Interview: Craig Fort discusses bringing a relatable quality to Lightning Stills debut album

Lightning Stills, a band with roots in the Omaha music scene, recently launched their self-titled debut album, following their previous EP and singles. The group includes Craig Fort on vocals and guitar, Mike Friedman on steel guitar, guitars, keys, and vocals, Tom May on guitars, Dan Maxwell on bass, and Matt Baum on drums. Additional musicians like Oliver Bates Craven on fiddle and Javid Thunders on drums also joined for the album. These musicians bring diverse backgrounds from genres such as Hardcore, Metal, and Post-Rock.

Craig Fort initiated Lightning Stills in 2020 as a platform to express and reflect on his journey to sobriety. Fort, who leads the post-rock band Leafblower, found this confessional approach appealing. Collaborating with multi-instrumentalist Mike Friedman, who had years of experience in country music, they crafted an album that blends humor, directness, and reflections on daily life. The music’s straightforwardness is complemented by innovative musical skills, making the album engaging.

In a conversation with Craig Fort, he revealed that the band’s album release show coincided with his sixth anniversary of sobriety, a significant milestone for him. Lightning Stills took shape during the pandemic when the members collaborated remotely, exchanging ideas online before meeting in person. For Fort, writing music during this period served as a coping mechanism and a means of transitioning to a new way of living post-recovery.

The band’s name, Lightning Stills, originated from Fort’s character concept of a moonshiner striving for sobriety, symbolizing his personal journey. Initially portraying himself through this character, Fort eventually incorporated the band members’ talents into the collective entity of Lightning Stills. The group’s eclectic mix of individuals with diverse musical backgrounds creates a unique sound that sets them apart.

Craig Fort’s musical history includes projects like Leafblower, known for its heavy, post-rock, psychedelic sound. Collaborating with bandmates who share similar musical backgrounds, including Danny Maxwell, who also runs Max Trax Records, adds depth and variety to Lightning Stills’ music. The band’s members, many of whom are former drinkers, found common ground at a local bar where they performed and bonded over music. Transitioning away from the bar scene and focusing on music strengthened their friendships and musical pursuits.

While performing with Lightning Stills differs from heavy music performances with Leafblower, Craig Fort embraces various personas in each project to express different aspects of his creativity. Leafblower’s loud, energetic performances contrast with the more introspective and reflective tones of Lightning Stills, showcasing Fort’s versatility as a musician. Collaborating with musicians from different backgrounds and genres allows Lightning Stills to explore new musical territories and create a dynamic sound that resonates with diverse audiences.