Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.

Dave Peters- guitar, banjo, singer

Stefan Nisbett- guitar, keys, singer

Brandon Leyva- Drummer, singer

Ethan Williamson- Bass guitar

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Mountain Babies? How long has the band been around?

Dave and Brandon were a part of A Living Portrait which was created by Dan Butler who is currently in Lume. They did that for a couple years and stopped in 2012. 

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

The name originated in 2009 by Dave Peters and Jeremy Waun (who is now in Reverend) as a joke while writing and recording together. When Waun moved to Detroit, Peters kept the name under his solo writing. It's almost changed a few times but since it has stuck for so long with everyone and is now a known name in the area. Maybe one day we will become Sepultura 2 or The Chumbawumbers. Most likely Mountain Babies is stuck with us.

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

Dave writes the songs but as the band has been together for a couple years we are starting to all write together. As far as main themes or topics, the lyrics come naturally with however I am feeling at the moment. I try not to force anything out of me. They can range from a personal story of my own or a family members story as well. For the most part I guess I write about experience, whether it's love and death, my home, a spiritual awakening, or just a moment that has stayed with me. The topics are always changing as are my thoughts and perspective on things.

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

Neil Young and Sigur Ros have always been huge inspirations for our music. Also The Gap Band and David Wise. Lately a lot of Slim Whitman too.

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

Local shows when I was 15 years old. So many inspirations from the area who I now call friends. 

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …

We are all so comfortable with each other and are always just hanging out before the show conversing and whatnot. I feel if there's one thing that we do as a ritual is maybe pass around a left handed cigarette or one of granddad's road pops. 

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

After opening for Pegi Young and The Survivors, I had the opportunity to hang out with Spooner Oldham and do a shot of tequila with him. He also handed me his beer to chase it like a true gentleman. Or putting Elijah Thomson of Father John Misty on our guest list when we opened for The Cactus Blossoms was great. He's such a genuine and fun dude. 

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

Kaki King would be amazing because she would probably put us under a spell every show. The Band would be a great band to tour with in the past because it's The Band! I am sure the hangovers would hurt pretty bad though.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would like to add that I really appreciate you all taking the time to check us out and read this. Cheers!