Dave Simonett, lead singer and writer of Trampled by Turtles, has carved out a legendary career by blending his Americana and Folk roots with his deep love for the natural world. Simonett sat down with LEO Weekly to discuss their new EP, Always Here, and conservation efforts, offering a glimpse into how nature has profoundly shaped his life, music, and career.
Dave Simonett and his band recently released a new EP, titled Always Here which builds on the rich foundation that Trampled by Turtles has been crafting for over 2 decades. This project blends bluegrass, modern folk, and heartfelt love songs, creating a warm, comforting sound perfect for the fall season. It is the kind of EP you would play as you put on a Bob Dylan-esque jacket and embrace personal reflection as the leaves begin to turn.
In the song “Forever”, an a standout track, Simonett’s passion for nature takes center stage with lines like, “Evergreen and lonely, it is nothing I can’t bear oh, but I wanna see you forever, baby” This line encapsulates my whole conversation with Dave, how his love for nature is everlasting, and he has the desire to preserve the beauty of the world and the relationships that enrich our lives, whether you interpret it to a connection with nature or a deep bond with someone you love. The project also has two appearances from country singer, LeAnn Rimes. LeAnn is a seasoned industry veteran, and she fit perfectly on those songs. One standout song “Out of Time” is a beautifully devastating song, referencing how we do not have as much time as we would have thought. The chorus feels nostalgic, and the song is great in general.
Simonett’s Connection to Nature and Conservation Efforts
Simonett hails from Duluth, Minnesota, a gritty, blue-collar town with a musical legacy thanks to Bob Dylan. Simonett carries the spirit of his hometown in his values and music. Just as Dylan’s work became a voice for so many, Simonett’s journey is intertwined with the natural landscape he deeply cherishes, creating folk-like storytelling that respects the environment.
One significant manifestation of Simonett’s appreciation for nature is his conservation efforts, particularly his dedication to preserving the Boundary Waters of Minnesota.
“The Boundary Waters is a place I’ve spent a lot of time, both now and when I was younger. My kids have been up there quite a bit too. It’s the largest wilderness area in the Midwest. As you can imagine, the land is beautiful, but there’s always pressure from people who want to use it for purposes other than preservation. The organization we raised money for, Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters, focuses on conservation through hunting and fishing, which is something I care deeply about. It was really cool of the Avett Brothers to get involved, even though it’s not their area. We were honored to support this organization,” he said.
Simonett’s dedication to the natural world goes far beyond his advocacy; he has used it for years, ever since he started writing music. He explains,
“I lean into the natural world when I write. I spend a lot of time outdoors, and it always finds its way into my songs. I do reflect on the frustration that comes with how people treat the environment, but I try to stay focused on what we can do about it instead of dwelling on the negatives.”
Musical Influences and Collaborations
Trampled by Turtles, despite being industry veterans, continues to receive thoughtful recognition. In a recent performance, Zach Bryan joined them on stage. Simonett reflected, “It was really sweet. After 22 years, it’s heartwarming and sometimes surprising to hear how our music affects people. Zach has been awesome; we opened for him last year on his first arena tour, and I have nothing but respect for him and his crew. He went from relative obscurity to mega-stardom fast, which can affect people differently, but Zach stays humble and focused on writing new songs. It was great having him sit in with us the other night since we were in his neighborhood.”
Beyond his recent collaborations, Simonett’s influences span a wide range, from folk legends like Bob Dylan (of course) to introspective songwriters like Elliott Smith.
“I love Elliott Smith—rest in peace. He was a big influence on me when I was younger. He had this amazing crossover between punk and folk, which was everything I loved when I started writing. I grew up listening to punk rock, but I’ve always leaned toward more Americana and folk, and Elliott was a great example of how you can blend those styles,” he said.
Simonett’s passion for strong songwriting extends to contemporary artists like Big Thief.
“They’re one of my favorite bands,” Simonett said.
“Adrienne Lenker is one of the greatest songwriters around. I was actually just listening to their new project with Tucker Zimmerman this morning. I love all the members individually—Buck Meek’s solo work is great—but Adrienne’s voice is special.”
Experience Trampled by Turtles Live: Upcoming Performance in Kentucky
Trampled by Turtles is currently on a nationwide tour and will be making a stop in Kentucky soon. On December 12, they will perform at Manchester Music Hall in Lexington, with an exciting opening act by The Last Revel. Fans can stream their new EP, Always Here, on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify. For more information and links to streaming, visit their website at trampledbyturtles.com. Don’t miss the chance to experience their music live!
Trampled by Turtles’ Dave Simonett Talks New EP Always Here, Conservation Efforts, and Musical Influences
This article appears in LEO Weekly presents Readers’ Choice 2024.