The Pines’ Benson Ramsey & David Huckfelt – HuffPost 11.12.12

Mike Ragogna: What advice do you have for new artists?

David Huckfelt: I think being true to yourself is something that applies across the board. When I talk to young bands, I try to remind them that it’s going to be a mountain of work no matter how you slice it. People get lucky, and that’s great, and you want your music to get out there, but just don’t neglect what’s right in front of you–where you’re from, your region, the people that you can connect with. There is no shortcut to heaven when it comes to it. Luck is involved with any success, but I think that you cannot postpone the joy from playing music if you manage to have realistic goals and work where you’re from.

Benson Ramsey: It’s really easy to get caught up in the daily scheme of things, I think, but if you just follow your vision, people will come. If it’s honest, it’s a win-win and you don’t have to worry because you’re doing what you believe to be honest. Create that environment. Play places that you would go to. Follow yourself, then you can’t lose.