More than a decade after moving to Mursfreeboro, Tennessee for educational purposes, the members of Glossary still haven’t found a reason to leave. Their buzzy, country-fried rock and roll (think classic electric guitar and pedal steel) has made them a mainstay of the Nashville music scene. The five-piece’s focal point is the husband and wife duo Joey and Kelly Kneisser, who split the vocal duties. Glossary’s sixth full length, Feral Fires, was just released at the beginning of February 2010.

Mr. Kneiser would like to warn you that the questions below were answered by bass player, Bingham Barnes and that “his views don’t always reflect those of his band-mates.” So, grain of salt.

–Tim Burdick

Quick! What’s the first thing that pops in your head when you think of:

-Boston?
…

-Chicago?
…

-Nashville?
We are actually from Murfreesboro, TN, halfway between Nashville and Bonnaroo. First thing I think of is Backyard BBQ’s and wiffleball.

-Austin?
…

How do you think your city has contributed to the national music scene?

Murfreesboro, TN was home to Uncle Dave Macon, the first country music Recording Star. My favorite song of his is “Keep My Skillet Good and Greasy.” The university (MTSU) also has a huge recording industry program. Surely there has been at least 1 graduate of the program that has done something great for the national music scene.

What’s the best part about being a musician in your city?

There are tons of other musicians here so It is easy to make friends to make music with. Unfortunately there is not a single proper music venue in our town. The best shows are usually at someone’s house. Practice spaces are probably way easier to afford than in the larger cities.

What’s the best non-musical part about your city?

Those crazy kids and their noise bands, there is nothing musical about it.

What’s one group (other than yourself!) from your city that you think the whole world should know about? Why?

The Features. They don’t call Murfreesboro home anymore but the world should know about them. They make people happy and the whole world needs to be happy.

Who are you excited to check out at SXSW? Why?

I’ve been obsessing over a Florida band called Surfer Blood. They wrote this awesome part that begins at the 3 minute mark on track 8 of their CD. The song is called “Anchorage.” I’d like to see them rock it live. I like other songs on their album too but that part is my favorite. Reminds me of The Swirlies, Sonic Youth and many other bands I loved in the 90’s.

Who are you most excited to share the stage with at the EWR/TPB showcase? Why?

The Jane Shermans because I have much love for their drummer Joshua Moore. We asked him to be our drummer once, he respectfully declined.