Interviews: Big Band Of Boom

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Ska Rock band, Big Band Of Boom, from England. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name?

It actually started as the Big Band of Doom, but we decided Boom was a bit more fun. We wanted something that would get across what we are as a project, and that sounds like a lot of fun

2. Where is the band based?

We are based mostly in Birmingham, but a couple of players have moved away, including our saxophonist, who is living in Germany

3. Why did you want to play this genre?

We are not sure what genre we play… it actually is really difficult for us because we don’t know how to describe it, cabaret rock or big band rock are two things people have said to us, but if you have any ideas, please let us know! We haven't really tried to play any genre in particular, we just make the noise we make as us.

4. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Yes, we’ve been playing in bands and going to festivals and writing songs in various combinations for ages, it's friends playing with friends

5. What is each band member’s favorite band?

There are a lot of us…. But Charlie on Trombone likes Streetlight Manifesto, Jon the Cat Empire, My Chemical Romance for Josh, Black Crowes, Gary, and Id go for Muse, but we are all very different in what we listen to and draw inspiration from.

6. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

We all have very different influences from jazz through funk, then rock into metal. Writing music is an expression of who we are as people, its just what we do. I can't imagine us not writing music together.

7. Where was your last gig?

We are on tour at the moment, the first leg was London, Southampton, Shrewsbury, and Birmingham, and we have 4 more dates coming up to celebrate this album release.

8. Where would you like to play?

Touring the USA or Japan would be the dream… one day….

9. Who would you like to share stages with?

So many bands! We have been put forward for supporting Steel Panther, which would be loads of fun, me Id love to open for Muse… a guy can dream….

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Yes - first gig I did, I couldn't use my guitar pedal because my legs were shaking so much. Ive learned a couple of meditation techniques that help ground me when I need to, but the more you do a thing, the easier it gets, and going on stage with your best mates means whatever happens, we support each other.

11. Which bands/artists have inspired you the most?

With 12 of us in the band, there are too many to count. Over half the band studied at the Birmingham Conservatoire, so there are many jazz links too, as well as old school rock n roll and more modern projects. There's no way I could do justice to this question 

12. What’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Sign boobs!!!! PS thanks, Lucy! hehehe

13. What do you think of your fans? How important are they to you?

Fans are everything - they are the reason we are here. People who support independent music are the best people; they keep the scene alive, and we will always be grateful

14. What do you think of our website? 

Love it, it's extremely informative!

15. Anything to add?

New music, gigs, etc.? Debut album released March 13th via Ragtime Records.

Support independent metal journalism — Visit the official BTC store