Dexter Romweber

In the midst of the Saturday-night madness at Austin, Texas’ SXSW music festival, Dexter Romweber walks in through the back door of The Jackalope, a punkish, dim-lit rockabilly joint on the strip where he’s playing later tonight. Formerly of the little-known but highly influential Flat Duo Jets, the passionate singer/guitarist has recently received some long overdue recognition—from the likes of the Rev. Horton Heat and relative newcomer Jack White, who called Romweber “a huge influence … one of the best kept secrets of the rock ’n’ roll underground.”

Sitting on a dilapidated couch in the back of the club, Romweber says he appreciates the nod. When he was younger, he was similarly inspired by artists like Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Benny Joy, Carl Perkins and The Ventures.

Having parted ways with long-time musical cohort Crow about five years ago, Romweber is now touring with drummer Sam Laresh, and the two have an amazing chemistry onstage. “Playing drums with Dex is like playing drums with Miles Davis,” says Sam, “Because … ahhhh … ”

“Well, me and Miles Davis are both Geminis,” Romweber hollers across the couch, trying to be heard over the deafening psychobilly band in the other room. “So that might have something to do with it.”

Joined earlier this year by bassist Andrew Maltbie, Romweber’s sister Sarah, saxophonist Travis Smith, and Laresh, Dex holed up at Kudzu Ranch—the studio just outside Chapel Hill, N.C., owned by Southern Culture On The Skids guitarist Rick Miller. The resulting Blues That Defy My Soul is Romweber’s third solo release and his first for Yep Roc. And he has high hopes about his new label. “I heard Yep Roc is really good about paying their artists,” Dex says, trying to maintain the utmost seriousness while Laresh cracks ups, “and I’m sure they’ll live up to that statement.”