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PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Country-rock band North of Mason-Dixon (NOMaD) has released its long-awaited second album.

NOMaD, a “hard-rockin’ modern country” band based in Pittsburgh, released it’s sophomore effort on November 26th.

Luke Zacherl, the band’s fiddle player, is a native of the Shippenville area and a 1999 Keystone graduate.

We sat down with Luke earlier this week to talk about the band, the new album, and a few other random items.

When did you first start playing the fiddle?
I started taking Suzuki method Violin lessons at age 4.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
As far as fiddling, Lee Cremo, Ivan Hicks, Ashley MacIsaac, Stuart Duncan, Jimmy Mattingly, Benny Martin, Clarence ‘Tator’ Tate, Don Messer, Buddy MacMaster. More recently, fiddlers I’m into are Jake Clayton, David McElfresh, and Billy Contreras.

How did you end up with NOMaD?
I was playing fiddle with another band at the same festival as NOMaD. There previous fiddler had commitments being in college and they asked me to fill in. Eventually I was asked to stay permanently.

If you could meet one person, living or dead, who would it be? Why?
This might be a little personal and less interesting, but my Grandpa Zacherl died the year before I was born. My Dad always said he loved fiddle music and would have loved to listen to me play.

Explain NOMaD’s sound in five words.
Not Your Typical Country Band

What are some of your fondest memories about growing up in Clarion County?
I miss being a kid and running around through the woods, riding three-wheelers, bikes, playing ball, normal kid stuff.

What is your favorite Michael Bolton song?
I don’t even think I could name one.

What can people expect from your live shows?
A high energy performance filled with newer country and classic rock tunes. Don’t make any Waylon Jennings requests or anything like that. It’s not that we don’t like old artists because we do. It’s just not what we do.

Ten years from now, you will be…
Buried at St. Michaels Cemetery.

Would you vote for a republican if they played fiddle?
Ha ha. It would take a little more than that…

What is your most memorable moment as a musician?
That’s a tough one. Probably being invited on stage to sing ‘Alcohol’ during Brad Paisleys encore with all the H2O II tour bands.

Why are manhole covers round?
Given the weight ratio, it’s easier for one person to lift a round lid and it also leaves room for less injury going in and out of the sewer with rounded edges as compared to a square hole.

If I were to look at your iPod right now, what would be the top five artists/songs on your recently played list?
1.Rancid
2.Hank III
3.None More Black
4.Ashley MacIsaac
5.H20

What is the funniest thing that you’ve experienced at a show?
There is always someone on the dance floor that is doing something ridiculous. We people-watch all the time while playing. The funniest thing I ever saw at a show was this guy Ian who was from Ireland. He was watching us in Atlantic City and we were his new favorite band. We did a 4-hour show there and he was very much under the influence. Near the end of the show, he stumbled over to his bar stool and sat on it sideways. He must have thought he sat on it the right way because he leaned back and fell right over on his neck and spilled his beer all over himself. He slowly got up, wiped himself off and acted like nobody saw anything and continued rocking!

Nomad is comprised of David August (Lead Vocals), Dale Vincent (Guitars/Vocals), Bobby Kunkel (Drums/Vocals), George Elliott (Bass), Johnny Waclo (Acoustic/Electric Rhythm Guitar/Vocals), and Luke Zacherl (Fiddle/Vocals)

Who would you most like to open for?
We’ve played with a lot of cool people, but right now I’d love to open for Jason Aldean. He’s got that heavier country sound and I think we’d fit right in.

If you were an animal, what kind of animal would you be?
A Liger.

What is your favorite song from the new album and why?
My favorite would have to be ‘Story of Us’. I always lean towards the songs that sound less like country.

Where can people go to buy your album?
www.CDbaby.com
www.iTunes.com
www.Amazon.com

For more information, check out NOMaD’s website at www.northofmasondixon.com.