Today’s spotlight is with Boone Froggett, the lead man for the band OTIS, but what is OTIS? Well, here’s what Boone had to say: “OTIS is a blues-based Rock & Roll band from South Central Kentucky. We hail from a one-caution-light rural area, and we’ve been fortunate enough to make an international impact.”
When did Boone first start playing music, and what drew him to it? He said, “My grandfather, David Froggett Sr., was a well-known old-time fiddler and my dad is a great honky tonk guitar player – so music was a big part of my life from a young age. I started getting up on stage with both of them at eight years old, and I haven’t quit for a minute since.” How would he describe the band’s sound to someone who’s never heard their music? Boone said, ” Blues-influenced rock & Roll driven by American Roots music, 50’s Blues, 60’s Soul & 70’s Rock are the foundations of what we put forward.”
Who or what inspired OTIS to start making music? Well, Boone said, “We all wanted to create something that moves people and not be constricted by anyone’s ideas or conceptions of what we should or shouldn’t be. When we get on stage or in the studio,we’re doing exactly what we want to do at that moment without compromise.” But, who are some artists that have influenced the band the most? Boone said, “Howlin’ Wolf, Humble Pie, Gov’t Mule, Johnny Shines, Wilson Pickett… we could go on for days. There’s so much amazing music out in the world.”
What’s been the band’s favorite show or venue to play so far? Boone said, “We had the opportunity to play the world-famous Iridium in New York City and share the stage with Wayne Baker Brooks. That was a really meaningful show for us because so many of our influences have played there in the past: Les Paul, Jeff Beck, Dickey Betts, and so many others. We shared backstage with Wayne and his band and had the best time hearing stories about his father, Chicago Blues Legend Lonnie Brooks. It was a real passing-of-the-torch type of moment for us as a band.” What’s Boone’s dream venue to play at? he said, “Personally, I’d love to play at Antone’s Nightclub in Austin, Texas. It’s one of the last real-deal Blues venues left. B.B. King, Ray Charles, Bobby Blue Bland. They all played there; enough said! Ha!”
What has been a major turning point in for OTIS in their career so far? Boone said, “Getting the attention of ZZ Top’s Billy F. Gibbons was a big deal for us and brought so many new ears to the band. Through a chance meeting, Greg Martin of The Kentucky Headhunters and myself slipped Billy a copy of our first album “Tough Times tribute to John Brim” and the next day he called us up and gave a really generous press quote and went on to give copies of our album to Jeff Beck, Buddy Guy and others.” Badass.
What’s something about OTIS that people might not expect? Boone said, “Our after-show playlist might be surprising for those who have experienced our music live. After a night of Rock & Roll, we love cranking up Del Reeves, Loretta Lynn, and Marty Stuart in the van. We embrace our roots and we’re proud of where we come from.” What does the band hope people feel or take away when they hear their music? Our job is getting harder to do, but our hope is to unite people and bring them together and realize that we’re not all that different from one another. If we can make people forget about their cares and worries and move them spiritually through sharing our music with them, our job is done, and believe me, when it happens, we feel it.”
What does success look like for OTIS in music? Boone said, “If we can reach people that need our music, that is the ultimate goal for us! You can play in front of an ocean of people and it be a miserable experience if they can’t feel or relate to what’s happening on stage, or you can play for one hundred people that connect with you, and it feels like you’re on top of the world. We much prefer the second experience even if it costs us in some way. The positive relationship between the band and the people who need the music, that’s success for us. There’s a reason the word viral and virus sound similar, ha!”
How does Boone balance music with the rest of life? He said, “That’s a tough one, and it’s easier said than done. If I chose to, I could work on things for the band every waking hour, but the reality is that you can’t. There’s only so much you can do and do well in a day’s time span, and you have to try to make the right decision on where your time is most needed and stay connected to all the facets of life. We’re all just doing the best we can; be kind to yourself and even kinder to others.”
What’s one piece of advice he’d give to someone just starting out in music? Boone said, “Embrace your roots and be yourself regardless of the cost. If you chase a trend, you’re already too late. If you don’t know who you are as a band or artist, you will get “told’ who to be by someone who has little or no repercussions for the decision they’re driving you to make. Be accountable for your art and what you stand for!” What about new music? Well, Boone said, “We recently released a brand new single, “I’m Wicked,” on February 5th and won Classic Rock Magazine’s “Tracks of the Week,” which is really a prestigious honor in our genre. Give it a listen!”
Thank you for reading today’s artist spotlight! This is our fifth Spotlight in our collaboration series with Smokeshow Entertainment! Make sure to check back next week to see which of their artists is up next for a Spotlight!
I hope you enjoyed getting to know who OTIS is behind their music. Go check them out, and go catch them at a show. As always, be good to yourself, stay western, and stay tuned!
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