Photo Credit: Mitchell Multimedia

I love stories of how I come to know of bands and people in them. The Ghost Town Railroad is one of those moments. A few years ago I was at a show at Tree Bar, and my friend Bobby D (another artist playing CCC; check him set our for sure) introduced me to a guy named Derek Christopher. First impressions are crazy at times, as I was not sure what to think of him. Turns out he is a really great guy. Anyways, we got to talking, and he informs me he is in a band. Cool, I thought, as I always enjoy meeting people in bands. I didn’t see his band, The Ghost Town Railroad, live for a while, but when I finally did I was blown away. Those guys are all masters at their instruments, and their live show is something to see. The chemistry between Chris Laster and Derek Christopher puts Keith Richards and Mick Jagger to shame. So I’m going to say if there is one band you should not miss during the CCC weekend, it’s The Ghost Town Railroad. The Ghost Town Railroad will play Friday the 18th.

TUNED UP: Can you please introduce yourself?

The Ghost Town Railroad: Derek Christopher of Wandering Stars and The Ghost Town Railroad.

What made you and your band want to participate in this festival?  

A lot of our friends played the festival last year and had a great time. We’re also big fans and supporters of our local scene here in Cbus.

What is next for you and your band?  

Currently recording our 2nd album.

What is your favorite venue to play in Columbus? Hidden Gem?

The Shrunken Head is my favorite to play. Tree Bar is a hidden gem.

If there were a Columbus Music Hall of Fame, what three acts would you induct?  

Billy Zenn for his contributions to open mics and up and coming artists for the past 20 plus years.  Two Cow Garage, cuz they work hard af. And Tony Monaco is the best keys player—ever, period!!!!

Who are some local acts our readers should be listening to?  

There are a lot, but Damn The Witch Siren, Lackluster, Silvis, and Orion & The Constellations are some that come to mind quickly.

What is your favorite winter activity?  

Writing/recording in my studio and playing video games.  

What is your favorite winter drink?  

Hot Tea

I am a huge fan of covers; what is your all-time favorite cover?  

There are definitely some good ones out there, but Nine Inch Nails’ cover of “Dead Souls” by Joy Division is pretty tough to beat in my book.  

I have a few songs that I feel should never be covered. Do you have any songs that you feel should not, and if so what are they?  

“Nothing” by Tears For Fears from their Songs From The Big Chair album should never be covered—ever.  

If you had to eat one sandwich for the rest of your life, what would it be?  

The pesto turkey burger my wife Dani Joy makes. So, kind of lucky on that one {editor’s note: that sounds delicious}.