When Ernie Locke found out his Bay area trio with organist Mark Cunningham and drummer Aaron Fowler had been invited to play an official slot at this year’s SXSW, he took the news in stride. The 47-year-old musician has performed at the esteemed Austin music fest several times with different bands over the years and isn’t convinced that his own Nervous Turkey fits into the mold of those that get noticed — young acts with catchy hooks and marketable looks. “I’m really very, very honored that they even picked us. I’m not saying I’m not happy. I love going to Austin, I love SXSW. But I don’t know if it’s going to do us any good.”
I caught up with Locke at Ella’s Americana Folk Art Café, the folk art-themed restaurant and live music spot in Seminole Heights he co-owns with wife Melissa Deming. He’s a wry-humored, straightforward, hulk of a man who’s comfortable in his own tattooed skin. He’s also a realist. “I’m not a fucking young spring chicken anymore. It’s not easy. I play music so that I don’t kill people, I’ll tell you that right now,” he asserts and laughs robustly.
Regardless of his age and motivations, Locke’s appeal is undeniable and his band’s sound has become an essential flavor of the local music landscape.
This article appears in Feb 24 – Mar 2, 2010.