photo: Marty Pelletier

Corn Mash was formed in Seattle in 2003. Basically, after a jillion or two solo shows I decided it was time to give my songs more life and Corn Mash came to be. Over a couple of years several members rotated through – more like part band/part studio collaboration – but we managed to do gigs and record a CD. Shortly after the release I moved to Missoula, MT, where I’ve been lucky enough to dredge up mostly new band mates. The current line-up of myself
(Bill LaVoie; Ac. guitar, vocals), Joe Connors (bass), Casey Schaefer (El. guitar, banjo, mandolin), Hilary Martens on violin and Joel Dupree (drums) seems to make good sounds and we’re having fun, which is the whole point. Also sitting in when available is the one and only “Dorkbox Joe” Evavold on accordion and Hammond organ.

Style? If I had to pin it down, it would be something like rock/Americana, but it's more diverse than that – frequently with a country/rockabilly slant – sometimes loud and hard – other times heavy on the pretty. I guess the songs more or less reflect appreciation for diverse songwriting and simply liking to write and play anything that’s fun. As such, influences include folks such as Robyn Hitchcock, Nick Drake, Bob Dylan, Kurt Cobain, Nick Saloman (Bevis Frond), Edward Kaspel, Brian Eno, Lennon, John Wilterding, Neil Young and more.

The CD Another Sure Thing released in February 2005 is a small sample of originals – again a variety of styles that I’d rather people listen to rather than read my feeble descriptions. However, if forced, I’d label the songs as popcountry-groovy-irish-slowdirtyblues-rock-tradcountry-bluesrock-
church-biggroove-lullaby-angrywestern-simpleton...in that order. The disc features several talented guest musicians on banjo, harmonica, bass, drums, backup vocals, and saw, but Joe’s accordion and Hammond playing is really a distinctive force. His accordion ain’t grandpa's polka machine, that's for sure.

Live shows are high-energy affairs, more so than Another Sure Thing might suggest. We like to be loud, but shows are really a mix of mostly original rock, big melodic songs, swing, blues, country, bluegrass, etc. As for subject matter, it may be deeply personal or pure fiction – cynical, idealistic, beautiful, sarcastic, bitter, glorious, sweet, dirty, often absurd, but always striving for well-crafted melodies and imagery. Basically something for the brain and something for the toes. Life is kind and life is cruel – and since one defines the other – Corn Mash tries to give you both.

Thanks for visiting, please check out the rest of the site, listen to some clips, buy some music, tell your friends…ha…hopefully we'll see you at a show.

— Bill LaVoie

© 2007 Corn Mash