December 2017 - Brian Tatler Interview
"What about the legend that is Tatler though? Well there's no doubting his enthusiasm as he hi-fived us down the front on the title track of two consecutive numbers from their 1980 debut album 'Lightening To The Nations', followed by 'The Prince', which demonstrated the early influence of Punk on Tatler's music - with the audience once again joining in or echoing Born Andersen on the chorus lines as they did with a few "wooooooaaaaah's" on the quieter, more sedate opening to 'The Heat Of The Night', another from 'Borrowed Time', before Tatler duly ratchet it up a gear with another awesome heavy guitar solo, although Rasmus was on the money for singling out Wilcox for praise at the end, for his unerring drumming." That was part of our take on Diamond Head's gig at London's O2 Academy Islington gig just over a couple of week's ago and we had the pleasure of interviewing all-round nice guy Mr. Tatler prior to the gig below.
November 2017 - Kie Von Hertzen Interview
We first saw the excellent Von Hertzen Brothers on the Prog Stage at London's High Voltage festival in July 2011 and six years down the line our very own Mother caught up with guitarist Kie Von Hertzen at Hard Rock Hell for an interview after their set last Saturday.
October 2017 - The Iron Maidens Interview
Run to the Hills: The Iron Maidens are back in London tonight (Sunday 29th October) at the O2 Academy Islington for the final night of their UK tour! On Tuesday before we headed off to to see Metallica at London's O2 Arena, we had the pleasure of interviewing both (pictured) drummer Linda Nikki McBURRain McDonald and guitarist Nikki Davina Murray Stringfield of the the worlds one and only all-female Iron Maiden tribute band. You can listen to the interview below, recorded in advance of their first gig in Cardiff.
August 2017 - Scorpion Child Interview
In the last of our Ramblin' Man Fair Wrinklycast interviews here, we had a nice chat with AJ Vincent from Austin, Texas - heavy keys player in Heavy - Acid Rockers Scorpion Child, who were playing The Grooverider stage two hours later on the Saturday. We first saw Scorpion Child supporting Crobot at Camden's Underworld in November 2015 (pictured) and caught up with AJ as to what has happened since then including their latest album 'Acid Roulette' plus also his new solo album 'Electric Kind of Love'.
August 2017 - Aaron Buchanan And The Cult Classics Interview
In our penultimate Ramblin' Man Fair Wrinklycast interview here, step forward former Heaven's Basement vocalist and the nattily dressed Aaron Buchanan with his equally stylish sister Laurie both from Aaron Buchanan And The Cult Classics who played the Rising Stage on the Saturday. We had seen Aaron and Heaven's Basement supporting Aerosmith at Clapham's Calling Festival just over three year's ago and in a really frank discussion Aaron talks about life after Heaven's Basement how ABATCC got together and their new album 'The Man With Stars On His Knees'.
August 2017 - Xander & The Peace Pirates Interview
Probably the most surreal interview of the Ramblin' Man Fair weekend took place with Liverpool's Xander And The Peace Pirates. Unbelievably, for some reason, this really great bunch of guys did not have access to the media area and we ended up doing the interview outside with Keith Xander (lead guitar/vocals, Stuart Xander (guitars), Mike Gay (slide guitar, guitar/vocals), Joel Goldberg (bass) and Adam Goldberg (drums) - where we found out that they had already played The Rising Stage despite the RMF itinerary saying it was Sunday. Would you believe also believe the guys follow up interview was with Nicky Horne, no less, and our valiant attempt to locate Nicky in the media area for XATPP was unfortunately unsuccessful (you couldn't make it up). Anyway, listen to our interview below where the former Cavern residents discuss their Soul, Blues and Rock influences plus their debut album '11:11'.
August 2017 - Aaron Keylock Interview
With just three more Ramblin' Man Fair interviews to come plus a Sunday review, this is our quick chat with teenage guitar sensation Aaron Keylock before he was due to grace the Four Roses Bourbon Blues Stage later that Sunday afternoon. The last time we interviewed Aaron was last December, so in our Wrinklycast catch up interview here we discuss the recent release of his critically acclaimed debut album 'Cut Against The Grain', further album and festival plans plus which particular Ramblin' Man artists he was looking forward to seeing later that afternoon.
