Ross Browne on Tucson Music, Cover Bands, & Live Shows — Desert Sound Check Ep. 2

For Episode 2 of Desert Sound Check, Derek Salois sits down with Tucson guitarist Ross Browne, known for his work with Gift Horse and Southbound Pilot, for a conversation shaped by more than two decades of friendship in the Tucson music scene.

Watch the full episode on YouTube 👇or listen on Spotify.

Episode Sponsor

This episode of Desert Sound Check is proudly sponsored by Alō Goods.

Alō Goods is Kandra’s handcrafted personal care company, creating soaps, skincare, hair care, and Tooth Suds using thoughtfully selected plant-based ingredients and essential oils. Every purchase helps support Tucson Local Bands and projects like Desert Sound Check, helping us continue celebrating Tucson’s local musicians and sharing their stories.
If you enjoy Desert Sound Check, please consider supporting the businesses that make it possible.

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Ross has spent years performing with bands like Gift Horse and Southbound Pilot, bringing his guitar work to stages across Tucson. In this episode, he and Derek reflect on how their musical paths first crossed and how that friendship has continued through years of gigs, rehearsals, and late-night conversations about music.

Ross and Derek also reflect on the musical influences that shaped them along the way, including national figures like Bob Weir and important voices from Tucson’s own music history such as Randy Clamons. They talk about the musicians who inspired them and the lasting impact those artists have had on the Tucson music community.

The conversation also explores the many ways live music comes to life in Tucson. Some bands focus on original songs, others perform covers, and many — like Ross’s band Southbound Pilot — blend both. Derek and Ross talk about how playing a cover doesn’t always mean recreating the original note for note. Sometimes the fun comes from bringing a new feel, arrangement, or interpretation to a familiar song, while still honoring what made it great in the first place.

Throughout the conversation, they return to something both musicians and fans recognize immediately: the moment when a room full of people locks into the same performance together. It’s the connection between players and listeners that keeps musicians picking up their instruments and keeps audiences coming back to shows.

They also talk about their hope that the next generation finds its way to that same experience — discovering bands, meeting other fans, and becoming part of the live music community that exists beyond scrolling through social media.

If you’d like to learn more about Ross and his musical journey, you can also read his written Tucson Local Bands Spotlight interview here: