Heading to Hangout: Interview With Los Colognes

Los Colognes, a blues band from Chicago, is stoked to be heading to Hangout Festival this summer on the Gulf Shores of Alabama.

The talented group of guys consists of Jay Rutherford on vocals and guitar, Aaron Mortenson on drums and vocals, Gordon Persha on bass, Micah Hulscher and Chuck Foster on keys and Wojtek Krupka on guitar.

In preparation, we had the chance to talk about the group's coming as a band, along with what they are most excited for in regards to festival season.

Read further and get to know this blues band on the rise, Los Colognes!

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: How did you first get your start in music?
LOS COLOGNES: We have been playing together for the last 15 years. Jamming in our parent's basements.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: Who are your musical influences?
LOS COLOGNES: Lot's of blues, country, folk, rock, reggae, world, jazz - JJ CALE being a major influence. The Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, etc.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: Who do you listen to in your spare time, other hobbies, etc?
LOS COLOGNES: Los Lobos - hobbies include Chicago Bulls, Chicago Bears, Golf, Basketball, P90X, Xbox 360, Fantasy Football.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: What has been your most memorable experience while touring?
LOS COLOGNES: Prob traveling out to Joshua Tree and opening for Gregg Allman.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: What is the craziest thing you've seen a fan do to get into a show / on stage, etc.?
LOS COLOGNES: Hmm, nothing too exciting. Prob just fake IDs. I know that's a lame answer.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: What advice would you give to other young people looking to succeed in the industry?
LOS COLOGNES: Practice.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: When you hit a creativity block, what re-inspires you?
LOS COLOGNES: Taking a break.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: How do you manage your time between your music and personal life?
LOS COLOGNES: There really is no separation at this point.

We are just at the baby stages of this whole experience. We should be playing every possible moment.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: What are your upcoming plans in regards to more touring, releases and producing new music?
LOS COLOGNES: Our plans are to tour as much as we can possibly tour.

We have more music that will be seeing the light of day in the coming year. Hoping for some live music to be released as well.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: If stranded on an island, what 3 things would you want to have with you?
LOS COLOGNES: Cell phone, boat, gluten free beer.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: What are you most excited about the upcoming festival season?
LOS COLOGNES: Stoked to see Outkast and Los Lobos at Hangout!

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: Anything else you would like to add?
LOS COLOGNES: Nashville is a great place to live and the chicks are great.

For more information on the blues band from Chicago, be sure to visit www.loscolognes.com, and check out the band's performance this June at Hangout Festival in on the beaches of Alabama.

For ticket packages and more information on the festival, visit www.hangoutmusicfest.com.