Daphne & the Mystery Machines perform at Dog and Pony Show

We sat down with Daphne Culver to learn more about Daphne & the Mystery Machines and what does Scooby Doo and Daffy Duck have to do with the new band?

WS: Can you tell about the band members in Daphne & Mystery Machines?

Daphne:  This is a group of artists from all over, all different bands, hand picked by myself (Daphne Culver) and Jenn Palmer (of the Sugar Dames and Anthony Adams & the Nite Owls). We got really lucky to have Maria Kowalski (from Sage and the Saints, who Kristen Stewart of the twilight series directed their latest video) play violin for us in between touring with other projects. Courtney Blackwell (from Honeyboy and Boots) plays cello, we were surprised and delighted to find out two practices in that this tiny little rocker can also sing. Engineer and guitarist Adam Taylor plays lead guitar.

WS:  Who are your musical influences?

Daphne: John Prine, Bright Eyes, Robert Johnson, Avett Brothers, Marian McPartlan, James Brown, Tom Waits.

WS:  So, we saw a picture on your Facebook page standing in front of a van that resembles the Scooby Doo van,  does the band name have any reference to that?

Daphne: This van is actually parked somewhere in Spring Hill, where I recently moved.   Adam and I were a little lost being new to the area, I think we were trying to find the Wal-Mart and we took a wrong turn and I saw the Mystery Machine, parked in somebody’s driveway covered by foliage, and I yelled “Adam STOP THE CAR, pull over! I gotta get my picture next to this thing!” mostly because all the horrible Scooby-Doo jokes I get and have gotten along side Daffy Duck jokes throughout my life. Word got out that this project was underway and gig offers started floating in and we couldn’t think of a band name, so this just kinda stuck. I am not sure yet if this band name is even ok to have yet, but I’m sure we will find out when we start all the drudging thru the legalities of completing our first EP.

WS:  How is Daphne & the Mystery Machines different from your other project, The Granny Whites?

Daphne:  I am still an active member of TGW, this is a different style project. When I write music sometimes I write it where I wanna rocking drummer and bassist and a cranked up electric guitar and just lose it on stage, thats where the grannies come in. But sometimes, I hear an orchestra when I’m writing, and this is my dream team mini- orchestra. I can just say “hey can you go ba da ba da bwaaaaa” and mimic the violin or cello with my voice and they just make it happen. Its magical. And I absolutely love all the songs Jenn Palmer writes for this project, it frees me up to really play with my voice and harmonize and try to blend with her ultra powerful voice.

WS:  In addition to playing with The Granny Whites and Daphne & the Mystery Machines, you have a day job.  Can you tell us about that ?

Daphne:  Oh lord yes, I have a day job and I play with the Granny Whites. I am very fortunate to have a CEO that created a work environment conducive to an artists’ lifestyle. We customize and rent out Sprinter vans for bands on tour and do back line rental, so it’s right up my alley, cars and music. I used to change oil at Valvoline before this gig. I do get to meet a lot of amazing musicians and artists I probably never would have in another setting, and get to hear their road stories, I’m a sucker for a good storyteller. Jenn has a part time job too, a pub in Franklin, called McCreary’s Irish pub, I think her sister Annie was the original owner. I know Jenn gets to hear some good stories at the pub too (if you’ve ever been there, you will be nodding your head in agreement). Adam is an engineer for TV’s “Nashville” and for Sound Emporium and a few other studios. All the other Mystery Machines are full time musicians.

WS: Daphne & the Mystery Machines recently played at the Tennessee State Fair, what was that experience like?

Daphne: This was my first experience going to the Tennessee State Fair, so I didn’t really know what to expect.  The pig races were hilarious, Snoop Hoggy Hogg took home a medal I believe. We were all really nervous since it was our first time on stage together. I will say the stage felt like it was mostly plywood and was really bouncy so we were kind of chasing the bouncing microphones, but overall it was fantastic. Got the “first show jitters” out of the way and met some new fans. They invited us back so we were extremely grateful for the opportunity and look forward to it again next year.

WS:  What can we expect to hear at the Dog and Pony from Daphne & the Mystery Machines?

Daphne:  Yummy harmonies, driving strings, deep lyrics, intricate dueling guitar and string section parts, oh and don’t forget all the dogs in costume. That is gonna be awesome.

Thanks Daphne!  Be sure to check out their Facebook page here to keep up with future performances and projects.  The Dog and Pony  Show will take place on Septemember 27, 2014 in Thompson Station.  Go here for more info.