Tom Drummond, BTE’s bass player was gracious enough to answer a few questions for Houston Music Review regarding BTE’s new EP, “Death Valley”, the upcoming HOB show, ‘Krewe of Rocckus’, and the BTE Foundation and mucxh more. As mentioned BTE will be stirring the reaux at the House of Blues on December 29, so be sure to check it out. HMR will be in attendance for sure!

#1-  Been a year since we caught up with BTE.  Please tell us what is new with the band .  Any side projects in the works?
We recently released our Death Valley ep that is a modern pop twist on traditional tailgating songs that LSU’s Tiger Band plays. LSU football has been a part of our DNA since our first practice just off campus in 1988 and we always talked about recording our favorite game day tracks BTE style. The ep features tailgate favorites such as Hey Fighting Tigers; Double Shot of My Baby’s Love; Hey Baby; Tiger By the Tail; and Chinese Bandits along with some of our original songs like This Time of Year and Hell No!, inspired by our time at LSU.
I also just co-produced the new Papa Grows Funk album Needle in the Groove with Allen Toussaint.  I am currently working with Big Sam’s Funky Nation as well as a songwriter named Pat Deeb.  Future plans include producing some songs for Big Blue Marble frontman Dave Fera and obviously the new BTE album.
#2- We see that BTE is hitting Houston at the same time basically for the third year in a row.  Nice fit I guess with H-Town and BTE……….?
Houston was one of the first cities we played back in the day. The city has supported us since the very beginning and we always love coming back each year to play.
#3- Can we expect another killer gig opener like Big Sam’s Funky Nation in 2010?   Any new tunes from BTE?

You may hear some of the songs off our LSU ep since there are a lot of Tiger Fans in Houston. As far as new material, we are working on new songs for an album we’ll be releasing in 2012. So stay tuned!
#4-  Please give us an update on your killer BTE Foundation.

The BTEFoundation just hosted our 10th Annual Ezra Open charity event in September sponsored by Ochsner Health System and Harrah’s Casino. The Ezra Open was a celebrity bowling tournament followed by a patron party with a live and silent auction along with a BTE concert with special guests like Emerson Hart of Tonic, Daniel Powter, Travis McNabb of Sugarland and more.
Not only was it a great time but our most successful year to date, which is incredible.
It gives us the opportunity to give back to New Orleans as the city has done so much for us. With the Better Than Ezra Foundation we are really able make a difference in the community and region by partnering with various non-profits. We are continuing to help Bethune Elementary, a local school where we donated and built an educational playground earlier this year, as well as other local organizations.
But if you want to learn more and how to get involved, please check out www.BTEFoundation.org.

#5-  Krewe of Rocckus is coming back for year #2!    How was last year’s gig received in Nawlins?    What’s in store as far as band line-up and surprises this go around?  What kind of deals can the fans expect as far as packages go?  Will there be any info booths set up @ HOB gig 12/29?

Our 2nd Annual Krewe of Rocckus Mardi Gras event is going down February 16-18th in New Orleans which we’re really excited about. Essentially it is an inclusive 3-day event where we show you the best New Orleans has to offer during Mardi Gras. Everything from a welcome brunch with James Beard award-winning Chef John Besh, private parade viewing stands, second line complete with New Orleans brass band and traditional Mardi Gras indians, and much more. Did I mention that it is open bar, food and live music at most spots? Also our friends Tonic, Ed Roland of Collective Soul and Big Sam’s Funky Nation are joining us for the Krewe this year so it is going to be one hell of a time! 
There are a number of packages available depending on if you need a hotel room (prices vary depending on occupancy) and if you have your own accommodations. If you want a hotel package, definitely book now as space is running out. — www.RoadToMardiGras.com