For the love of music: Batavia's Tin Fiddle Band ready for next challenge

BATAVIA – Batavia-based the Tin Fiddle Band only played its first show in January and is already in the studio making an album.

The four-piece band is taking the RPM Challenge, which is challenging bands across the nation this month to write 10 songs and record them in one month.

“It’s a good challenge,” said Jeremy Sauer, 37, of Batavia, who handles vocals, guitar, dobro and banjo in the band. “It’s a chance for us to get together and collaborate.”

Those bands that participate will have their finished CDs placed on RPM’s website in an online music player.

Sauer formed the Tin Fiddle Band last summer with fellow Batavian Dave Skirmont, 47, who provides vocals, fiddle, harmonica and piano in the group.

But they have a closer connection than just being in a band together. Sauer also is Skirmont’s brother-in-law.

“Jeremy and I have played in previous bands and wanted to get a country band together,” Skirmont said.

Rounding out the band is Harry George, 60, of Aurora, on vocals and drums, and Mike Crowe, 42, of St. Charles, on vocals and guitar.

Skirmont hopes that the RPM Challenge will lead to the release of the band’s first CD.

“We’d like to get some radio play,” Skirmont said. “Even if we don’t get a record contract, we would still like to do a self-produced album.”

Skirmont’s 12-year-old son, Matthew, is the band’s special guest singer when Tin Fiddle Band performs in public.

“I love it,” said Matthew, who also has performed with the Fox Valley Children’s Chorus. “I just like singing.”

Matthew, whose favorite country band is the Rascal Flatts, has aspirations of being on “American Idol” somebody.

“I think I would do pretty well,” Matthew said.

The members of Tin Fiddle Band are overwhelmed by his talents.

“His pitch is right on,” Sauer said.

Tin Fiddle Band has a unique sound that cannot be easily labeled. Skirmont described the band as “country folk and southern rock, with a splash of bluegrass.”

“We’re not an overpowering band,” George said. “We generate a good sound without overpowering your ears.”

Crowe admitted that he wasn’t a big fan of country music before joining the band.

“It is new to me,” Crowe said. “But now I’m really enjoying it.”

The members of Tin Fiddle Band are juggling being in a band with day jobs and raising children. But that’s OK, because the members are not looking to go out on tour.

“We want to stay at home, and try to do it around this area,” Skirmont said.

Tin Fiddle Band performed its first show last month at Water Street Studios in downtown Batavia, and recently played a benefit show in Batavia.

The members come from diverse musical backgrounds. George, for example, has been in all kinds of bands, ranging from rock and jazz to disco.

“We’re still in the experimental stage, trying to figure out how we jell together,” George said.

But he had a good feeling the first time he sat down and played with the band.

“I felt it right away, that this is it,” George said.

Skirmont returned the compliment.

“I was very impressed when he played the first day,” he said.

In sitting down to write songs, the band operates like a democracy.

“We all have input,” George said. “If it doesn’t work, we throw it out.”

If you ask Skirmont what drives the band, he has an easy answer.

“We’re just a bunch of kids who can’t grow up,” he said.

Tin Fiddle Band

For upcoming shows by the Tin Fiddle Band, visit www.tinfiddle band.com.