The Big Strong Men

“Twin Cities’ foursome Big Strong Men is a band with a sort of modern take on the genesis of rock and roll sound. They released their first EP “Don’t Go Too Far” in November, and have been touring the Midwest.

The Minnesota Daily said of them: “A brawling honky-tonk four piece with piercing harmonies and energetic piano lines, their brand of barroom wailing is deliberate without getting too serious.”
You could — and frankly should — dance to it.” - Duluth News Tribune

If you’re not already familiar with the Minneapolis band the Big Strong Men, you should be. These talented musicians really know how to have a good time onstage playing their infectious brand of honky-tonk, blues, and rock and roll. They recently released their debut EP, Don’t Go Too Far. I got the chance to catch up with the Big Strong Men and talk about ski lodges, vans almost exploding, and playing shows in the middle of a blizzard. - Tandem Magazine

It’s been a week since the Big Strong Men bore their musical muscle in Madison. What did listeners remember?



A. Their blues-infused rock jams

B. Their debonair style

C. Their moves

D. All of the above



Badgers sweating the mid-term load… fear not! This is no calc or econ torture test. Anyone who has attended a Big Strong show will answer with a resounding “All of the above!”



It’s not often listeners encounter a band that embraces 1940’s apparel chic and can kick up their heels while delivering an impressive set.



Jon Camp worked it out on the bass while scissor-kicking and sashaying his way across the floor.



The Big Strong Men hail from the Twin Cities and have twice graced Madison with their melodies in the past two months. Last Friday, February 19, the Big Strong Men played the Revolution Cycles bike shop to celebrate a CD release for the local group Screamin’ Cyn-Cyn & the Pons.



From the first notes, Philly Williams’ hands stung the ebony and ivory like a swarm of mad bees protecting their hive. Williams’ key lines wafted over the driving instrumentals like the tempting scent of those spring flowers frozen badgers crave as winter drags its leaden heels.



Joe Silberschmidt put other percussionists to shame while punishing the drum set and maintaining his impeccable cool.



Guitar and vocalist Ben Greenwald joined voices with Williams to create the group’s signature sound while giving his axe an impressive workout.



The Big Strong Men marry smooth vocals and jazz instruments with a hint of garage rock to create a trifecta of sheer energy.



The Big Strong Men frequent Madison music venues, so don’t miss their next musical workout. - Badger Herald

“Their music isn’t the kind that arrives by accident or serendipity; it’s intentional, carefully designed, despite its shake appeal.  These guys know exactly what they’re doing, both in terms of image and musicality; they’re incredibly tight.“ - Hero Magazine

“The Big Strong Men don’t fit neatly into any musical genre. They infuse their brand of rock ‘n roll with elements of power pop, harmony, blues and piano, a throwback to a time when the beer was colder and the beaches cleaner.” - Badger Herald

Minneapolis-based band The Big Strong Men is bringing their eclectic rock sound to Nutty's North tonight at 8. They released their debut EP, Don't Go Too Far, November 2010 and are currently on a Midwest tour to promote their new album which will drop this year. The Mirror asked a few question of drummer and vocalist Joe Silberschmidt to get some background on the band's unique sound.

Q: When did you know you wanted to be a musician?
A: All of us have been playing since we were young kids. Ben Greenwald and Philly Williams, who are The Big Strong Men's two songwriters, were next-door neighbors growing up in Mahtomedi, Minn. and would talk about growing up and playing music together. The band is really fueled by their deep musical understanding and vision. Some of our songs were written by either Ben or Philly when they were 14 or so. Jon picked up a bass in 9th grade when his friends started a band and needed a bass player (a funny Americana story that I find fairly common amongst bass players). I started dancing in the living room to Michael Jackson records not long after I could walk and drums naturally came soon after.
Q: Are there any musician(s) in particular that influenced or inspired you?
A: There are some definite inspirations for everyone in the band that clearly comes across in our music: The Beatles, Bob Dylan, The Band, The Clash, Elvis Costello, Weezer, The Beach Boys, Chuck Berry, James Brown, etc. Each person in our band has been in several different bands in the past: blues, jazz, hip hop, electro, punk, orchestras, choirs, noise rock and so our likes cover quite a bit of ground. We're able to use that to an advantage since everyone is so open, we're not particularly trying to "find a sound" as can be common amongst a lot of indie bands right now. Whatever comes up comes out.
Q: How would you describe your style of music?
A: Rock ‘n roll. Man rock. The sonic equivalent of winning the physical fitness award.
Q: Where do you find inspirations for songs? Are there any themes or messages that you like to portray?
A: Inspiration comes in corners. It comes in language, at the turn of a phrase. It comes in friends' art and living in a city like Minneapolis. It comes from being a little pathetic. Sometimes we're looking for it, other times it simply arrives unannounced. We've been inspired by so much music and art that I think it comes down to being as in tune with your own life as possible and telling that unique story. Our songs are short stories about how we've felt at one point or another about menthol cigarettes, getting emotionally drop-kicked in the face, hanging out, really liking a lady, dinosaurs, extinction, bitterness, making sacrifices and dancing with great fervor. - Augustana Mirror

The band wowed the audience in ways that I’d not seen in a while in Northfield. - Locally Grown Northfield

The Big Strong Men have managed to find a place within the elite group of musical acts that have successfully (and respectfully) mimicked a classic sound while still finding room to add their own unique tone. You can’t help but to think of bands like Old 97’s and Spoon when you listen to this album. With the release of Don’t Go Too Far, the Big Strong Men have found that same comfortable spot in music that allows for complete freedom. Don’t Go Too Far reminds you of what four guys with an endless supply of talent and taste can create. - Hero Magazine

They seem to put together any sound they like: vocal harmonies….banjo, melodica, Wurlitzer, and more and blend it all to create not necessarily a sound you've never heard, but an attitude and an experience you've never heard. - Twin Cities Daily Planet

This fun-loving Minneapolis quartet can probably play just about any genre given their topnotch chops, but expect a set laced with honky-tonk keys, Paul Bunyan-sized hooks and a rock-infused nod to Simon & Garfunkel. - Isthmus-Daily Page

A brawling honky-tonk four piece with piercing harmonies and energetic piano lines, their brand of barroom wailing is deliberate without getting too serious…If there’s one thing this band doesn’t lack, it’s sincerity. It’s inspiring to hear a band write truly earnest songs in a scene dripping with irony.....it’s a much needed change of pace to hear a band like the Big Strong Men. - MN Daily

“Minneapolis band The Big Strong Men possesses such poise and talent that it can incidentally make the music come across as stripped of soul and overly showy. Christopher “Philly” Williams’ death-defying honky-tonk keyboard antics on “Don’t Go Too Far”—off the debut EP of the same name—scream “Hey, check this out,” but in a landscape that’s often dominated by young bands getting by on style over substance, Big Strong Men stand out. And if you can’t admire the band’s chops, at least you can sit back and stew over the fact that these guys are probably much better musicians than you.” - The Onion Twin Cities A.V. Club