August 2017 - Bad Touch Interview
We first interviewed Bad Touch last December in the cold outside the Dome in Tufnell Park - the night of the launch of their latest album 'Truth Be Told' when they supported Whiskey Myers. In fact, the last time we saw their Southern boogie influences in the great tradition of Black Crowes, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Led Zeppelin was at London's Borderline this April after the shock departure of guitarist Rob Glendinning who had been replaced by Harry Slater. Imagine our surprise as Michael Bailey (bass guitar), Daniel Seekings (guitars/backing vocals), Stevie (Alan? Alan? Alan?) Westwood (vocals) and George Drewry (drums) filed into our Ramblin' Man Fair interview tent recently with Rob in tow! Anyway, listen to our interview here for the reason Rob had returned, plus news on their October tour with The Kentucky Headhunters and their November headline tour with Mollie Marriott.
August 2017 - Dirty Thrills Interview
The London based Rock band Dirty Thrills played the Ramblin' Man Fair Grooverider Stage last Saturday and we were lucky enough to interview the guys on the hoof after their set. A young, exciting and charismatic Hard Rock quartet who play Bluesy Rock ‘n’ Roll with an appealing filthy edge - listen to our interview as the guys talk about their Planet Rock sponsored UK tour in November when they will support Black Star Riders plus their new album album ‘Heavy Living' which is due to be released on Friday 15th September.
August 2017 - Jared James Nichols Interview
Fresh from his awesome performance opening the Ramblin' Man Fair Planet Rock Main Stage on the Saturday, we had the pleasure of interviewing American Blues-Rock guitarist and singer Jared James Nichols. Jared tells us about about 'Old Glory', his 'pick-less' electric guitar playing technique and what can we expect from his new studio album 'Black Magic' due to be released this September.
July 2017 - KilliT Interview
Recorded at Ramblin' Man Fair on Sunday 30th July 2017 after their awesome opening set on The Rising Stage - we managed to catch more than a few words from the guys/gal from Rock/Metal band KilliT. In probably one of our best interviews ever, if not the most mental, listen to how this multi-national band got together, their plans for a new album/gigs and how they battled to get their voices heard over the RM PA system in the background!
June 2017 Part 8 - Chris Kimsey Interview
"The "Finnish slide goddess" recorded the album in her homeland but it was mastered by the Master in London's Air Studios. And it's a slick production. Whilst known as a Blues artist, Erja has incorporated elements of many other styles in an album that is therefore a mix of tastes. And with lyrical themes that transcend all ages there's something in it for everyone."
That was part of our recent take on Erja Lyytinen's new CD 'Stolen Hearts' and the day before Erja's album launch at London's iconic 100 Club in April we also had the privilege of interviewing "the Master" - legendary producer Chris Kimsey after Erja's private unplugged set at Soho's Ain't Nothing But Blues venue (picture John Bull).
June 2017 Part 7 - Erja Lyytinen Interview
"The "Finnish slide goddess" recorded the album in her homeland but it was mastered by the Master in London's Air Studios. And it's a slick production. Whilst known as a Blues artist, Erja has incorporated elements of many other styles in an album that is therefore a mix of tastes. And with lyrical themes that transcend all ages there's something in it for everyone."
That was part of our recent take on Erja Lyytinen's new CD 'Stolen Hearts' and the day before Erja's album launch at London's iconic 100 Club in April we also had the privilege of interviewing Erja below after her private unplugged set at Soho's Ain't Nothing But Blues venue (picture John Bull)
June 2017 Part 6 - Tequila Mockingbyrd Interview
"As for Aussie Rockers Tequila Mockingbyrd - their storming set was taken, other than newbie 'Tell Me', from their recently released worldwide debut album 'Fight and Flight' - which was actually released down under a year ago. 'Money Tree', 'Never Go Home', 'This Ain't Dead', 'Good Time' and 'So Not Me' easily demonstrated why the band have received such great reviews from both Planet Rock and Classic Rock. The stand outs for mine though were their cover of Richie Ramone's 'Somebody Put Something In My Drink' plus their brilliantly entitled finale 'I Smell Rock 'n' Roll which has received a lot of well deserved worldwide airplay over the last year."
That was part our Tequila Mockingbyrd Stone Free Festival review and afterwards we also managed to interview singer/guitarist Louisa Baker, bassist Jacinta Jaye and drummer Josie O'Toole who was understandably the spokesperson for TM - as she dropped the Estelle/Jess bombshell during our audio interview below!
June 2017 Part 5 - Brad Marr (Massive) Interview
"Typical Aussies - these guys are on a perpetual world tour following the release of their critically acclaimed 'Destination Somewhere' album last year - with even Kerrang saying that they were following in the footsteps of Guns 'N Roses. Massive definitely cranked up the tempo as they weaved around the small stage wringing every possible sinew out of their performance with their full frontal Aussie Rock including fans favourite ' Blood Money Blues' (check out the video) and their new single 'Calm Before The Storm' from their forthcoming album. One of the highlights of the day - make sure you catch them at London's Proud on Friday 14th July."
That was part our Massive Stone Free Festival review but we also managed to interview Massive singer/guitarist Brad Marr below - what a nice guy - who reaffirmed the accuracy of the band's reputation as riot-starting, fist swinging road dogs fuelled on adrenaline, lager and a determination to party hard!
June 2017 Part 4 - Gary Hoey Interview
"It was hard to believe that despite having 20 albums under his belt and having toured with a veritable Rock who's who over the years, that the Massachusetts born Hoey, who once auditioned for Ozzy Osbourne in 1988, was making his London debut. A driving intro from AJ Pappas (bass) and Matt Scurfield (drums) saw the shades wearing Hoey ask the audience "Are you guys ready to have a good time?" before he counted in "1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4!" and his guitar and vocals duly proceeded to rip into a cover of The Alabama State Troupers 'Going Down' - power trio Blues/Rock at it's best. Wow!"
That was part of our recent Gary Hoey Nell's Jazz & Blues review and we were very fortunate to have this relaxing chat with Gary backstage before his gig.
June 2017 Part 3 - Eric Gales Interview
One of our WRC member's had already seen guitar whirlwind Eric Gales perform in Newbury on his UK tour and had promised that were in for a real treat. As it turned out he was not wrong as we took in Eric recently at Nell’s Jazz & Blues in Kensington, London - the final gig of his UK tour. We were also very lucky enough to do a very insightful interview with Eric backstage before the gig.
June 2017 Part 2 - HVMM Interview
This band from Worcester first came to our attention after the release of their recent single 'Lacerate' - their unique ballsy, bolshy, raw Rock sound receiving rave reviews with influences of Faith No More, Royal Blood, Band Of Skulls and Zep. We caught up with Andy Teece - vocals/guitar, Ebony Clay - lead guitar, Jack Timmis - bass and Samuel Jenkins – drums outside - before the guys took to a sweltering Belushi's stage before knocking out a very impressive original set that included 'Big Green Joe', 'Lacerate', 'Beggars and Thieves', 'Postal', 'Pummelling A Monk' and 'Modern Pussy' - showcasing not only Teece's unique vocal delivery (think Jack White meets Nick Cave), the swagger of Clay's guitar and the solid unit/engine room of Timmis and Jenkins, but also the reason why they are the first British band to be signed by American label ILA. HVMM release their first EP 'Talk To Me Like I'm Dead' on 1st September and also return to Camden and The Proud in two weeks time. Do not miss them.
"Following on are twin guitarists James Bird and Marc Montgomery dealing out the riffs with a fine Les Paul/PRS combo. And providing the steady rhythm are bassist Matthew Ward and drummer Craig McFetridge. Following straight into 'Your Memory', you can see these guys were born 40 years too late. If they were around in the seventies they would be filling arenas today. Think Alter Bridge meets UFO. And then has a love child with Black Stone Cherry. As a nod to that era, they performed an excellent cover of Mountain’s 'Mississippi Queen', with a fine solo from JB before lowering the tempo with 'Out of Reach'." That was part of Mother's Mason Hill review when they recently supported Inglorious at Islington Assembly Hall and we were lucky enough to interview guitarist James Bird backstage below before the gig.
