Cavalry

Doug Schmude fortifies Technicolor narratives with equal measures heart (“The Near Salvation Of Butch Cassidy”) and home (“Red Dirt Symphony”). Evidence, "Cavalry". The traveling troubadour’s most vibrant vignettes effortlessly back the claim (“Helen & Monty”, the title track). “I wrote ‘Cavalry’ in a hotel room while quarantining with covid”, Schmude says. “‘Cavalry’ has a survivor’s theme and the song has taken on a new meaning since my wife recently went through breast cancer treatment. Her strength and determination reminds me of the character in the song. I always dedicate the song to her at shows”.

The muse effortlessly guides the journey throughout "Cavalry". “I don’t typically fence myself in with a concept but rather see where the music takes me when setting off to record an album”, Schmude says. “The 1st song that came together for 'Cavalry' was ‘The Near Salvation Of Butch Cassidy’, which set me off in a direction of western imagery and outlaw themes. I recorded about 10 songs for the project, but ultimately decided to keep it to an EP with 6 songs. They fit that feel with narrative storytelling, colorful characters, lyrical imagery and what my wife always describes as a thread of desolate hope that runs through my music”. Sharp songwriting parallels the path.

Results already have turned heads. “'The Californian (Out Of Oklahoma)' channels his inner Woody Guthrie and Tom Paxton as he articulates tales that will resonate across every town, city and state across the western world", The Rocking Magpie raves about Schmude’s music. Country Jukebox doubles down, "Schmude’s music is a convincing and absolutely uncompromising mix of country, rock, folk and blues”. Cue “If There Ever Was A God Above” and “Tumbleweed” for undeniable proof.

“The songs on 'Cavalry' reflect the perspective I’ve gotten from living in 8 different states and the lessons that lifestyle imparted upon a me”, Schmude says. “These characters are from all walks of life with stories from ever changing viewpoints”. Schmude works under the reminders. License plates hang above guitars on his recording studio’s walls. The states they represent, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma, Connecticut, Colorado, Arizona and California, are as vast and varied as the songs that dot Schmude’s roots and americana soundscape.