After three years as the touring bass player for Mooney Suzuki and Strokes’ guitarist Albert Hammond Jr., Reno Bo struck out on his own. The singer-songwriter relocated from New York City to Nashville, and set to work. His debut album, Happenings and Other Things, was released on Electric Western Record on February 9th, 2010. Bo will be touring in support of his album for the majority of 2010, providing crowds a chance to catch his seamless blend classic rock sound and some serious power pop hooks in person.

–Tim Burdick

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

-Boston?
Ted Danson

-Chicago?
Frank Lloyd Wright

-Nashville?
Robert Altman

-Austin?
Mike Myers

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

I think that along with New York, Nashville has contributed the most to our national musical heritage in the last century or so. New York had the Brill Building and Nashville has music row. In a way, that era is gone in New York but is still thrives in Nashville. I like that rock bands in Nashville are getting noticed now too, along with the country it’s known for. It truly is Music City USA.

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

The other musicians in town. Everywhere you go, you can see a pretty good band and the songwriting is of a caliber you rarely experience elsewhere.

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

Two-for-one drinks.

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

Unfortunately my favorite band here just broke up. They were called Red White Blue and they were the best thing I saw in Nashville when I moved here. A lot of bands try to be The Band, but Red White Blue was pretty much the closest thing I’ve ever seen. They even lived in a house together. They had something that I think is missing in a lot of bands in Nashville – chemistry.

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

I’m excited to see The Candles and Hurricane Bells. They are friends of mine from New York and both started those bands after I moved to Nashville so I’m looking forward to seeing them for the first time.

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

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone. Very diplomatic of me.