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You know it when you hear it. Real music made by real musicians without any fancy gadgets or trickery. This is how rock n' roll was meant to be heard, and this is the world that Backyard Tire Fire inhabits. Two brothers and a good friend from America's heartland, they sound just like their name and location indicates. Classic barnburner songs about hard lives, good times and everything in between come firing out of the BTF cannon. Whether it's a fuzzy guitar-stomp rocker or moody piano-based excursion, they always play with passion and dedication to their muse. After several successful albums, the recent August 26 release of The Places We've Lived finds the band reaching new heights, distilling their vision of the American Songbook down to their strongest work yet. Just as dedicated to touring as recording, Backyard Tire Fire earn their keep on the road, and they've developed into one of the strongest rock trios out there. Currently headlining shows in the Midwest (dates available here), BTF will be sharing bills throughout the fall with Squirrel Nut Zippers, Los Lobos, Nashville Pussy and more.

Name: Matt Anderson
Band(s): Backyard Tire Fire
Instrument(s): Bass
Nicknames: None
Place You Call Home: Bloomington, IL
Album you always take on tour: Jessie Lane - Biker Dog

What would someone always find in your van or tour bus?

Gorilla Tape.

What supplies don't you leave home without?

Bread, lunch meat, cheese, water, chips, granola bars, Zebra cakes, vitamins, and pop.

Audiences come in all shapes and sizes. What's the screwiest fan encounter you've had?

One time this lady asked me if we covered any music by Pink. I thought that was pretty screwy.

What's the strangest thing you've seen from the stage while performing?

Beatle Bob.

What's the first thing you like to do after a show?

Smoke.

If I weren't a musician I'd probably be an (fill in the blank) because (fill in the blank).

If I weren't a musician I'd probably be an aviation fuel technician because that was the last thing I was doing before I decided to play music full time.

(Fill In the Blank) are the baddest mothas on the planet.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are the baddest mothas on the planet.

Your bandmates will often reveal strange things about themselves during a tour. What stuff have your fellow musicians shown you that took you aback or delighted you?

Our drummer has been known to sleepwalk. He even sleep-rolled a cigarette and sleep-smoked it.

Name a few things we'd find on your rider.

Red Bull, Budweiser, New York Times.

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