Life as 'band dad'
Hotel Draw bassist Marc Bourdon on big strings, new albums

For this week’s “Between the Beats,” I chatted with perhaps the coolest local band dad of all time (and kick-ass bassist) Marc Bourdon. Bourdon and his bandmates in the indie-rock quartet Hotel Draw are undeniably among my favorite Durango bands. With regional appearances at the Animas City Theatre, Cold Storage and even Montezuma County’s Burro Fest, the quietly determined group has found time amidst family, work and ultramarathons to drop a brand spankin’ new album “Spirit Come Spirit Go.” To learn more, I recently talked with Marc.

SS: What drew you to the bass originally, and what keeps you inspired by it? 

MB: My dad worked at a music shop when I was a kid. I was in there one day, and our neighbor came in and just ripped on the bass. That was it for me. I spent a few years playing guitar in bands but always wanted to play bass. I switched to bass and never looked back. I love it, because it’s a supporting instrument. It has a way of hitting you in the gut and setting the vibe, but it stays in the shadows.

SS: What’s the origin story of Hotel Draw?

MB: Erik Skaggs (guitar/vocals) and I knew each other from a previous life in southern New Mexico. He was living with Brendan Trimboli (drums) when I landed in Durango in 2014. We started playing some Bob Dylan covers around 2018. Our first show was a Christmas party under a different name and kind of as a joke, but we kept at it, and brought Peter Marshall (keys) on for some real firepower. We’re ultimately just a circle of friends, but that’s kinda the best way isn’t it? Skaggs and Brendan are big ultra-runners, and Hotel Draw is a spot they love up on the Colorado Trail. We thought it was a workable band name and a cool regional nod.

SS: How do you approach your role in Hotel Draw? Do you see yourself as a rhythm anchor, melodic counterpoint or something else? 

MB: Band dad. Rhythm anchor.

SS: Tell us all about the new record.

MB: We are so happy with “Spirit Come Spirit Go.” These are a collection of songs we have been playing since the early days. It took several years and getting through babies, COVID, hand injuries, house building and all of that to finally decide to record them. I am really happy we didn’t rush it, because the songs have grown so much since the early days. The songs are all so different, but it’s a great representation of what we can do.

We recorded them at Crystal Village Studios here in Durango at my friend Michael Rossback’s place way up Florida Road. Michael has a beautiful studio, and he has been at it most of his life. He really helped us through the process. He is a total pro, and we had such a fun time.

You can find the album on all major digital outlets, and we are pressing some vinyl soon. The album art was done by local Matt Clark at @lilbuddesigns. We wanted to collaborate with a local artist to round it out, and Matt delivered big time.

SS: Do you have a favorite Hotel Draw bassline or a song where you feel the bass gets to shine? 

MB: During the recording session, Michael suggested I try something higher to shake it up on “When You Go.” The whole song on bass is a 1-5 country vibe, and then it goes high and melodic for the third verse … it’s just such a lovely little change from the rest of the song. 

SS: Are there any Durango acts or collaborators you’re excited about right now? 

MB: I just love the landscape of individuals that are collectively the vibe in Durango. Visual artists like Matt Clark and Jared Reed; Bryant Liggett and Jon Lynch at KDUR; Jimmy’s Music; Alicia Glass and ORA; Acid Wrench; The Monkberries; The Quarks; Dana Ariel; Zac Clark and Desert Child; Ragged Oak; and the guys at Cold Storage. There are just a bunch of folks hustling, and it makes me happy.  

SS: What’s your favorite type of venue to play?

MB: I go back and forth. We have had some special nights at the Animas City Theatre, both at KDUR cover nights, but also opening for Desert Child. It’s so nice to have great sound, lights and a proper stage and to have all our people there. But, there is also something to be said for a scrappy DIY venue where you have to figure everything out. It’s not perfect but you make it happen. You and your collaborators make something out of nothing, and it existed for three hours and then fades to memories and Instagram reels.