California Baseball Band

California Baseball Records Freshman Album

California Baseball Band of Lakeland has recorded its first album, "Deep Creek." "I think the album is kind of earthy and honest," said singer Gabriel Rutledge.

MyCah Pleasant
Published: Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 12:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 9:07 a.m.

California Baseball Band is all about having fun.

"As far as what we're going for," said bassist George Brinkley. "We're just having fun and playing music with our friends."

Brinkley collaborates with vocalist and guitarist Gabriel Rutledge, banjo player Austin Quinn, mandolin player Dave Carmichael, and drummer Jedediah Stolle to create folk-inspired music they call Americana.

The band just finished their first EP, called "Deep Creek." They expect it to be released within the next two months.

"I think (the album) is kind of earthy and honest," said Rutledge. "It's very relaxing."

But neither Brinkley nor Rutledge are stressing about the outcome of the album.

"I like to think a lot of people enjoy the energy we put into it," Brinkley said. "We just want (people) to have fun."

Below, Brinkley and Rutledge shoot the breeze about their new album and more.

QUESTION:

What can people expect from your new album?

George:

We were very deliberate about what we wanted to put on the album. We wanted it to be enjoyable to listen to, and I think we got a good mix of songs, while still having cohesiveness.

QUESTION:

Do you guys think you'll ever stop writing music?

Gabriel:

I think personally I'll just never stop writing music. I can't just stop. It's a creative outlet for me.

QUESTION:

What's your plan for the future?

George:

Three, five, 10 years from now, as long as we're still friends and we can still make music, that's all that matters to us. Music is a part of who we are, and the band is a great way to express that and share it with other people. We don't want to be rock stars, but we'll jump at any opportunity that comes.

- Lakeland Ledger