The Way Down Wanderers performing live, you know how truly incredible these guys are! Since getting on my radar as one the 2014 Summer Camp: On The Road tour winners and playing at last year’s festival, they’ve steadily gained the hearts of SCampers due to their raw talent and clear passion for playing.
In fact, they’ve been booked to return to this year’s Summer Camp, and are also playing the May 1 “SUMMER CAMP SCRAMBLE” Pre-Party being held at the Canopy Club… but first, they need our help to get back on the road!
But before I cover how we can help the band, let’s catch up with the guys and introduce them, for those who are unfamiliar…
The Way Down Wanderers are a 5 piece folk / americana group from Peoria, IL. The band consists of Austin Thompson (Gutiar, Lead, & Harmony Vocals), Collin Krause (Mandolin, Fiddle, Lead and Harmony Vocals), Benjamin Montalbano (Banjo, Lead and Harmony Vocals), John Williams (Upbright Bass), and John Merikoski (Drums & Percussion).
Earlier this week, I was able to catch up with Benjamin and ask him a few questions…
Kyle: What was it like going from starting The Way Down Wanderers to not even a year later playing Summer Camp Music Festival?
Benjamin: It’s been pretty surreal, but we have been working extremely hard in so many different ways that it also feels extremely rewarding.
This will be your 2nd year at Summer Camp; What makes it a unique venue for you guys to play at?
What makes Summer Camp so incredible is that it is so close to home for us, and it feels like a big family reunion with all our friends in different bands and we all get to be together for one weekend.
https://youtu.be/oj-kQZixLNgWhat’s the best memory you guys have as a band?
There are so many (and many more to come!) but I would say our time spent in Kansas City at Folk Alliance. We really worked hard and grew as a group – it was an incredible bonding experience for us.
Besides creating awesome music, what’s your main goal as a band as you continue to grow?
Our main goal is to give back and try to make a positive impact in our community, and ultimately to try to make the world a little bit brighter, even if that’s just for one person.
Your tour bus recently broke down, and you’re trying to raise money for a new one. Something cool you guys are doing is donating 2% of all the funds to Share The Music. What made you guys pick that organization?
All five of us have been extremely fortunate to have supportive families that were able to financially make our pursuit of music possible from a very young age. Unfortunately, music education is not possible for a large number of kids, as lessons and instruments can be very expensive and schools are scrapping music programs across the country. Share the Music, is a fantastic organization that puts instruments in the hands of kids who can’t afford them.
For those who would love to help you guys get rolling again, how can they help?
The best way to donate is by heading over to Pledge Music and visiting our campaign!
As you can see, the guys need our help! They have some awesome rewards to choose from if you help them out, including a signed copy of their upcoming EP, shirts, signed posters and more – the costs of a van are huge, so anything helps!
The guys are also touring in advance of the festival – check out their upcoming dates:
