interview with the Dukes of Hillsborough

entertaining u newspaper: your monthly guide to entertainment

<< Do Make Say Think | Main | Robinella >>

put up your dukes

by christina wagner

WHO:The Dukes with The Reckoning, Dark Castle, and Shitagoddam
WHERE: Fuel Coffeehouse in 5 Points
WHEN: Saturday, September 22

It’s hard to put a finger on why the Dukes of Hillsborough are so bad ass, but I’m up for the challenge. It all started with about a liter of whiskey paired with a slew of really incredible locals, topped with a sprinkle of awesome and the Dukes themselves on one worthwhile night. I call Travis, Phil, and Jeff’s band I-75 rock. A blend of Gainesville and Tampa DIY Punk Rawk that, while under-appreciated and wildy understated, brings it in a way that reminds me of a blend of Twelve Tour Turn and the Crows (featuring singer Chris Wollard of The Draft and Hot Water Music). The Dukes of Hillsborough have been the best kept secret as far as shows here go. I stood in the front row chanting along with a bunch of dudes to every brilliant lyric Jeff spat out. His vocals hit harder than the kick drum into my chest.

EU: Do you find it harder operating with Phil living up in Atlanta?
Jeff: It’s a bit tougher. He still makes it down once or twice on month to practice or for a show. We basically have just cut down on the local shows but we plan to keep touring and recording.

EU: Do you miss living with him?
Jeff: I miss him waiting for me at the door when I came home from work wearing an apron and smiling at me while he set the table for the dinner he cooked for me. I also miss the late night pillow fights and dancing after a hard week.

EU: We discussed your band being “grandfathered” into The Fest in Gainesville. When did you first jump on board and how does it differ from The Fest last year?
Jeff: We’ve been on since Fest 2. It keeps getting bigger and prettier.

EU: While on tour, is it quantity over quality when it comes to alcoholic beverages?
Jeff: Absolutely.

EU: Will we be experiencing another shirts-off party like last time?
Jeff: I surely hope so, but you can’t plan a shirts-off party. It’s a mystical thing of nature that just sorta happens.

EU: Have you ever played a show sober and why?
Jeff: A couple of times. Usually it’s just bad planning.

EU: What about the band has changed over the years?
Jeff: We’re older. I think that’s about it. Our beards are fuller and our knees are more wobbly.

EU: Are you working on a new album?
Jeff: We just put out a split 7” with OWTH and have another split coming out with the Mercury League from England. We should put out another full length next year.

Be In The Know!
Sign up now to receive EU's weekly newsletter updates
on your desktop!

EU Critic’s Choice Awards

We are sending our food critics out to Jacksonville’s favorite local restaurants on the hunt for the best menu items in town. Who do you think has the best burrito? What about cheesecake? Lend us your expertise and nominate the items you believe to be the tastiest in town, and we’ll send our critic’s out to taste it and compare it to other nominees!

Get EU on Myspace!

EU BLOGS

· Joystick Revolution
(Norm Stovall)

· Shot From The Hip
(Rick Grant)

· Rachel Best Blogs
(Rachel Henley)

· jaxvillain
(Jon Bosworth)

· jaxeatdrinkandbemerry
(Erin Thursby)

Entertaining U Newspaper, eujacksonville.com. Published by N2U Publishing, Inc. 3101 University Blvd., South #201 Jacksonville, FL 32216. Copyright N2U Publishing, Inc. 2006. Reproduction of any artwork or copy prepared by N2U Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited without written consent of the publisher. We will not be responsible for errors and/or omissions, the Publisher's liability for error will not exceed the cost of space occupied by the error. Articles for publication are welcome and may be sent to the following address: 3101 University Blvd., South #201 Jacksonville, FL 32216. We cannot assume responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. For information concerning classified advertising phone 904-730-3003.