Blackberry Smoke is a rock 'n' roll band from Georgia. We sat down with lead singer and guitarist Charlie Starr to talk about creating their new album Find a Light, life on the road, and what it's like to work and collaborate with Cap alumni like Robert Randolph and Bob Weir. Read along and get tickets to see Blackberry Smoke at The Capitol Theatre on Friday, May 18!

Last month, you released the new album Find a Light, which featured Cap alumni Robert Randolph, who we can say is one of our favorite musicians! What was it like recording with Randolph and how did that collaboration come about?

Robert and I have been friends for quite a while. We co-wrote that song a couple of years ago and actually performed it live last year. It was really enjoyable and people seemed to dig it so it seemed like a no brainer. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI2ZbD2lY34[/embed]

We read that Blackberry Smoke averages 250 shows a year. This has lead to otherworldly jams and an ever-growing fanbase of devoted fans. What is it about being on the road the is so enticing and what would you say is the greatest lesson you have learned from being out on the road for a majority of the year?

Traveling really is addictive. We’ve become very comfortable with the “hit it and move on” way of doing things. People learn different lessons, I guess...mine have been to try and take care of yourself on the road and to experience as much as possible. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tel7yXwtXI8[/embed]

It seems like collaborations have been key to your rising success, most notably with Bob Weir, Warren Haynes, Chris Robinson, and Gregg Allman, with Greg actually playing on Like an Arrow before his passing. What collaboration do you believe has been the most rewarding to you guys and do you have any cool stories to share?

We’ve been very fortunate to make music with a lot of people that we respect very much. I don’t know if I could pick a “favorite.” [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItrTfhlPUoY[/embed]

During the early 1970s, The Capitol Theatre's stage saw legendary rock bands and artists like Frank Zappa, Pink Floyd, Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead. Are you aware of the history that lives inside of The Cap's walls? Knowing that, do you feel that those spirits of performers of the past, and The Cap's vibe, will positively affect your performance? What do you think it will be like to step on a stage with such history?

I am very aware of the Cap’s history! I’ve listened to so many shows that were recorded there...I’m sure there are vibrations lingering in the building itself that will leak out onto the audience and band. Hopefully we’ll all have our antennae up to catch it! [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDkpKoaRbkU[/embed]

Last year you played Pete Shapiro's LOCKN' Festival, with the message of the festival being about love, community, and togetherness. At The Cap, we have the same motto. What did you take away from your time at LOCKN', and what kinds of positive messages do you bring or try to promote in your every day lives?

LOCKN’ was one of the coolest festivals we’ve ever played. Beautiful weather, beautiful people and such an eclectic mix of music. I don’t know about you but those are some of the things that make our world turn. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGnwEBZNycY&list=PLTGGc3BE8MxJNQXJRZMgpXCoEZ5N4Pnrv&index=11[/embed]