Win Tickets to See Swingin' Utters at Small's

Swingin' Utters have been playing music for decades now and they're about to release a compilation album that will feature the highlights from their career. On December 8th, the band will release Drowning in the Sea, Rising with the Sun, a best-of album including 33 songs. You can check out the track list for the record being released by Fat Wreck Chords here.

Throughout Swingin' Utters span, not only have they put out some great music, they put on great live shows. This Thursday night you have a chance to see them yourself at Small's. For this tour, Darius Koski is pulling double duty, playing with the Utters and opening up for them with his solo project. Also playing the show Thursday night are Detroit's own Rebel Spies and Break Anchor. Tickets for the show are $13 in advance or $15 the day of the show.

We had a chance to catch up with Swingin' Utters through email before they head to town. Check out what Darius had to say about touring and the new record, then read ahead to find out how you can win tickets to the show at Small's!

HID- How has the fall tour been so far?

Darius Koski- "So far it’s been great. It’s not a super long run, so it’s pretty manageable."

HID- Since you've been touring for quite a few years now and are kind of veterans to the game, are there any "rules of the road" that you guys have established or items that you have learned to not leave home without?

Darius Koski- "Not really. I just pack a lot of socks and underwear… and pack for the weather. I think a lot of people bring soap and wipes, but I don’t. Maybe I should..."

HID- How different is it touring now compared to when you were first starting out?

Darius Koski- "For me, it was easier when I was younger. I didn’t get as worn out. I think it was more exciting way back when we started touring, because there were so many unknowns, no cell phones, no internet, and not as many punk bands as there came to be."

HID- You have a new "best of" album coming out, "Drowning in the Sea, Rising with the Sun". How did you guys decide what songs to put on that compilation?

Darius Koski- "Me, Fat Mike and Chad from Fat each compiled lists and argued about them for a while until we came to a consensus."

HID- Since we're talking best of, what's the best part about being a musician for you?

Darius Koski- "It’s hard to say, because I’ve been one my whole life, and can’t really imagine not playing music. It’s just something that comes naturally to me, writing songs that is. I guess that’s my favorite part, just being able to write songs. I also love traveling, so being in a touring band is great too."

HID- What's next for Swingin' Utters?

Darius Koski- "Hopefully we’ll be heading into the studio again in the next few months to record a new record, then more of the same… Touring, etc."

Thanks to Black Iris Booking, we are giving away one pair of tickets to this show. To enter to win, send your name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with #utters. We will draw one lucky winner on Thursday morning and will send them details on how to claim their prize. 

Doors are set to open at 7 p.m. on Thursday. This lineup is awesome from start to finish, so get there early and stay late! 

~C