June 2017 Part 1 - Mason Hill Interview
Despite the cowardly attrocity in Westminster that same Wednesday afternoon, life in England's capital city, as it always does, carried on in the face of adversity, as Monster Truck did both London and Canada proud at Camden's Electric Ballroom on 22nd March. With excellent support from "in yer face" two piece The Picturebooks, we were lucky enough to interview Jon, Brandon and Jer backstage beforehand and also present them with their 2016 WRC Best Support Band award!
May 2017 Part 1 - Monster Truck Interview
18th April 2017 - Dan Patlansky Interview
Last week in the heart of London, the WRC had the pleasure of interviewing South African Blues Rock guitarist Dan Patlansky and despite a few technical gremlins on our part – the banter flowed and we would like to thank Dan for his time.
WRC: Welcome back to London Dan. You’re headlining London’s O2 Islington Academy on Tuesday 2nd May - how did the first 2 gigs of your current UK tour go?
DP: They went really well. First off we played Mr. Kyps in Poole followed by HRH in Sheffield where I managed to jam with my friend Laurence Jones who I have toured the UK with before. We’re off to Germany next, and as you say return to London on the 2nd with a further four UK gigs in Manchester, Cardiff, Bristol and Barnstaple.
WRC: Your last two UK tours have seen you supporting both Joe Satriani and King King – what was that like and how did that impact your fan base?
DP: Ha ha – both tours were amazing. Joe and I used to tune up playing the Blues together before each gig and I used to think how cool is that? King King are also big favourites of mine and are such nice guys as well, so it was really pleasing that the KK fans took me on board and are now following both my music and my tours.
WRC: In Johnannesburg 2014 you opened for Bruce Springsteen in front of 64,000 people – how popular is Blues Rock in South Africa and how does it compare to here?
DP: It was really weird. The vastness of the stadium and the vicinity of the crowd made it feel a bit like a rehearsal until I looked around and saw Bruce standing in the wings – that’s when I got really nervous! Despite the fact that the venues I play in South Africa are much larger, there is a far stronger Blues Rock base in the UK although the fan base is growing at home.
WRC: Is there any truth in the rumour that you have problems taking your ’62 Fender Strat on tour?
DP: Yeah that’s right! It’s because of the rare Brazilian rainforest wood on the neck - although the neck is detachable!
WRC: Touring obviously has an overall physical impact but does it affect your guitar playing?
DP: Good question! Yes my hands do definitely get stronger on tour so there is a tendency to overplay sometimes but there’s no danger of me turning into a shredder!
WRC: Can you tell us a bit about your band?
DP: Yes I’m really lucky. The guys are all from Germany and they are all great session musicians. Unfortunately it’s a fact of life that it’s too expensive to bring your own band over from South Africa,
WRC: We recently saw the very impressive Ash Wilson supporting Sari Schorr & The Engine Room at London’s Borderline and Ash is supporting you on your tour?
DP: Yes Ash and I hit it off straight away at our very first UK gig at Mr. Kyps. Our musical styles definitely complement each other, which is so important as I well know from past experience supporting bands like King King.
WRC: Your UK tour ends in Barnstaple on Saturday 6th May - do you have any plans for any Summer Festivals?
DP: No plans for Festivals but I will be returning to Europe mid-Summer and will be back in the UK in November.
WRC: Your last album ‘Introvertigo’ was voted number 1 Blues Rock album of 2016 by Blues Rock Review USA – how cool was that?
DP: Very chuffed. But it’s not so much the award, it’s more the avenues that are opened up because of an award. For example, there’s no doubt that on the strength of that particular award, it put the wheels in motion for this follow-up tour to take place.
WRC: Would you agree that ‘Introvertigo’ has a more raw Blues Rock feel to it compared to your previous award winning album ‘Dear Silence Thieves’?
DP: Yes – it’s a bit more in your in your face and has ten strong tracks that really translate well live which is a big deal to me.
WRC: And can we detect a bit of Dave Gilmour on your ‘Introvertigo’ track ‘Still Want To Be Your Man’?
DP: Yes you did! I’m a big fan of Dave Gilmour, and Floyd’s ‘Wish You Were Here’ was a major influence on my formative musical education, although strangely enough it was the album cover that first grabbed my attention! As they say, the rest is history as I then went back in time listening to Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, Freddie King and Albert King – all still major influences in my songwriting.
WRC: Following ‘Stop The Messin’ - you’ve just released your second single from ‘Introvertigo’- ‘Sonnova Faith’ – what was the story behind that release?
DP: As well as the single itself having a very important political message, the song has actually proven to be the most popular on the album, such as on platforms like Spotify. Consequently, on the radio edit we also topped and tailed it with a preacher talking!
WRC: ‘Introvertigo’ was two years in the making - is there a new album in the pipeline and will you be playing any new material on this tour?
DP: Yes we’re going into the studio in June with twenty or so songs aiming to release a new album in April next year. We’re experimenting with production and sounds on the new album. For example, we’ve actually utilized an 18th century Church in Cape Town for its distinctive drum sound. It’s also very refreshing to have new songs on your setlist although we won’t be playing any of our new material on this tour.
WRC: Given ‘Wish You Were Here’ was your very first album – what’s your favourite current album
DP: Father John Misty (who consequently since this interview will be at London's Hammersmith Apollo on Tuesday 7th November)
WRC: … and the very first live gig you went to?
DP: Def Leppard (pause) … ha ha (interview quickly curtailed)
WRC: We look forward to seeing you in Islington Dan on 2nd May. Thanks once again!
February 2017 Part 2 - Black Orchid Empire Interview
Described as Hard Rock with a soft underbelly, we saw the awesome Black Orchid Empire headline at Camden's Monarch in early February. At yet another Camden Rocks showcase, The Monarch is a real rock pub, a microcosm of today's music business as bands bartered equipment with each other during their sound checks, whilst we were interviewing BOE consisting of New Zealander Dave Ferguson (bass/vocals), American Billy Freedom (drums) and Brit Paul Visser (vocals/guitar) backstage beforehand. In fact the interview was so good and long that we split it into two parts - this is the second and final part where the guys talk to us here about, amongst other things, guitar heroes, production, music videos, festivals and Petula Clark!
February 2017 Part 1 - Black Orchid Empire Interview
Described as Hard Rock with a soft underbelly, we saw the awesome Black Orchid Empire headline at Camden's Monarch in early February. At yet another Camden Rocks showcase, The Monarch is a real rock pub, a microcosm of today's music business as bands bartered equipment with each other during their sound checks, whilst we were interviewing BOE consisting of New Zealander Dave Ferguson (bass/vocals), American Billy Freedom (drums) and Brit Paul Visser (vocals/guitar) backstage beforehand. In fact the interview was so good and long that we have split it into two parts - this first part is where the guys tell us here about life before BOE, life with BOE, their musical influences, the making of 'Archetype' and Emergenza 2013.
December 2016 Part 4 - SIMO Interview
The last time we interviewed Nashville's SIMO was at Camden's Barfly seven month's ago - shortly after JD dislocated his knee at a gig in Paris! So we were delighted to catch up once again with JD, Adam and Elad recently before their Planet Rock Roadstars tour gig with Federal Charm and Aaron Keylock at Islington's O2 Academy. Rest assured there were no chairs in sight this time as SIMO grasped the venue by the throat and treated us to virtually a fresh set of new songs from their forthcoming album.
December 2016 Part 3 - Aaron Keylock Interview
This is our latest interview with teenage guitar sensation Aaron Keylock who we caught at Islington's O2 Academy recently, as part of the Planet Rock Roadstars tour. Aaron's 'Cut Against The Grain' album is due to be released on 20th January next year and in a storming set sandwiched in between Federal Charm and SIMO - Keylock dipped in to old and new. For the record his setlist was: Falling Again, Sun's Gonna Shine, Medicine Man, Spin The Bottle, That's Not Me, All The Right Moves, Down and Against The Grain.
December 2016 Part 2 - Bad Touch Interview
It was a new venue for the WRC - but what a great night we had at the beginning of December at The Dome in Tufnell Park - principally for Bad Touch's album launch of 'Truth Be Told'. Despite being a freezing cold evening - the guys kindly agreed to a last minute outside interview with the WRC before they went on stage for an explosive 45 minute set before headliners Whiskey Myers rounded off a brilliant gig.
December 2016 Part 1 - Crobot Interview
Camden's Electric Ballroom crowd were well and truly warmed up for Airbourne recently, following an awesome set from Pottsville's very own Crobot - who we had the pleasure of interviewing before the gig - which is our December Wrinklycast Part One! Our thanks to Brandon, Jake and Paul - which not only gives you insights into life on the road but also Yuengling beer, chilli sauce and the World Series!
September 2016 Part 2 - Slim Chance Interview
The last time we caught Slim Chance was at London's Borderline in January 2014 - a fantastic set which actually won them our 'Best Acoustic' 2014 WRC Award! Turn the clock back a further 38 years (ouch) and we also saw them of course with the late Ronnie Lane at Olympia's Great British Music Festival along with the esteemed company of The Pretty Things, Nazareth, Charlie, Be Bop Deluxe and some band called Bad Company! Impressive eh? Well we took in Slim Chance at Twickenham's famous Eel Pie Club Thursday 25th August 2016 - the line-up now featuring original members, Charlie Hart (who we interviewed before the gig), Steve Simpson and Steve Bingham.
September 2016 Part 1 - Circus Maximus Interview
Norwegian Progressive Metallers Circus Maximus began the second leg of their 'Havoc' tour at London's Underworld on Saturday 27th August. With influences of bands such as Dream Theater and Symphony X, in some eyes 'Havoc' sees a swing more towards Metal than Prog. Anyway, please listen to our interview with guitarist Mats Haugen and keyboard player Lasse Finbråten before the gig.
August 2016 - Inglorious/Illustr8ors Interview
Inglorious' pulsating rock, which focused on tracks from their recently released, self titled debut album, set the Saturday main stage tone for the day. Personal favourites were the hard, pounding ‘Warning’, and ‘Holy Water’, a singalong well known to many in the audience. It was obvious the band have already built a sizeable fan base - it is not difficult to see why.
It was then time to take advantage of our weekend press passes again and conduct our second band interview of the weekend on the Sunday. This time it was with front man Scott Sharp of The Illustr8tors, the band formerly known as Blackwolf. They were performing on the Rising Stage later in the afternoon so we were granted a quick 5 minute chat beforehand. Scott explained this was basically a band relaunch so they face interesting times ahead.
July 2016 - Chris Antonik Interview
Recorded on a beautiful Summer's evening setting of The Bulls Head by the Thames in Barnes, our July Wrinklycast interview (and today's Track Of The Day) welcomed Toronto based Blues guitarist, singer and songwriter Chris Antonik to London twelve days ago. Halfway through his debut UK tour, an intimate setting contrasted with Chris's appearance at The Upton Blues Festival the previous weekend. A rising star of the vibrant Canadian Blues scene, listen to amongst other things, Chris discuss the financial reality of touring as an independent artist, his influences of Dylan, Cale and compatriot Cohen, and his excitement and the ambition behind his new album due out in 2017.
June 2016 -Sari Schorr Interview
What a great night we had on Tuesday 7th June 2016 at London's 100 Club with headliners Tommy Castro & The Painkillers plus acoustic support from Sari Schorr & Innes Sibun. Sari kindly allowed the WRC to interview here backstage before the gig (during Tommy's soundcheck) - so take ten minutes out and listen to amongst other things - Sari's Jazz influences, an exclusive re: her new album plus how the New Yorker misses her pet dogs!
May 2016 -Big Boy Bloater Interview
"It’s not actually ‘Rocket Surgery’ is it? Well actually it was as BBB<’s delved back to their first album with this fast mover plus also ‘Sweet & Brown’ – the guys getting up a full head of steam by now as – “Hallelujah” – we were welcomed to “The Church Of Big Boy Bloater” – cue the gospel interaction with the Bloater congregation. “You guys are good” being Preacher Bloater’s response."
"The crutch lying next to JD Simo on the Barfly dressing room floor was a mighty shock as we learnt during our pre-gig interview that JD had a "Dave Grohl moment" when he dislocated his knee on stage on the first leg (no pun intended) of SIMO's European tour in Paris three days earlier. The stock question of "how's the tour going so far?" met on this occasion with an incredulous answer! Anyway, White Hot Nashville Blues trio SIMO returned to London following their critically acclaimed St. Moritz Club showcase gig plus their Walter Trout support at The Forum last November."