This week, The Appalachian caught up with bass player and vocalist Al Al Ingram from Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, who answered a few questions in anticipation of the band’s appearance this coming Thursday. Ingram has, in his words, been serving “booty duty” with the band since its inception more than 10 years ago.
The Appalachian: Have you ever played to Appalachian State University students before? How are college students different to play to than non-students?
Al Al Ingram: “Yes, we have many times. College students are different ‘cause for most of them it’s their first time out of the house on their own, so they will have more fun than most while testing their limits. Many lessons are learned from these times, the main one being ‘pace yourself so you can party right, all night.’ Things get cray [sic] when college students party down.”
TA: Does Boone, N.C. have any significance for you guys?
Ingram: “Why, yes. Boone, N.C. has a big place in our hearts. Boone is where the band started, so that has some great significance. Also, a couple band members went to college at ASU, including myself, Mary Frances (keyboardist/singer), Lee Allen (drummer) and JP Miller (guitar player).”
TA: As a teenager, did you ever think you’d be touring all over the U.S. playing music in such a successful band? What would you have done if the whole “music thing” hadn’t worked out for you? Did you have a “backup” plan?
Ingram: “Not at all. I was just doing it for fun. I was in school to be a teacher. I ultimately had plans to be a college professor. The world and time had other plans for me, though.”
TA: What can you tell me about your instrument(s)? Are you brand loyal? Do you have a dream rig?
Ingram: “I love playing bass. Love it, love it, love it. I am brand loyal when it comes to my bass guitar itself. I’ve been playing for 22 years and eight years ago I got an Ernie Ball Bongo Bass. I don’t want to play any other bass on stage. I would like to have an Ampeg bass rig though, with six 10-inch speakers, running effects and a 15-inch speaker that pushes only clean bass. Mesa Boogie or Trace Elliot would be good, though, too.”
TA: How does your new material differ from your older stuff?
Ingram: “It’s more mature, and, with Mary Frances, we have keyboards in our band now. That instrument has not been in our band for most of the Booty Band timeline. I love having it. I love even more having a confident player behind them.”
TA: What do you hope your fans get from the show at Legends on Thursday?
Ingram: “Great fun, great music that they will love and great memories that they can tell their grandkids about – or take to the grave.”
Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band performs at Legends Thursday. Tickets are $8 at the door or $6 in advance for students. Doors open at 9 p.m. for the APPS event and is BYOB with proper ID.
Story: KATE DURHAM, Intern A&E Reporter