Build A Fire

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Build A Fire" by Drivin' N' Cryin' from their 1991 album Fly Me Courageous, igniting the airwaves for their devoted Zoo Freaks. This track, a gritty Southern rock anthem, reached #15 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and was a staple on MTV, capturing the band's raw energy and rebellious spirit. According to Genius, the song's lyrics reflect a sense of restlessness and defiance, with lines like "Bored with the American holstered blues" and "Peace signs on just about everything," hinting at a critique of societal norms. In a 2018 interview with Paste Magazine, frontman Kevn Kinney described "Build A Fire" as a call to shake things up, inspired by the band's experiences touring the Southeast, where they saw fans craving music that felt alive and unpolished. A fan post on Drivin' N' Cryin' Fans Facebook group recalls a 1991 live show in Atlanta where the band extended the song's outro, with Kinney improvising lyrics about bonfires and freedom, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Another tidbit comes from a 2020 Instagram post by the band, where they shared a throwback photo from the Fly Me Courageous recording sessions, revealing that "Build A Fire" was almost cut from the album due to time constraints. Producer Geoff Workman insisted on keeping it, believing its driving rhythm and infectious chorus would resonate with listeners. The song's raw edge was partly due to the band recording it live in the studio, capturing the spontaneity of their live performances. A Zoo Freak commented on a recent X post by the band, noting how "Build A Fire" still feels like a rallying cry for misfits, with its plea to "start a new, something blue." The song's enduring appeal lies in its blend of Southern rock swagger and a universal urge to break free, making it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew's eclectic vibe.

Drivin' N' Cryin' began in 1985 in Atlanta, Georgia, when Kevn Kinney, a Milwaukee native, relocated to the city and started playing folk music at night while working at a sewage treatment plant by day. According to their bio on Wikipedia, Kinney met Tim Nielsen, a bassist from the local band Nightporters, and drummer Paul Lenz at a recording studio owned by Frank French. The trio clicked, with Kinney's introspective songwriting blending seamlessly with Nielsen's and Lenz's rock and punk influences. The band's name, inspired by one of Kinney's songs, reflected their dual sound: "drivin'" rock energy and "cryin'" country-tinged melancholy. By 1986, they were a top draw in Atlanta's club scene, signing with 688 Records and releasing their debut album, Scarred But Smarter. Their early gigs at venues like the 688 Club built a loyal following, leading to a deal with Island Records and the release of Fly Me Courageous, their most commercially successful album.

Kinney's solo career also took shape alongside the band, with his 1990 acoustic album MacDougal Blues showcasing his folk roots. Over the years, the band evolved, with lineup changes like Jeff Sullivan replacing Lenz on drums and Buren Fowler joining as a guitarist. Their eclectic style, described on their official website as a mix of folk-rock and country twang, earned them a spot in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2015. Fans can connect with the band on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and nostalgic posts. The Drivin' N' Cryin' Fans Facebook group is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks and others swap stories, share concert photos, and celebrate the band's legacy. For more fan-driven content, check out MySpace, where old-school supporters still post about the band's early days.