Sugarcane Jane is Anthony Crawford and Savana Lee —Americana’s husband-wife duo from Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Between them, they have decades of rich musical experience: Anthony’s an in-demand multi-instrumentalist and producer who has worked with such notables as Neil Young, Steve Winwood, and Dwight Yoakam. The music they make together is simple and direct, rooted in country and rock, and anchored by their sweet and soulful harmonies.
HELLO, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US! WHAT DREW YOU TO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?
I never thought about it. Things happen when you have tunnel vision for a passion.
WHO ARE YOU INSPIRED BY?
Nobody these days. I love my vacant mind. In my childhood I was impressed by bluegrass flat picking. Tony Rice being the #1 on my list.
PLEASE EXPLAIN YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS
I turn my studio on and just start playing an instrument. I record what I imagine to be the structure and then put a few other sounds with it. I usually do lyrics last by playing the piece a little at a time as I let the words fall from my subconscious mind.
WHAT’S AN AVERAGE DAY FOR YOU LIKE?
I piddle around after getting kids to school, maybe hit some golf balls in the pasture, turn my studio on then maybe drink a beer or something like that. Some days I just drink the beer or something like that and do nothing.
IS THERE A HIDDEN MEANING IN ANY OF YOUR MUSIC?
Oh hell yes it’s all hidden. Nobody knows what I’m talking about. I’m glad you ask that question. I don’t make a lot of sense in terms of telling a vivid story. I mainly paint images.
DO YOU COLLABORATE WITH OTHERS? WHAT IS THE PROCESS?
Not much.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS?
If I do collaborate it’s with Buzz Cason. He writes a lot and I usually contribute the music but on occasion I’ll have some good words.
PLEASE DISCUSS HOW YOU INTERACT WITH AND RESPOND TO FANS
Oh … well these days after we have come out in the open as to our politics my interactions have been mixed. I’ve told quite a few ex-fans to screw off. Most of our fan/friends are very supportive and love us even more.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THIS LINE? YOUR LEAST FAVORITE? WHY?
These Days we play Facebook LIVE shows from our studio (Admiral Bean Studio). It is easier because we don’t have to set up or tear down but it sucks that we are singing to a camera lens.
HAVE YOU DEALT WITH PERFORMANCE ANXIETY?
Yes… I took a toke of Wille weed With Neil Young and I had an out of body experience. It was the 4th of July picnic in Austin 1984ish.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE PERFORMANCE VENUES
Royal Albert Hall in London, Madison Square Garden, The Grand Ole Opry. You don’t get there unless you have credibility.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE WANTING TO FOLLOW IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS?
Don’t. If you want a life with any security at all then proceed with caution. I have been blessed beyond belief and still I’m unemployed after each gig. If memories were money I’d be a multi-billionaire.
