During the late aughts and early 2010s, The Delta Routine was among the most active and appreciated acts in Milwaukee. The rock outfit frequently toured, were local festival fixtures, racked up impressive opening opportunities, and released four well-received albums. As it often goes, the band’s production slowed considerably over time as members moved, focused on other aspects of their lives, and started other projects. Still, they never fully called it quits.
On Friday, May 23, The Delta Routine will play a 20th anniversary show at The Cooperage. The milestone concert will feature some special guests and will double as an LP release show for the band. The show will also kick off what’s shaping up to be a busy summer that includes appearances at Tosa Tonight, Mile Of Music, and more.
In advance of this weekend’s performance and vinyl release show, Milwaukee Record asked drummer Kyle Ciske and singer Nick Amadeus about the anniversary outing, the new record, standout moments from the last 20 years in the band, and what’s next for The Delta Routine.
Milwaukee Record: I know there have been some quiet years in there, but 20 years is an impressive run for a project. Looking back on The Delta Routine’s tenure, what are some of the most memorable experiences from your time with the band?
Nick Amadeus: As we approach our 20th anniversary gigs, I’ve been reflecting on some standout moments from our journey. A few that stick out are our first Summerfest, where we got abruptly kicked off stage by B.B. King’s band, who showed up late for their soundcheck. Also, playing Arlene’s Grocery in New York City for the first time. Kevin got hit with a beer can thrown from the crowd—probably by accident—then proceeded to shred an unforgettable solo. There’s a video of it on YouTube.
Kyle Ciske: What I remember most were all the Milwaukee street festivals, Summerfest gigs, other music festivals, touring around the country in the van, and always using our music to try to win people over as we roamed around from gig to gig. Evan reminded me recently of a time we had left the gas pump in Gary, Indiana while filling up and he was still sleeping in the car while we all went inside. It was busy and people were waiting for pumps to open up. He wakes up and stumbles out of the van to some stranger yelling at him to get his life together because he didn’t have the keys to move the van after it was done filling up. A classic Gary story!
MR: Though the band never truly ended, it seems like The Delta Routine is really ramping things up this summer. Did the 20th anniversary prompt this sudden uptick or did you all just get the itch to play together more?
NA: The 20th anniversary definitely sparked this burst of activity. Kyle deserves the credit. He came up with the idea to celebrate the milestone, got us back in the studio, and handled all the planning. I love playing with the boys, but with life being so busy these days, this wouldn’t have happened without Kyle’s initiative.
KC: Over the years, we’ve always kept it loosely together with shows sprinkled in when Evan would come back from NOLA. I thought with it being the 20th anniversary, we could do a handful of meaningful gigs to celebrate. What really got me thinking of these little runs was when Mile Of Music reached out last year trying to get us back and realizing we could make it happen this year and put a couple other shows around that and have some fun.
MR: Beyond celebrating your four albums, Friday’s release will also be the debut of some new material. What can people expect in terms of the split between old favorites and new output?
NA: Expect a solid mix of fan favorites with a couple of new tracks sprinkled in. We’re also bringing back some special guests from the band’s past, which should make for a fun, nostalgic night.
MR: And the Cooperage show is doubling as a vinyl release, Can you talk about the background of the record a little? How many copies are up for grabs?
KC: We wanted to have something to promote for this run we are doing this year. So we decided let’s go in and get material to put out a few songs and get some vinyl printed—something we were probably always too broke to do when we were younger. We have 100 copies that will be available at our shows this year.
NA: Kyle pushed for us to hit the studio again and create our first-ever vinyl. Last September, we brought Evan up from New Orleans and spent a day at Wire & Vice with Kyle White, capturing some cool live recordings. We selected four tracks for the vinyl, and it’s a special piece of nostalgia for our friends, family, and fans to take home.
MR: The 20th anniversary show is the kickoff for a busy summer ahead, including a Tosa Tonight opening slot, the aforementioned Mile Of Music appearance, and more. What are some things you’re excited about in The Delta Routine’s future?
NA: I’m pumped for all the upcoming shows, especially Mile Of Music. It’s our third time playing and it’s always a blast. I’m particularly looking forward to the energy and connection at all these gigs.
MR: Once the 20th comes and goes, are you thinking you’ll go back into hibernation for a while or is this just the start…or the restart, so to speak?
NA: Honestly, this feels more like a celebration of our past than a full-on restart. We’re thrilled for the upcoming shows, but with everyone’s busy lives, you’ll likely see more of us in other musical projects moving forward.
KC: It’s true, as we get older we all have more going on. But many of us have other projects we are playing in. So be sure to check out Kevin in Wisconsin Space Program; me in Lost Orange Cat and TNGNT; Evan Paydon’s debut solo album is coming soon. And I think Nick might start a ’60s cover band with his dad—Bob Schneider—on drums.
MR: Is there anything else you’d like to say about The Delta Routine in general, the anniversary show, or anything else?
NA: It’s wild to think it’s been 20 years. Huge thanks to all the bands we’ve shared stages with, the venues that booked us, and the fans who’ve supported us. Most of all, we miss our brother Mike Hoffmann. We wish you were still rocking with us.