The Black Squeeze – A Black Keys Tribute/Cover Band

May 5th, 2009 by brucini

The Black Squeeze are not the only band who cover Black Keys songs. The Black Squeeze, however, only play Black Keys songs.

They recently caught my eye after they uploaded live footage of themselves at Trophy’s Bar and Grill in Austin, Texas.

If you can’t see The Black Keys live I guess the next best thing is to check out a cover band of the original.

Do you know of, or are you in a Black Keys cover band? Leave a link to your band in the comments.

The Black Keys Fan Lounge recently caught up with Joel Johnson, who started the band, to ask him about being a fan of the ‘Keys and what it’s like to pay tribute to The Black Keys by forming and performing in this cover band.

When did you first become a fan of the band and what drew you to their music?

I got Rubber Factory from a friend not long after it came out in 2004 and didn’t really like it that much. I guess I listened to the first few tracks and felt like it all sounded alike. I don’t think I even finished it. It wasn’t until a 07 that I dug it back out and listened to “Grown So Ugly” and “Keep Me” and started taking them really seriously. I got the rest of the albums and got really pumped. I’m still most drawn to Rubber Factory as a complete album.

I think what drew me to them is what most people feel about them. I really need musicians to be genuine, to believe in what they are playing. Also, I think they are one of the only bands playing actual rock n roll today. I think we need a lot more of that!

How long have you been playing ‘Keys songs for, prior to starting the band?

The Black Squeeze started last Summer (2008). Before that, I had only learned a few songs because most of them don’t really translate to acoustic guitar, which was what I was playing on by myself. “Act Nice & Gentle” and “The Lengths” were favorites to play before I Brian, the original drummer, agreed to play. Any of the slower ones, really. A friend and I came up with the idea to start a Keys tribute band in the Fall of 07 and I started woodshedding to learn as many songs as I could. I knew I had to have it down before I got a drummer to play with me.

What songs are the hardest play? Specifically guitar parts?

Most of them aren’t too hard technically, but the tone is a real challenge. Once I made a few gear changes, it opened everything up for us. The ones with a lot of thumbing still give me fits. “Countdown” I may never get that completely figured out. I would love to able to play the Seven Parts Six Ep version of “The Moan” just like that someday.
“Evil” is almost ready but has taken me a while.

This project has made me a much better player because their music can be such a good introduction to some important blues techniques. Want to get started on slide? Start playing “Desperate Man.” “Thickfreakness” is such a good way to get your thumb going. They aren’t so crazy hard that you get discouraged. A little at a time.

Have you ever met Dan and Pat from The Black Keys?

I met Dan at SXSW. His manager and I have emailed for awhile and he introduced me. I told him I was in The Black Squeeze and he got a real kick out of it.
He had already heard of us because I gave his sound/tech guys some Black Squeeze t-shirts when they were here for Austin City Limits Music Festival in September. I don’t really know what they think about, but the sound guys were pleased.

You say you are a tribute band not a cover band. Why is the distinction important to you?

That’s more of a joke than anything. But, to get technical, I think a cover band would play a Black Keys song, and like, “La Bamba”, or something. “Margaritaville,” followed by “The Breaks.” A Tribute Band would only play the works of one band. Again, I think we just wanted to be clever. Not sure if it worked.

What’s your favorite song to play live?

Either “I’m Glad” or “The Breaks.” We have done those two at every show we’ve done. Matt really loves “Just Got To Be.” I can’t say I blame him. The drum part in that is amazing.