Band Interview – Aslyn and The Naysayers

By Ant Perrucci

Aslyn and the Naysayers is one of the most noteworthy bands in St. Augustine’s folk scene. Fueled by two guitars (Matt Armstrong, Jim Johnston) and the hauntingly distinctive voice of Aslyn Barringer, the trio – formerly a weekly fixture at the now-closed Rockin’ Bean downtown – have a monthly presence playing First Friday at Present Moment Café.

Drift: How did the band form?
Matt Armstrong: It was very organic. [We] just kind of ended up becoming the band it is now.
Aslyn Barringer: I don’t really know how it happened. I met them when I came [to Flagler]. They were really nice and it kind of just worked out.
Jim Johnston: In high school me and Matt played, we did bands and played acoustically like we do now, we kept doing it through college.

D: What are your musical influences, personally?
JJ: I listen to all sorts of jazz. A lot of different influences. We cover a lot of different styles, we go from old-timey jazz to bluegrass to pop. We do a cover of a techno song. MA: My dad’s been a big influence, because he plays in a bluegrass band, [but I’m] really influenced by the Florida folk scene.
AB: In high school, I was actually in a punk band. But I love bluegrass. We all have different passions but it all comes together really well.

D: How did you come up with the name?
AB: Naming your band is always trouble. One night we were making the most ridiculous names ever and they were nay saying.
JJ: It just kind of stuck.
MA: We’re mean to Aslyn, supposedly. But she’s a really good sport about it.

D: Aslyn has a distinctive, almost smokey voice. How has it influenced your sound?
MA: She’s a very charismatic singer. When Aslyn does a cover, she does a really good job of making it distinct. She doesn’t have to imitate anybody.
JJ: She’s [got] a really, you know, versatile voice, she can go from kind of breathy jazz to good bluegrass harmonies.
AB: I get a lot of influence from blues singers. Nina Simone’s my favorite … Etta [James], Billie [Holiday]. I think the reason that, especially Matt and I, work together is because I sing low harmony, and Matt can hit those high notes. Matt has this sweet voice, and I have this raspy thing. [But we] complement each other really well.

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