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Indie Outing: Reggie Watts

Reggie Watts with Maktub in 2003 – photo by Warren Churgin

Indie-Jam Connection: Long before he was a hipster comedian, Reggie Watts was the frontman in the soul-oriented jamband Maktub (Relix described the band as a young Ben Harper in at 2003 review). The group made some traction around its Pacific Northwest stomping grounds and signed to Soulive manager Jeff Krasno’s Velour Records in 2002. Through Velour Watts became friendly with Soulive and toured with the group as a vocalist from 2004-2005. He also appears on the band’s 2005 album Break Out. In recent years, Watts has focused on his comedy career and spent several weeks opening for Conan O’ Brien last year (including an appearance at Bonnaroo, making Watts the rare comedian to play the festival as both a musician and comedian). Watts’ roots in Brooklyn’s alternative comedy scene have made him a favorite among hipster crowds and he recently recorded a live album at Jack White’s Third Man Records. In a strange turn of events, Watts’ recent comedic notoriety has brought him into the indie rock world. Earlier this year, Watts released an album with the LA art/rock girl duo Eagle and Talon and last week he sat in at four of LCD Soundsystem’s five farewell shows—including its high profile finale at Madison Square Garden. Why did he miss one night you might ask? Because he was headlining two sold out comedy shows at the indie mecca Music Hall of Williamsburg.

Reggie Watts joins LCD Soundsystem for its final show

Notable Jamband Moments: Reggie Watts was at the center of the jamband world in 2004. That March he played with Soulive, the Harlem Gospel Choir, Robert Walter’s 20th Congress’ Cochemea “Cheme” Gastelum and future Dave Matthews Band trumpeter Rashawn Ross at the Jammys. That June he participated in Bonnaroo’s annual SuperJam which included members of Soulive, Stanton Moore, Maceo Parker, George Porter Jr., Papa Mali and Adam Deitch.

Lot Talk: “We like to play in the midst of the jam band festival scene. It opens us up, and jam band scene people just love music. They travel the country to find it. They write down sets and what you’re wearing and they’re dedicated. We like the structure,” Reggie Watts, Redefine Magazine.