Madisons, Austin’s favorite garage-folk band, will hit the road next month for their first tour since 2019. We first spoke with Dominic Solis, lead singer and songwriter of the eight-piece band, back in the summer of 2020 about their then-new studio album Better Than I Deserve. Last year, Madisons digitally released Los Exitos: 2011-2021, a “best of” compilation celebrating the band’s 10-year anniversary. In this new exclusive interview, Solis shares that he and his bandmates are eager to get back in front of live audiences on the 19-date “We Play For Keeps” tour.
“Touring is tough; it’ll kick your ass if you let it,” Solis told 360°Sound. “For us, it also recharges the soul. We’re not a big-time band that tours in luxury, but we love every dirty second of it.”
360°Sound: Are you excited for the tour? Are there any particular gigs you’re especially amped about?
Dominic Solis: We are so excited for this tour! We’re pumped for every single show. It feels like forever since we’ve been able to play for folks, so we’re definitely appreciative of every chance we’re able to get on stage. We’ll be playing everything from small dive bars to large outdoor stages, and we plan on playing every show like it’s our last.
What can fans expect from this tour?
Our fans can expect a very grateful group of friends playing their hearts out for them! We’re having a lot of fun sharpening up the show, and we’re super proud of what we’ve been able to put together for this run! We feel like all that positive energy is gonna be pulsing through every note.
If anyone who’s familiar with us is able to make it to a show, they’re in for a treat! And, if anyone just happens upon one of our performances, and sees us and hears these songs for the first time ever, we’re gonna level ‘em to the ground. To anyone reading this, if you’re at the show and you feel like it’s too much, don’t worry, we will protect you!
For the people who aren’t familiar with Madisons and are on the fence about going to show, what do you say?
This life is short. If Madisons are knocking at your door, it’d be worth it to answer. You won’t forget it! God forbid your friends go and you don’t. There will be a hole inside your soul. You’ll have to move to another country and live in shame until we come and rescue you! If you don’t come, we’ll forgive you, but you’ll never forgive yourself.
Will it be songs from the entire catalog?
We’re playing everything. When we get back, we’re going into the studio to work on our next record, so we’re taking those brand-new songs out for a spin, too. It’s kitchen sink time.
Do you mix it up each night or stick to the same setlist?
We’re gonna mix it up every night. We have over 50 songs in the war chest. They’re all getting stage time. The world deserves it, and we aim to deliver.
What are some of your favorite songs to play live and why?
The newer songs are super fun to play! They make us feel like a new band again – confident dummies. It’s a challenge to create something new – a master class in humility. In the case of our art, we can’t grow without pain. The new stuff sounds like shit until it doesn’t.
We’re lucky that we have so many good songs we can access at the drop of a hat, and playing those songs brings us massive amounts of joy. Our performances of the old stuff will put you on the floor! At the same time, these new songs are kicking our ass, and we love it! It’s a goddamn demolition derby of music, right out there on stage for all the willing world to see. Point us in a direction and warn everyone in the path.
Madisons 2022 Tour Dates
June 11 – Houston, TX – Dan Electro’s @ 8pm
June 12 – Baton Rouge, LA – Tin Roof Brewing Co @ 1pm
June 13 – Apalachicola, FL – Tamara’s Tapas Bar @ 7pm
June 14 – Sanford, FL – West End Trading Company @ 8pm
June 15 – Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre Rooftop @ 8pm
June 16 – Charleston, SC – Home Team BBQ @ 7pm
June 17 – Charlotte, NC – River Jam at Whitewater Center @ 7pm
June 18 – Charlotte, NC – Thomas Street Tavern @ 7pm
June 19 – Harrisburg, PA – JB Lovedraft’s @ 7pm
June 20 – Brooklyn, NY – Mama Tried @ 8pm
June 21 – New York, NY – Rockwood Music Hall @ 10pm
June 23 – Montpelier, VT – Charlie O’s @ 7pm
June 24 – Rochester, NY – Abilene, NY
June 25 – The Plains, OH – Eclipse Company Store @ 7pm
June 28 – Lafayette, IN – People’s Brewing @ 7pm
June 29 – Arlington Heights, IL – Hey Nonny @ 7pm
June 30 – Kokomo, IN – The Coterie @ 7pm
July 1 – Nashville, TN – Acme Feed & Seed @ 7pm
July 3 – Denton, TX – Dan’s Silverleaf @ 3pm
Click it on over to Madisons’ website for more tour info.
