The Wood River Valley community spawns many talented people. Some of the more exciting rising stars who have spent a great deal of time in the valley honing their talents are the members of the band Finn Riggins. The trio, Cameron Bouiss, Lisa Simpson and Eric Gilbert, have been on tour on the West Coast, from southern California to Vancouver, B.C.
"We have been playing big venues," drummer Cameron Bouiss said. "It's a weird thing when people are taking care of you. It's operating on a different level."
Finn Riggins has been touring upon the completion of "Vs. Wilderness," the band's fourth record and third recording with its Portland, Ore., label, Tender Loving Empire.
"The label is doing great, and they are putting hard work into supporting us and vice versa," Bouiss said. "We have also amped up our distribution and licensing as well as hired someone to handle our publicity."
Bouiss said the band has been very fortunate, and it has been nice to have a publicist represent it who knows the industry as well as the people to call. But perhaps the band's most exciting news is that it's touring with another Idaho band, Built to Spill.
"Built to Spill has a very loyal and big fan base," Bouiss said. "The hard-core Built to Spill fans are immediately up front at the stage when we play."
Bouiss said the band reached a new level opening for Built to Spill and the band members feel they have been accepted into that scene. Though Built to Spill and Finn Riggins have different music styles, they have similar qualities.
"Doug Martsch, (lead singer and guitarist) has been really awesome and has been watching our shows very closely," Bouiss said. "He is the brain behind everything, it's very cool he digs our music. Built to Spill is super laid back and easygoing. They have made us feel very comfortable and welcomed."
Finn Riggins has raised itself to a new level, but still loves coming home to the Wood River Valley.
"We don't want it to end, and we are happy to tour like this for the rest of the year," Bouiss said. "I love the valley as much anyplace in the world and we are rooted there. I encourage everyone to come out to Fresshies."
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
The Finn Riggins trio, from left Cameron Bouiss, Lisa Simpson and Eric Gilbert, will play a homecoming at Fresshies in Hailey. Photo by
