Local Spins exchanged a series of fun, on-the-road texts with the Michigan indie-rock band as it prepares to play a Monday show at Calvin College with John Mark McMillan.
Tour Essentials: Mike Mains and his crew stock up on everything from skincare products to running shoes to LaCroix when on the road.
For the last ten years, Michigan’s Mike Mains & The Branches has traversed the arduous landscape of the music industry (and the country) in relentless, indie-rock fashion.
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In an occasional new series titled “Tour Texts,” Local Spins today publishes its first ever text message Q&A with Mike Mains (lead vocals/guitar) and Shannon Mains (keyboards).
The Band: Mike Mains & The Branches play Calvin College on Monday night.
Armed with a poorly charged iPhone, opposable thumbs and a vague understanding of hip emojis, Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos caught up with the band leaders (and married couple) during the first 48 hours of their tour with John Mark McMillan.
Current touring members include Robbie Barnett on drums, Alex Hirlinger on guitar and Chet Kueffer on bass and bass synth.
The collective performs at Calvin College’s Covenant Fine Arts Center Auditorium at 8 p.m. Monday. Tickets and details online here. (Tyson Motsenbocker is also on the bill.)
Ricky Olmos: So, tour with John Mark McMillan! Tomorrow! What are your pre-tour thoughts/emotions. How has rehearsal been going???
Mike Mains: Pre Tour emotions = Humbled. JMM is someone we’ve followed for the last few years and it feels like a dream to be supporting him. We’ve been rehearsing 14 hours a day for 3 days straight. We are ready to play.
Shannon Mains: I feel humbled to play for anyone coming to these shows. We have an incredible group of musicians playing with us who have hearts of gold. These long rehearsals are also grueling for a granny like me. 😴 👵🏻
Ricky: Fav JMM album?
Mike: I had just started the band and was in the car making the move from Texas back home to Michigan. My friend started playing ‘The Medicine’ and it felt like someone had cut me open. The car filled with light and it proved you could be a spiritually rooted person who dived into pain, tragedy, and grief. His songs make you feel less alone. That record spoke to me at a time when all I heard was silence, so it will always be my favorite JMM album.
Ricky: Shannon, you mentioned you’re a granny. So to that I ask: What are some of your granny characteristics? And is Mike a grandpa?…you know, not biologically of course…but rather, in spirit?
Shannon: Oh, you don’t know about Mike’s grandchildren? They’re darling little monsters. 😜
I got the nickname “granny shanny” mostly because I had to have hip surgery last year and hobbled around like a 90 year old woman for a while. I also on a daily basis embody the spirit of that 90 year old crotchety woman who has an endless supply of cellophane-wrapped butterscotch candy in her purse. I like grape nuts, strong drinks, grapefruit, Skip Bo, and all the beets.
All the Beets: Among Shannon’s favorites.
Ricky: What are your tour necessities?
Mike: Tour Necessities:
– Coffee brewing supplies
– Ab Roller (I know…)
– Running shoes
– Push up bars
– A few good books
– Notebook
– Recording interface
Shannon: Tour Necessities:
– Yoga Mat
– Skincare products
– Bottle of wine
– Book
– Hand sanitizer
– Comfy travel pants
– Meyer’s all purpose cleaning spray
– Essential Oils
(I sound so basic based off this list)
Ricky: Most underrated vegetable?
Shannon: BEEEEEEEEETS! And green beans. Throw those things in a cast iron pan with some almonds and garlic. Heaven.
Ricky: That sounds like it would add five years to my life. You guys drink La Croix?
Mike: ALL DAY! San Pellegrino, too. Anything watery and carbonated is my favorite.
Shannon: Eh, Kroger brand is best. The bubbles hurt my tummy though so I stick to wine and boring regular water.
Ricky: Pumpkin spice?
Mike: Ew.
Shannon: Ricky, from my tour essentials list I feel like it’s a given that I covet anything pumpkin-flavored. Fall is when I evolve into my greatest form.
Ricky: Would you try pumpkin spice La Croix?
‘Incredible Group of Musicians’: The band on stage.
Mike: Never. Oh god, never.
Shannon: I think that might be the line for me too. 🤮
Ricky: What are some challenges of being in a band with your spouse? And reasons why it’s wonderful?
Mike: Doing what I love with who I love is a rare gift. Shannon is my light and my best friend. She lets me know when I’m being neurotic and is my safe place when things get crazy on the road. She’s so much more than what she tends to let on. She’s the most talented artist with a heart for the hurting. Being on the road can be tough, because even though we’re 3 feet apart all day we don’t get much time to bond or be alone. We always say when we’re on tour we feel more like best friends than a couple just because it’s like, “Good morning! Let’s load up, get to the show, pack the van, drive back to the hotel and go immediately to bed bc we can’t keep our eyes open”.
Shannon: I echo mike here. I’ve never met anyone like him. He’s smart, funny, kind and always in the songwriting headspace. He makes me feel seen and loved. I envy his creative well. The road is a great test for any marriage. It teaches you to have patience, grace, and cherish the few moments for a kiss or a cuddle before falling asleep. I feel like we keep each other from falling apart at any moment. Sometimes it feels like we’re giving our soul and hearts to all of the people we meet at shows, so the tank is empty by the time we get a chance to breathe.
Yes, of course we nag at one another (just like ANY granny and grandpa would do!), but at the end of the day I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world.
Ricky: Awe, guuuuuyyssss 😍😭
What does MM&TB have planned for the rest of 2018? 2019?
Mike: FINALLY releasing a new record. Can you believe it? We can’t wait to show everyone these new songs. I’ve never worked so hard on anything my entire life. We have some other news in the works that is making it a little slower of a process. I would say expect at least a single or two before the end of the year unless we pull a Beyoncé and decide last minute to put the whole thing out. We can’t wait.
VIDEO: Mike Mains & The Branches, Audiotree Live
The 2016 Local Spins Interview with Mike Mains: Staying adventurous, finding ‘beautiful rays of sunlight’
Copyright 2018, Spins on Music LLC
