Workin' Folk, No Good Gamblers, Whiskey Drinkin' Women, Gravel Scratchers, Union Maids and Columbus Stockades, Old Route 50 from East to West, Big Dirty Ol' Rivers, Banjo Sallys and Railroad Beckys, Jug Blowers to Buck Dancin' Shuffle Toe-ers, Underpaid Pickers, Steeldrivers to Freedom Riders, Bantam Roosters and Buffalo Skinners, Lonesome Whistles, Solidarity Songs, Down Hill Mules, Pleasant Mountains and Boys of Bluerock St.
The Tillers came into being while busking for nickels, dimes and burritos in the gaslight Clifton district of Cincinnati. In August 2007, Westside comrades Mike Oberst and Sean Geil united their fondness for thumping out old-timey folk and street-style blues. With Oberst on banjo, Geil on guitar, and soon finding a bassist in Jason Soudrette, the trio plunged into the Cincinnati pub scene, serving a concoction of old-time traditionals, labor standards, and some less typical songs of the people's perspective.
The band is both traditional and progressive. They resurrect songs of America's past, touching on themes both historical and timeless. The dusty songs of dead generations take new life and energy before spry young audiences. Clawhammer banjo, accoustic guitar, and wooden upright bass meet high mountain harmonies that belt and croon, lament and rejoice. Stories of work and struggle are revived and rekindled. Country blues classics meet new, less known ballads while we all stomp and sing along.
The Tillers keep busy in Northside's renowned bars and musical establishments, as well as festivals, private events and labor functions. They can be found in the Northside Tavern on the last Sunday of each month, the famous Crow's Nest in Price Hill the second Saturday of each month, and frequently at the Gypsy Hut, The Comet Bar, and the historic Southgate House in Newport. They love to play, and are open for hire. You can expect to hear more from them!
Hey there boys, I read about the upcoming recording...sweet! Hoople and I are heading down Thursday (16th) to see SLR at Southgate House, maybe we will see ya there?! Cheers and Beers!
Hey there, I really enjoyed your music at my cousin's wedding and it was great to meet you guys. Make sure you give me the heads up when you are coming to the ATL!!!
i'll start up a collection for you guys here...and you should get a big 'ol piggy bank with 'the tillers' painted on one side and 'california or bust' on the other :)
we hardly get great acts like yours coming out our way...there are tons of places out here to get gigs..heck, i'd even have you guys come to my place and play if you wouldn't mind something small..since you're used to those huge crowds :)
wed.'s evening was a blast and like a moment in history here. you guys are surrounded by a lot of really amazing people! and maybe next time we can here the 'christmas song'. :) cheers.
Hey Tillers- we are having a Summer Solstice Party at our house this Saturday. Starts at 5PM and goes til ???? Hope you guys can swing by sometime to say hi and welcome the summer.
Mike, Sean, Jason, You guys just keep getting better and better every time I hear you (if that's possible). Awesome!! Great time tonight at NorthSide Tavern. Centralia Masacre was great too. As always thanks for a great time!!Love you guys!!
Hey there guys! How are things going? Hoople and I will be down your way on the 22nd so looks like we'll be seeing ya play with the Dirt Daubers in Covington!! We can't wait!
