Cosby Gibson & Tom Staudle – Interview – Thanks for Asking!
Written by Staff on January 30, 2025
Cosby Gibson & Tom Staudle – Interview – Thanks for Asking! – by Liam Sweeny.
RRX: Music genres are difficult for some artists. Some strictly adhere; others not so much. What is your perspective on the genre you play, or the genres you hover around?
CGTS: We describe ourselves as “acoustic, folk, and blues-style original and cover songs,” however Tom will throw in some rock songs, and Cosby will play Old Time fiddle in our performances. Our original songs would be considered acoustic. The kind of “folk” we play is the Woodstock type rather than political songs. We performed over 65 shows in 2024, and our set lists accommodate and reflect the genre tone of the venues.
RRX: The best laid plans of mice and men…”When we least expect it, calamity befalls us. Sometimes just comic inconvenience. Please tell us a story about some comic inconvenience that happened to you whilst performing.
CGTS: Years ago while on tour we were asked to perform at a small airport event called a “Fly-In.” The organizer said it would be all right for us to camp on the property. He pointed in a general direction and so we parked there in the dark. The following morning we woke up to see a big air plane wing right out the window, going past us! We were parked at the edge the runway. Pretty surprising at six in the morning, lol!
RRX: We have to play somewhere, and sometimes those places have more going for them than a stage and a power outlet. What is a memorable place you played, and bonus points if it’s not a well-known place.
CGTS: We really love performing in the historic barn venues, like Mabee Farm, Windfall Dutch Barn, and Fort Klock. The huge beams and old wood make the music sound amazing, and the barns have a great atmosphere. Other favorites are historic theaters and summer festivals.
RRX: Sometimes you gotta go on the road. Miles can build up, and it can stretch the comfort level of any travelling act. What do you bring on a road trip, or tour? What will you forget to bring?
CGTS: We are so fortunate to have a touring van, and it’s set up for sleeping. It has running water and heat, too. The van’s name is the “Most Magnificent Mobile, and some of our listeners nicknamed it “Maggie.” In 2024 we did six mini-tours through Massachusetts, Vermont, and New York. We have a checklist when packing, so we rarely forget anything. We are careful about rest, food, hydration, and over-booking, in order to keep up energy.
RRX: Is there a favorite time of year? What time of year does the band have the most shows? Is there a recurring thing in the year that’s particularly memorable?
CGTS: We are full-time songwriters and musicians, and perform three seasons of the year. In the winter we stay home because of storms and cold temperatures. This allows us to develop projects, write songs, repair equipment, etc. This winter, Cosby released a new album, “The Hollow Crown,” in physical format and on her Bandcamp. Tom is working on recordings in his “Kitchen Studios,”(yes, it’s really in the kitchen, and the songs sound great, lol).
RRX: We do this for the fans. For the blisters also, but mostly for the fans. Who’s one your best fans? Without necessarily giving their name, what are they like.
CGTS: Our listeners are so important to us, and we love performing for and interacting with them! To name a single person would be impossible. Cosby has a Patreon page where she posts new songs, videos, and drawings and almost 60 people subscribe. Our GoFundMe fundraisers for album production and equipment go past the goals. It is amazing and we are so grateful for our listeners. We look forward to meeting up with them every year!