"Sounds like a barn smells." That's how the Felice Brothers describes their music. Currently on tour with the Drive-By Truckers (dates available here), the Brothers (Ian, Simone and James along with adopted blood brother Christmas) are straight out of a Townes Van Zandt or Woodie Guthrie song. Raised in the outskirts of Woodstock, New York they cut their teeth drinking from the bottle, singing on the porch and busking in subway stations. They embody the spirit of old-time Americana, sound a bit like early-Dylan (backed by the Band) and play every show like they might not wake up in the morning. These gents are the genuine article: they live in a bus, dress in rags, the harmonies break apart in beautiful spindles of pain, and the songs punch you in the gut. Grab some booze, maybe some weed and come find out why Uncut calls the Felice Brothers "The next generation of Americana heroes."

Name: James Felice
Band(s): The Felice Brothers
Instrument(s): Accordion
Place You Call Home: Woodstock, NY

What would someone always find in your van or tour bus? What supplies don't you leave home without?

A replica belt of snake, for hope.

What personal rituals do you have to help keep your sanity while on tour?

Constantly gardening.

Speaking of rituals, does the band have a pre-show ritual to help prepare for the stage?

Whiskey.

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

A woman sent us a piece of her couch that she cries on the most when she listens to our record.

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

Simone Felice in the audience with a broken ankle from jumping off the stage.

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

Smoke a cigarette.

Tell us about a great road food stop you've discovered in your travels.

Denny's in Southern California

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

If I weren't a musician I'd probably be a Master of Illusion because the money is good.

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

The Texas Playboys are the baddest mothas on the planet.

Your band mates 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?

Christmas is actually a dinosaur.

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

6 riders ride.

What's was the musical highlight of your last or current tour and why?

James Felice officially mastered the accordion.

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