Most of the students at The University of Memphis have already heard of the group Ingram Hill. If you’re among the few who have not, then their name will probably soon be on your lips.
Their debut studio release, entitled “Until Now” is scheduled for release on Traveler Records, the band’s own independent label, early next month.
Five of the songs featured on the album were produced by local Jeff Powell, who has worked with such acts as Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Tonic front man Emerson Hart.
This talented quartet is composed of former U of M students Justin Moore (vocals/guitars), Phil Bogard (Guitars), Shea Sowell (Bass / Vocals), and Matt Chambless (Drums).
Although they have toured around the country, playing over 170 tour dates in 2000 alone, they still show a great deal of pride in their former school.
“We’re the biggest U of M basketball fans,” Sowell said. “Coach Cal should be mayor”
This comment launched them into a discussion of game stats that lasted for a portion of our January 29 interview, which took place at Huey’s Midtown and extended to the Cake concert at The New Daisy Theater.
Ingram Hill is more than just a group of attractive guys who decided that they wanted to be in a band. They have worked hard to earn the success that they have, and will work even more diligently to expand their already massive fan base. This is apparent, even in their leisure.
“I try to stay away from caffeine, dairy and most carbonated beverages,” said Moore, “That’s been a challenge for me because I really love Dr. Pepper, but those things really effect your voice.”
They consider Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Guns & Roses, Jethro Tull, Sting, Medeski Martin & Wood, Queen, Radiohead, The Black Crowes, Frank Black, The Barenaked Ladies and Tonic among their diverse musical influences. But what about their personal influences?
“I really admire my parents, especially my dad,” Chambless said. “He spent 30 years working at a job that he hated just so he could support his family and give us everything we liked.”
Their parents were all named among their personal influences, particularly because they supported their decisions to pursue their interests.
“We realize how lucky we are that we get to do this for a living, “ Moore said. “We were lucky enough as kids to have the opportunity and funding to get into music.”
This was why they decided to get involved with Play it Again Memphis. They donated a large portion of ticket sales from recent shows to support the organization. This donation gave them the opportunity to meet Shelby County Mayor Jim Rout, who they all described as “a really hilarious and cool guy.”
Surprisingly enough, Mayor Rout kept teasing Moore about resembling N*SYNC member Justin Timberlake.
“He kept asking me where Britney was,” said Moore, “I guess it is because we share the same first name, both have curly hair and are both from Shelby County.”
Although they want to help out kids who dream of becoming Rock & Roll stars, Phil was the only member of Ingram Hill who always dreamed of becoming one.
Justin wanted to be a professional basketball player “like Larry Bird.” Shae had dreams of becoming a toy critic and Matt wanted to become an architect.
In fact, Chambless spent the beginning portion of his college career at Iowa State as an architect major.
It was this decision, causing him to be away from his music, which made him want to pursue a career in music wholeheartedly.
He added a jazz major and transferred to U of M, soon to become a member of Ingram Hill.
The band has opened for such acts as Tonic and Michelle Branch and will soon be opening for Cowboy Mouth, which they are really excited about.
“Fred LeBlanc is one of the best frontmen in the business,” Bogard said. “Cowboy Mouth is a great band, they have the best message.”
You can catch Ingram Hill and Cowboy Mouth at 7 p.m. tonight for an all ages show at The New Daisy Theater. Tickets are $15.
