University Star

Named after a song lyric from indie-rock band Danielson, the San Marcos based Those Know-It-Alls & Their Mighty Causes is a nine-member folk band about to go on their first cross-country tour, starting at the end of June.

Influenced by gospel music and several folk artists, the band has performed locally with a variety of instruments for almost two years.

The band started out with five members, but quickly increased its number when other musicians presented their talents to the growing ensemble.

Reagan Smith, lead vocalist and guitarist, said he loves meeting people who play instruments that may seem atypical compared to other rock groups.

“As soon as I hear someone plays a unique instrument,” he said, “I ask them if they’ve ever thought of joining a band.”

Their most recent album, “A Fire Filled Their Eyes,” features a cello, a trumpet and a glockenspiel, an instrument that resembles a xylophone.

Matthew Hagerman, band member and sound recording technology junior, has been playing the viola for eleven years. He said due to limited funding the band does everything themselves, from recording their own work to promoting their shows.

“Everyone has their gift that they bring to the band,” said Rand Renfrow, banjo player and back-up vocalist.

Smith said collaboration is essential to the group. The band gets together as often as possible to collaborate.

“We can write together pretty well,” Smith said. “Everyone draws from different places.”

The band has performed with other local groups, including the Oh Hello’s, comprised of brother-sister vocal duo Maggie Heath and Tyler Heath with bassist Chad Jaso and drummer Aaron English, who are currently on tour.

In San Marcos, Those Know-It-Alls & Their Mighty Causes practice and occasionally perform in their garage shed while encouraging friends, fans and even joggers passing by to stop and enjoy the show. They have been compared in style to artists such as Sufjan Stevens and Mumford & Sons, in style. They have performed free shows at Tantra Coffee House.

The tour will begin on June 27 and end on July 12. Detailed tour dates are located on the band’s official website as well as their Facebook page underneath their cover photo of a fake taxidermied deer wrapped in a quilt.

Their first gig will be at Beale Street Tavern in Austin. After a few more shows in Texas, the group will venture to coffee houses in New Orleans as well as Chicago.

“All we need now is a van,” said trumpet player Jon Zmikly.

Smith said the group is excited for the new experiences they will face on their first cross-country tour.

“We can write together and play together pretty well,” he said. “We know how that works for us.”