ego? We are just normal guys living in a colorful world. 

What setting to do you prefer: a studio session, or a live gig?

Hard one to answer. As a group we have not toured together physically for a long time. While I do miss the energy that live shows can drive into your art, I love the ability to not fear mistakes and the experimentation that comes with studio work. 

What has been your most challenging track to write and record?

We have one coming soon with our friends in Bruiser Queen. It is a departure from our normal stuff and it is going to be a real shake up. 

Do you, as a collective, ever experience a creative block? If so, how do you overcome it?

Absolutely. I’m not sure writers block is something you ever get over. Writing is just a process of putting horrible lyrics and tunes that suck on paper until one of them doesn’t suck quite as bad.

Describe one positive and one negative about the American rock music industry.

Positive is that it is not hard to feel the love of others artists across the world. Music is a universal language. That said, the negative is that the industry has become so competitive that it is very difficult to stand out. 

What's one short term, and one long term goal you'd like to achieve as a band?

Short term, we are trying to get a full length fun video to our fans every two months. We are hoping to do some even longer content soon which is in the works.

Can you give us an insight into any future releases? 

So, we have a cover coming very soon which is sure to be a fun one. Also, some of our collaborations that we have cooking is the stuff we are most excited about now. 

What advice would you give to a band who is ready to release their debut? Is there anything you would have done differently?

80% of this industry is driven by business and not good music. If you bring good music to that business framework, that is a recipe for success. Focus on heavily promoting your work and squeezing every drop before moving on to another album. 

New Single, “Find Me”

The Crutches are featured on our “Blues Rock” playlist. Stream below!

Submit tracks to cobrapromotionsireland@gmail.com or comment below.