By Paul Sanford

Charleston, SC –  Anyone who has visited the South Carolina shore is familiar with the sights, smells and sounds of that beautiful, bountiful coast. The sight of the genteel, old city of Charleston, transports one back to the antebellum south along with the aroma of a low-country boil slowly working on the fire and the gentle, soft sounds of beach music emanating from a oceanside bar. But a new sound emerged in 2007 from Folly Beach, South Carolina, “an eclectic mix of roots music, from bluegrass to reggae and island vibes with some jam improv and some soaring vocals, usually singing about universal topics,” according to Dangermuffin guitar player and singer Dan Lotti.

The band is currently on tour supporting their sixth album, “Heritage,” making a stop in Charlotte this Saturday for the Triple C Brewery Anniversary party at 6:00pm and ready to spread their brand of sound and fury to the Queen City. Lotti spoke with Records on the Wall about the band, the music industry and their philanthropic efforts to support Charleston-area causes near to their hearts.

ROTW: How did the band form and did the band’s sound evolve or was your sound there from the beginning?

Lotti: The band formed on the shores of South Carolina in Folly Beach, with a laid-back approach and a persistent, positive, sunny, creative disposition, and we have totally evolved from a trio into a four piece that is truly eclectic, weaving acoustic tunes with electric rockers.

ROTW: What are some of the best and worst things about being a touring band?

Lotti: The best thing is growing your national family. The worst thing is leaving the family you have at home behind while you do this, and the long drives can be tough. The worst thing though is when you accidentally hit an animal on that drive… that’s the worst I would say.

ROTW: What do you know about the music scene in Charlotte?

Lotti: We know there are great legendary rooms that have come and gone, and we know there is a vibrant scene and lots of music and musicians.

ROTW: Favorite venue to play in Charlotte and other cities?

Lotti: We really like the Whitewater Center. The big, outdoor stage in a relaxed setting is ideal for us. We really enjoy playing Northern California and Oregon and really anywhere that we get to go experience for us is a blessing.

ROTW: What is the state of the music industry right now and what role does technology play?

Lotti: The music industry is thriving because of the advances in technology.  So many artists are now empowered to express themselves and this is ultimately a very positive thing. It’s pretty chaotic still but at the end of the day, more art and more expression is a wonderful thing for humanity.

ROTW: The band has in the past donated a percentage of merchandise sales to the Ronald McDonald House of Charleston, and hosted the Turkey Jam, a benefit for the Low Country Food Bank that raised over $3,000. Where does the band’s philanthropic nature come from?

Lotti: We have a family that is always growing and we are always hearing what our music means to folks and this is the highest honor for an artist, to have your creation assist in the healing of another. This is the ultimate goal and it starts with us on an individual level. The music helps us and then we sort of broadcast a vibe and folks catch on if they are open and feeling it.  Musicians deal in communities as healers.

ROTW: What expectations/hopes do you have for the Triple C anniversary show?

Lotti: Just a good vibe!  And a fun environment.  Maybe some fans will be there that know the words, spreading and growing the energies. We keep our expectations low and hope for the best, staying in gratitude and joy, of course.

ROTW: What is the recording process like for the band with the release of your latest album, “Heritage?”

Lotti: We love making albums. The recording process entails a lot of “pre-production” which is the work you do before you get into the studio. We have some Charleston-area studios that we love to work with and we also had the fortune of recording in the Unitarian Church, one of the oldest and most vibed-out churches in the Holy City. All of the reverbs were natural and from this amazing space and it is all over our album, “Heritage.”