The Fieldside Refugees

Over the last year the music scene in Amarillo has been changing. Many of the bands that have been around for years have hung up their hats or regrouped. This has not created a void, but rather new yet experienced bands have emerged on the scene.

The Fieldside Refugees formed just last year. In that year they have won a large battle of the bands competition in Lubbock, recorded their first album and have a national tour in the works.

I would not call them a jam band, wait yes I would- they are a jam band. A jam band- with soul, and a vast array of influences. None of the members of this three-piece band are new to music or performing. They have all had a unique musical road that has brought them to where they are.

There are many great bands in Amarillo, but none of them sound like the Fieldside Refugees. I have even heard some people refer to their performance as “nearly a religious experience”. Individually and as a group they put a ton of passion into their performance.

The Fieldside Refugees is:
Phlip Coggins- Guitar/ Vocals/ Percussion
Quinton Butler- Saxophone/ Percussion
Beau Corley- Percussion/ Percussion

I had a chance to interview all three of the members of the band and here’s what they had to say.

Phlip Coggins:
What first made you Love music?
When I was young it was just something that grabbed my attention. Can’t really recall the exact moment. But just the ability to get lost in a song and what all was going on instrumentally and musically, mixed with the thought that several people were creating this sound together & just intrigued the hell out of me.

What do you love most about Music?
How it affects people. it can change everything in the blink of an eye. It can remind you of something so saddening, or sorrowful, but also lift you up higher and quicker than any substance known to man, I think that’s why it is so powerful to people & ya know?

It seems to me you put a lot of emotion into your lyrics, tell me what drives your lyrics?
I couldn’t tell ya- it just comes ya know...it’s always changing.

You went to South Plains in Levelland, how was their program? And how has it affected your musical career/playing?
The program is stellar &for anyone looking to get started in ANY avenue of this world (the music/entertainment industry) check it out! It’s affected the way I think about everything and what decisions I make with the other guys in the band 100%. I attribute that to the faculty.

What impact does music have on your life?
It affects every waking decision

What are your goals in music?
Do this until I physically can’t.

Quinton Butler:
You played in church for a good while...does that effect how you play now?

No actually I still play in the church, but the difference is that when I’m on stage it’s like you are trying to please the audience and at church you are playing to praise his name no showing off or playing too much is necessary.

You have an obvious passion on stage that shows, where does that come from?
My passion comes from two things God and love for the music.

How did Fieldside come together?
To be honest it was something so random. I only knew Beau as this nice (bar) manager that every time I would come in he would tell me to get out on stage, then I met Phlip one day at his show he had here and told him I was a sax player, he asked where it was at- I told him my trunk and he said “go get it”.

Played one song, then another, and another, and another one and he was like “man just play the rest of the night with me”. And the rest is just Peanut Butter and Jelly.

Beau Corley:
What first made you Love music?
It was my outreach growing up. It was the only constant. I moved around a lot and it was the only true thing at that time in my life.

How has playing with this band been for you?
Playing with this band has been a ride to say the least. We’ve been able to accomplish a lot in just a short period of time, with three completely different individuals

I know you quit drinking a while ago...How long ago?
On July 1, 2007 I will be sober for 4 years.

How much different is it playing sober...and how much different is life in general?
Playing is a lot more fun (I actually hit the cymbals) and more difficult. I find myself trying things and trying to stay creative. Life has been a complete turnaround, in every aspect.
I have to deal with the real world now, instead of hiding behind alcohol.

From my music to my personal life. It’s funny how life looks when you put down the beer goggles.

What do you love most about Music?
The power that music has. A bands chemistry and emotion comes through in their music. And when it’s at its apex it can be a truly moving thing. Like Panic at Red Rocks (You know what I mean) Energy at shows like that can be life changing.

You can check out The Fieldside Refugees online @ www.fieldsiderefugees.com for upcoming shows and to listen to their music.

Their debut album: Seeds- is on sale at Hastings and at their shows.

They will also be one of our featured bands at the Scene Festival in the Park on Saturday, July 7th in Memorial Park.