Formed in the fading trails of Camper Van Beethoven, the '90s alternative-rock band Cracker came to prominence in 1993 with its well-worn radio hit "Low," which featured the line "To be with you girl / like being low / hey hey hey / like being stoned."
Since then, the band members have released albums and toured constantly, all the while never getting down on themselves for not reaching the pinnacle of their former fame.
This year, they released "Sunrise in the Land of Milk and Honey" to some critical acclaim and their first mention on the charts since the '90s.
Cracker plays on Sunday as part of Al Perry's outdoor barbecue extravaganza, along with Matt Ellis, Lonna Kelley, Sleepercar and Calexico.
In a recent interview, songwriter and guitarist Johnny Hickman talked about Camper Van Beethoven, Cracker and his love for Tucson.
People are also reading…
Tell us a little bit about your musical history and your current favorite Cracker song.
"I've been playing music since I was about 7 years old, first piano, then I switched to guitar at around 11. My favorite Cracker song to play changes constantly. I'm proud of all the songs David (Lowery) and I have written, but we have well over a hundred, ya know? This tour it's 'I May Be Wrong I May Be Right,' from our new album 'Sunrise in the Land of Milk and Honey.' "
What interested you in HoCo Fest, which celebrates solar energy and music?
"We're geeks in the good ways, always have been. The fest is perfect for us, really. And besides that, we've had a great, decades-long relationship with the city of Tucson."
Why did you decide to name your 1993 EP "Tucson"?
"We were coming up with more songs on the road and decided to get into a studio and record them. We loved Tucson and it worked for the tour routing, so it was a natural to get into a studio there and work. We decided the name was perfect, too."
What are your connections to Tucson?
"We've had decades of great gigs there, mostly at Club Congress. We have a lot of good friends there, too. Being an ardent student of criminal history, I have always been enthralled by the Dillinger gang/Hotel Congress connection as well.
"Our most significant connection to the city may be the fact that at one point, years ago, our then manager, Mike, told us, 'You two knuckleheads live on opposite ends of the country. I want you to convene here in this hidden motel and write an effin' record.' So we did exactly that. The album was called 'Forever,' and there are several lyrical references to local bars and locations like The Stockman's Lounge, The Rusty Nail, Sixth and Speedway, Congress Street, etc. I also recorded my solo album, 'Palmhenge,'in Tucson a few years ago, and it turned out just the way I'd hoped it would, largely due to the unique vibe of Tucson and local producer Teddy Morgan. We love the place."
What keeps you and Cracker playing music?
"We just keep doing what we do best regardless of what's going on in the rest of the world. We have always taken the self-contained, self-supported route even before there were terms like 'indie' or 'alternative' rock. We're lifers in a sea of wimps who give up too easily. And we have wonderful, supportive fans all over the world to thank for our longevity."
What're some of the most important things you've learned over the two-decade-long span of your career?
"Appreciate and stay connected to your fans because they support your ass. Maintain a sense of humor because this is an odd and often stressful, infuriating way to make a living. Also, never leave your jacket or backpack backstage, and sleep near your guitar. Oh, and enjoy it because you are very fortunate to make music for a living."
Is there anything you'd like to say to Tucson?
"Yes. Keep your glorious little gem of a city as weird and cool as it is and keep the night life going. We so look forward to seeing you all soon!"
