Get to know: Brian Seiler

You can always tell the "glue" guys in a local music scene. They are the side men and back line players who can fit in anywhere - not only musically versatile, but socially versatile, as well. Glue guys have to be good musicians with a large repertoire, and they have to be good people, able to get along with others seeking to play some tunes. Brian Seiler is one of those guys. He's a darn fine drummer with a great pocket and feel, and he's one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. Brian sits behind the kit to support the artist and the song when he plays, always playing tasteful and true. He's a player's player and the kind of guy you want in your band - whatever the music and whatever the style. That's why he is always in a band and always in demand. If you get a chance to see either of Brian's current bands (The Blues Drivers and Buffalo Down), you need to take the time. Before you go, take a few moments and get to know Brian Seiler. When did you decide music was going to be a big part of your life, and how did you first get involved? "I was a teen in Iowa when the British Invasion occurred in the mid-60's and saw the market for live Rock and Roll music explode. I played snare drum in my school band, but once I acquired sufficient funds, I snagged a used drum set for $100 and was soon playing at teen dances. In my early 20's I began playing in bars, while simultaneously attending the University of Iowa studying Chemistry. I took a break from college after a couple of years and naively tried to make it in music. I played in several Iowa-based bands with some pretty decent players, and by the late 70's my focus had moved to blues-infused music. I had also gotten married and adopted a son. With inadequate income and shaky music prospects, another plan was clearly needed. That involved putting band participation on the shelf for a bit… about 20 years! "In 1987, with a Ph.D in Analytical Chemistry in hand, I moved my family (now with three kids) to Kingsport and began my near 30-year career at Eastman. Toward the end of that run, I started performing again as an occasional weekend warrior. But since retiring from my corporate gig (2016) I've ramped up my musical activity, working with multiple bands and doing some recording. Some of the notable bands were Blues Junction, the Hoo Doos, the Annie Robinette Band, the Well Dogs, Hundred Acres, Ron Addison and the Tomcats, and the Real Life Heavies. (recorded CDs with the last three bands; was privileged to perform five successive years at Bristol's Rhythm and Roots Reunion)." Is your current project a first, or have you been involved in other things? "I'm currently working in two bands: The Blues Drivers band was stitched together during the COVID years mostly due to the efforts of accomplished blues harmonica player Duane 'Catfish' Frye. Besides Catfish and me, the original line-up included Jamey Gillenwater on bass and vocals, and regionally-established bluesman Jimmie D (from Greeneville, TN) on guitar and vocals. Jimmie D moved onto other projects in late 2024, and we were fortunate to pick-up Chris Taylor of Kingsport to fill the empty slot in early 2025. Chris is a skilled slide guitarist and also contributes soulful lead vocals. We gained a local following from a number of "5th Thursday" shows arranged by Catfish at the Model City Tap House in Kingsport. Delta Blues (Bristol / Abingdon) continues to be another supportive venue for us. "Buffalo Down is a trio that fell out of the 5-piece Hundred Acres band. It represents a 're-tooling' of a preceding trio, the Real Life Heavies band. Jeff Lane leads our crew, which also includes Kingsport native Johnny 'Nat' Rasar on bass and vocals. Jeff provides the guitar work and lead vocals. We're billed as an acoustic trio, with me on a cocktail-style drum kit and Jeff playing acoustic guitar. Since Jeff has on-going solo work booked weekly, we don't play out very often these days. Set lists exclusively feature cover tunes from the 60's though present, with many songs seen on popular "yacht rock" playlists." What is it about music that makes you want to perform or be involved? "It's all about the feeling experienced when the band locks-together around a song to deliver a product that none of us could individually produce. That's very satisfying, but of course a positive audience reaction is key to feeding energy to a band. It's easy to get addicted to that feeling!" How would you describe your music (band/project)? "The Blues Drivers are a rockin' blues band with music ranging from Chicago-style blues through contemporary blues material; some blues-infused rock music; heavy on blues harp! Buffalo Down is an acoustic cover band, featuring a lot of classic and yacht rock tunes." Is this something you see yourself doing as a career? "Perhaps a renewed career in my golden years? 'Musicians can't retire, because you can't retire from what you are.'" What are your other interests? Do you have any surprise talents or hobbies? "I restore, collect, and occasionally sell vintage drum sets, specializing in those American-made beauties produced in the 60's by Rogers. I also enjoy converting 'throw away' drum kit components into decor items, including lamps, chandeliers, shelf units, coolers and the like. You can see my work at silverbackdrumshack.com." Who are your influences/favorites (worldwide and local)? "My drum heroes are Chris 'Whipper' Layton, John Bonham, Charlie Watts, Ginger Baker, Ringo Starr, Pete Ragusa (original drummer with the Nighthawks) and all those great Chicago-based blues drummers behind the likes of Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. "Locally, I'd say Billy Crawford (for sharing his deep knowledge of blues music), Quentin Horton (for demonstrating a high-level of stage professionalism) and Keith Chinault (long-time drummer for many of Billy's projects, with great blues drumming technique and taste)." If you could tell people one thing they should know about you, what would it be? "Performing music has always brightened my life. I met my wife, Denise, in Iowa while playing in a small 'dive' bar. Out of necessity, I left it behind for a while, but it was easy to come back to it. Because of music interests, I've met and played with many great people that I'm glad to have in my life. We lost a fine one recently: Quentin Horton." How can people contact you about booking and information? Blues Drivers: DM via Facebook to Brian Seiler or Duane Frye; text to bseiler3@outlook.com Buffalo Down: DM to me, Jeff Lane, Johnny Rasar, or use my email address (above)