Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune
March 9, 2021
Andrew Stern and Laura Arias said that not being able to tour to support their latest album, “Long Rider,” has been disappointing, but keeping themselves and their fans safe during this pandemic is more important. The husband-and-wife duo make up the group 3 Pairs of Boots and said they have made great use of their time at home. “We have spent our time writing and recording a new album, for either a fall 2021 or January 2022 release and sharpening our skill set for livestream performances,” said the San Francisco-based couple. “And we created a video series called ‘Cookin’N’Country’, which we shot in our kitchen, mixing cooking and music together.”
Q: Many actors and musicians have told me they won’t complain about having to travel for work. How do you feel about not being able to just hop on a plane for your projects?
Laura: We agree. It’s a bummer not having the freedom to travel when we want to play music. Not complaining, everyone’s going through it. Just grateful to be healthy.
Q: If you had travel plans for 2020 and had to cancel, where were they to?
Andrew: We were scheduled to do a photo shoot for the current album, “Long Rider,” with our video director in Nashville. Between the pandemic and tornado in Nashville, we had to cancel. United Airlines did not refund our money for the plane fares, instead giving us a credit that we had to use within one year, which we will be unable to use given the current environment. We were planning on visiting family and friends in Northern California and Oregon over the summer, but the fires got in the way. (But) we are lucky to live close to Golden Gate Park and the beach, so it’s good walking here. And we have discovered local neighborhood stores that we hadn’t visited. Now we walk sometimes to the local co-op for groceries – a great way to get some exercise and keep the kitchen stocked up.
Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?
Andrew: Unfortunately, my parents never took us on vacation. Instead, my father rented the family a summer house with a pool when we were younger. Then as we got older, (they) sent us off to a great summer camp up near Yosemite. Loved camping.
Laura: First vacation was Lake Tahoe. Memories are a little vague, but I remember floating on a raft (and) had a good time.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
Andrew: There is a song on the new album “Long Rider” called “Everywhere I Go,” which speaks to feeling at home no matter where you are – to feel comfortable in your surroundings, even if they are new to you and take in the sights and sounds and people you are experiencing for the first time.
Q: Where is the most romantic destination?
Andrew: Could be Hawaii or New York City. Both have such great vibes for couples. When we went to Paris, that was exciting, too.
Q: Do you go away for any holidays?
Laura: We try to avoid the well-traveled holidays when the masses flock to the overpriced destinations. We grew up in the Bay Area, so family is here (and it’s) nice to spend time with them during the holidays.
Q: What are your five favorite cities?
Both: New York City, Washington D.C., Santa Fe, Chicago, Paris.
Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
Andrew: Portugal and Italy.
Laura: Spain, London, and the United Kingdom.
Q: What would be your dream trip?
Andrew: Touring the U.S. and Europe, playing music while enjoying the food, culture and all the cool people we meet. Music and travel together are a great combo.
Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
Laura: Food (and) farmers markets. Food is such an insight into the local flavor, the local scene and it gets one quickly into the vibe of a place.
© 2021 JAE-HA KIM
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