Interview- Bobby Dean Orcutt and Brad Jackson
We’ve got an interview with Tulsa’s own Bobby Dean Orcutt and The Fighting Side’s Brad Jackson, both longtime veterans of the music scene, who have come together through Low Road Management. The Fighting Side is based out of St. Louis, Missouri and has just released two new singles within the last month, which you can find here. Bobby Dean has lived many lives and the latest is running his own merchandise and management companies.
First things first, tell me your life stories. Ok, so maybe not that detailed, but give us a good rundown on both of you - what you think is important for people who aren’t familiar with you both to know?
Bobby Dean: Totally! I'm Bobby Dean Orcutt, born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. My career in music has been quite the ride, from touring all over the world as tour manager for artists like John Moreland and Stryper to running an iconic venue. Presently, I'm proud to call myself the co-owner of Low Road Merch, a music and band focused print shop here in Tulsa.
The Fighting Side- Photo by Melissa Payne
Brad Jackson: My musical journey starts pretty simple. I was a Suburban punk rock kid who liked Underground bands. One of those underground bands took me on the road right out of high school, and we did that for a while. I did everything I could to stay on the road at that time. I was raised on country music, and about the time my rebellious phase stopped, I moved to the Gulf Coast of Alabama and cut my teeth on playing traditional country music for tourists. A lot of the people down there opened some doors for me in Nashville, so I went there next. I had some success in Nashville, but I didn't like the corporate climate of things and my partner at the time and I had a newborn baby. We decided it was time to head back to St. Louis. I put together a band with some of my best friends from high school and the rest is pretty much history. We've seen some lineup changes over the years, but Seth and I've been in this van since the start, and we've been friends since 5th grade.
How’d y'all meet? What’s the story there? And how did signing with Low Road happen?
Bobby Dean: Back when I was working at Mercury Lounge, I came across The Fighting Side and was an instant fan. Their blend of punk and DIY spirit with classic country was something truly special. Not only did they put on an incredible show, but they were also some of the sweetest folks you could ever meet. I'd been sitting on Low Road Artist Management as a concept for awhile and when Brad and I started talking one day about logistics and stuff related to touring, it became clear that we could work together and I made the decision to sign them as the first artist on our roster pretty quickly.
Brad: Bobby has always taken amazing care of us. Whether through Low Road or his time as part owner of Mercury Lounge, nobody rolls out the red carpet for us like Bobby does. When Bobby decided to start the agency, we knew that's where we needed to be.
Brad, it’s been a couple of years since The Fighting Side released any new music. How long have you been sitting on these new singles that you’re releasing? Have you had them for a while? Is this new music? Tell us about the singles.
It's definitely been a couple years. When the pandemic hit, we had really been dialing things in our sound and we hit the studio pretty quick to sort of bookmark that progress. Three out of the five of us at that point decided to step apart, but we are really glad that we got that EP out. Since then, it's just been about trying to find the right pieces. When the right pieces are put together, the creativity and progress flows. When they are not, everything stops. We have the best lineup right now and we are writing new stuff all the time. It is our hope to keep releasing music through the next year and putting together an album for release next year.
Talk about the new album you’re slated to release next year. How is this one different from your other albums?
I don't honestly think any of us know what it's going to be yet. Through a lot of our releases, we stop between Americana, straight up traditional country, punk rock, and just some outright rock and roll. We really like blending sounds. A lot of people that only listen to our first record are pretty surprised when the next one is a lot more rock and roll. And I'm sure the next one will blend those lines even further. We are really dialing in the sound, but we know we are most comfortable in that twangy punk rock world. I doubt we will deviate too far from the formula for this next one, but with the quality of the stuff we are riding right now, I can tell you it will be our best one yet.
Bobby, you’ve had a busy few years, from running for city council to starting a merch company that seems to be popping up everywhere, from here in Tulsa, to merch you’re doing for artists. What’s been the best part of that journey for you? And what are you most proud of?
Bobby Dean Orcutt
I've always been one to wear a bunch of hats, I can’t help it, kinda can't sit still. One of my proudest achievements is the work I've done with the Bart Center for Music, a fantastic nonprofit with a focus on music and school kids. Through working with them I got to visit schools, do some merch demos, and show kids the idea that DIY means anyone can make their artistic dreams a reality, with creativity, flexibility and hard work. Showing young people a pathway to a career making their own art is probably the coolest thing I've ever done.
I’d love to hear more about Low Road Management as well. Until Brad mentioned it, I had no idea that was even happening.
Yeah, I really to over plan everything so I'd been pretty quiet about it till time to start sharing. At Low Road Artist Management, our mission is to provide a platform that empowers artists, helping them gain financial independence and industry know-how while supporting their growth in every way possible. With decades of experience in the music industry, I've made valuable connections and gained insights that can benefit our local talent as well as regional and national touring bands. The vision is to build a model that puts the artists first and ensures their success takes center stage.
Bobby, where do you see this merch and management operation going in the next few years? I want to hear the big dreams and goals you’ve set for it, because I know you have to have some tucked in your back pocket.
When I start working with a new artist, there's always a checklist of areas where they could use some support – booking, publishing, and, of course, having a sweet merch deal to make those tours a real hit. With our existing merch shop and a well-oiled distribution and fulfillment system, we're in a great position to help fill those needs. I believe that with our central location, our booming music scene, and a variety of world class venues, Tulsa has all the makings of the next big touring industry hub. Our local talent is top-notch, and they deserve representation without having to relocate. And big picture, there will be a venue to accompany Low Road Merch, similar to Rough Trade, which has a killer record store and venue in New York. I see Low Road building a platform to meet every single need for a music based economy. That's a little ways out but it is happening.
I feel like you both have really transitioned from what you were doing pre-pandemic to what you’re doing now. Are you happy with the direction you’ve taken? Anything you’ddo over or change?
Bobby Dean: During the pandemic, I utilized the challenging circumstances as an opportunity to grow and learn. It was a period of sharpening my skills and staying proactive. I dedicated significant energy to support Mercury Lounge. Now, on the other side of that, I am focused on the future with optimism and Low Road Artist Management's mission is to uplift artists, providing them with the tools and support to thrive. I believe Tulsa has the potential to become a vibrant hub for the music industry, and I'm pumped to contribute to this vision. I don't know [that] I'd do anything different other than maybe I'd worry a little less about the things I couldn't control.
Brad: Like with most, the pandemic shutdowns forced a lot of us movers and shakers to sit still for a minute. It triggered a lot of self-reflection. I think the coolest thing about that is seeing everybody move forward knowing exactly what they are trying to do. A lot of us are in transitional phases, but I think we all know where we are trying to get. There's a lot of growth in that, and I wouldn't take any of that back.
Question for you both, what goals do you have personally and professionally for the rest of 2023?
Bobby Dean: As I look forward, I know there will be challenges, but I'm ready to face them head-on. Music isn't just a profession for me; it's a way of life, which sounds lame but it's true. Rock and roll equal parts ruined and saved my life.
I'm determined to make a positive impact in the music world and our community. As for what's next, I'm always working up a new idea or project. I'm working on a documentary about our music history that's been a long time coming, and I hope to squeeze in a well-deserved vacation before the year is out. But knowing me, even during that downtime, I'll probably find a way to turn it into work.
Brad: Our goal is to get in front of as many crowds as we can in the next year. We absolutely thrive on that emotional exchange between artists and fans, and I aim to fill that cup to overflowing.
Find out more about The Fighting Side and Low Road Management at the links below:
