Hiya folks thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today, grab a brew and take a seat.
What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
Watching The Blues Brothers movie as a kid. Best. Movie. Ever.
Introduce us to you and your musical history.
Biggus Riffus is essentially just me. I tracked the first record and drafted in some mates for guest solos: James Beedham – (eccentricpony.com) & Stuart Pendergast – (Facebook.com/hospitalofdeath) Guest vocals on a track: Mazz – (Facebook.com/groanuk), Hammond organ: Ash Wall – (facebook.com/ashwallmusic) and my brother from another mother: Stu Fagan (@Beyondthebeat17) for a drum track on one song. It was a solo project initially but it yearned for the stage haha. I’m lucky enough to have a lot of like-minded riffers who will take to the jam room or stage when the time comes. They even played Bloodstock Festival without me when I was in Switzerland, recording with my other band Herod. (www.herodnoise.com). I also play guitar and sing for Lam (https://weirdlam.bandcamp.com) Prior to this I’ve been lucky enough to riff out with Groan, The Ocean, Hospital of Death, and Collusion.
What’s one question you’re sick of being asked when interviewed
None.
We set up RGM USA and many other countries in the world to share music with America and the UK, good idea?
Sharing is caring.
Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories?
There are so many rabbit holes you could spend time going down, the present day is weird enough.
Did you buy anything you don’t need in the pandemic?
Nope, I always need guitars haha
What useless party trick do you have?
It’s never useless if it gets a laugh 😃
What was the most fun you have had on stage?
Seeing people get into the music and sing along, dance or rock out.
What was the worst experience on stage?
I love being on stage. If it’s bad then that’s a shame, comedy is based on tragedy so make a joke of the mistake/mishap or accept it and get back into the music. Even if there’s a smaller turnout than you expected, it’s not their issue so you better give it you’re all regardless. It’s a privilege to be on one so get your riffs out.
Tell us something about you / each member that you think people would be surprised about.
When you know me/us, there’s no surprise.
If you had to describe your music to an alien how would you describe it?
We use guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, and voices to create auditory frequencies that will make you shake dat ass.
What makes you stand out as a band/artist?
We play our instruments live in the studio and don’t use auto-tune or have ghostwriters. We are not alone there but it seems to be the most fitting answer.
Right now, what’s pissing you off the most?
News.
What’s your favourite song to play live and why?
With Riffus it’s Huzzah! Huzzah! As it gets a laugh, easy to sing along to and it makes people move.
I hear you have new music, what can you tell us about it?
Just did 😉 I tracked it with Martin Hammond from Hammer Studios in Wigan. I played it all then asked Ste Bratt from H.O.D to guest as the 1st solo. Very happy with the result overall.
Talk me through the thought process of the album?
It started as a studio day to have some fun and now there’s an album in the making so strap on your gussets and brace yourselves.
What was the recording process like?
Smooth and casual. There was a pre-production some time ago and so it was all prepared in advance. The gear in the studio was great, mine was all prepped and ready and above all: Martin is super easy to work with. Usually, I’ll track it all myself but the constant back and forth from live room to the mixing room can be frustrating. It was nice to have him know the song in advance and me just be able to focus on playing the music.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the album?
There’s a constant flow of things to learn and I embrace it all. If it makes you smile, feel or move, it’s good. If you aren’t sure, ask a trusted friend and either scrap it or keep it. Sometimes a throwaway riff might be a banger to someone else. Never feel like you shouldn’t reach out for advice, it’s not a weakness, it’s a strength. When your mates can tell you it sucks, be thankful! Tweak it and try again. No one likes a yes man and brown lipstick smells.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Don’t ask that! A mix is never finished, only abandoned!
What are your plans for the year ahead?
Record music and then play it live.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Be nice, give compliments, stand up for the right things, listen to more music, go to more gigs, make time for loved ones. If in doubt, riff it out.