What tunes are Maryland brewers, drinkers and salesmen pairing with their suds?
Beer and music: some may say one is better than the other. Some may say they are best enjoyed together. All I know is that they go hand in hand. Simple music structure can be compared to beer, right? Music has the bass, vocals, guitar and drums… Beer has the water, yeast, hops and malt. Practically the same thing! I am an avid beer fanatic and a passionate music lover. I have hosted large beer events, as well as music festivals. Over time I have tried to blend the two. That’s why I thought it would be fun to go around and ask some of Maryland’s brewers, brewery sales team members, bar and retail staff the big question: What do you enjoy listening to while slinging beer, brewing beer and drinking beer? Here is what I got…
Phillip Rhudy / Independent Brewing Company / Bel Air, MD
“Catherine Wheel on Pandora, because the rotation is awesome. The Cure, Depeche Mode and the New Order.”
Ben Little / Manor Hill Brewing / Ellicott City, MD
“I listen to a lot of The Sword. Deep and heavy grooves get me, and keep me going when I need it.”
Kevin Blodger / Union Craft Brewing / Baltimore MD
“I have been listening to a lot of jazz lately. A lot of Freddie Hubbard and Sun Ra. I have been listening to a lot of Madlib as usual. It just keeps my mind busy while I’m working.”
Grant Pfeiffer / Falling Branch Brewery/ Street, MD
“Last week it was Hammock in the morning and Beck in the afternoon. Subconsciously, I think the beat of the 808 drum drives yeast performance.”
Steve Jones / Oliver Brewing Company / Baltimore, MD
“Music drives what we do here. Mostly rock and metal. We have brewed numerous beers in tribute to our favorite bands and records, most notably Winter Wolves and Sea Of Spears. Brewed in tribute to The Sword. Beer and rock and roll is what it’s all about.”
Hugh Sisson / Heavy Seas / Baltimore, MD
“I used to listen to Beethoven and David Bowie, or The Who.”
Mike Piorunski / EVO Craft Brewing / Salisbury, MD
“David Dondero- energetic and one of the best modern folk singer-songwriters, he also fronts the band Sunbrain. We share the same birthday, June 24th – so maybe I am a little biased. Perfect for coaxing malt and water to meet at 147 degrees. “
Brandon Miller (Millhouse) / Duclaw Brewing Company / Baltimore, MD
“The bands we are listening to these days are Lucero and Sturgill Simpson and the Steeldrivers. They are good bands to keep you moving with just enough songs about heartbreak, drinking and drinking after heartbreak.”
Bryan Brushmiller / Burley Oak Brewing Company / Berlin, MD
“Gang Starr, Wutang and old school hip hop. It has a significant beat and it’s comforting to me. Growing up, it was a rebellious genre and I think Burley Oak can relate to that. We try to do things outside of the box.”
Brian Strumke / Stillwater / Baltimore, MD
“Drake, cuz he’s been leading the new school. He’s a love / hate personality ;7”
Robert Murray / Stateline Liquors / Elkton, MD
“Old rock and roll. Bruce Springsteen and Metallica, it’s what I am into and what I have been brought up on.”
Casey Hard / Max’s Taphouse / Baltimore, MD/
“Classic rock. I guess I’m old enough to listen to classic rock? It’s good for me because it’s mellow but upbeat, and heavy enough it doesn’t put me to sleep.”
Justin Latham / The Brewers Art / Baltimore, MD
“I love listening to Phish and bluegrass while I am doing anything. Especially anything beer related. Gives me the appropriate energy boost while drinking suds.”
After asking all these industry folk what they were listening to while doing their jobs- as brewers, salesmen and account beer buyers, I realized I hadn’t asked myself. Lately, my favorite things to listen to while drinking good beer or working around beer, would be Spiritulized, Darkside and Blur. Just like I can always find a beer I am in the mood for, I can always find a song to pair it with.
Guest Post by Shane McCarthy / Ronnie’s Beverage Warehouse / The MD Beer Project / Bel Air Beer Week
