Project Description
Interview with
MICHAEL TRAMONTE
from
THE DELTA RIGGS
Interviewer – Mirrin Gray
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For any new fans, how did it all begin? How did the The Delta Riggs come together?
How much time do you have! In short, Elliott started the band about 10 years ago as a fun project with an old friend. We ll knew each other from the Gold Coast bands we played In over the years. Things started to get serious about 8 years ago and we all moved into a farm house at Peats Ridge. Living together, playing together and touring all over. It was a slog, but those 6 months we learnt how to play as a band and then here we are. That’s the really short version, I could write a book on the whole thing really.
Which musicians have inspired you?
Lots to list – The simplicity in Tom Petty’s song writing, The Band for comradery, OUTKAST and Jurassic Five for the community message and staying true to who you are. The Strokes for being cool as fuck all of the time. The Replacements & Big Star for showing that your music can live on and become something larger long after you finish up.
What makes your sound unique? Why do you think people resonate with your music?
We have always strived to push ourselves and our sound over the years. I think we always have a Delta Riggs sound, but no album sounds the same as the other. To some, that works against you but for us it keeps us passionate and excited about music. We have been doing this a long time and you need to keep it interesting for not only the fans, but for ourselves too.
Your new album ‘Modern Pressure’ is out on September 6. Can you tell us a bit about it?
It almost didn’t make it out really. We were struggling a little and had a lack of inspiration, we weren’t writing or making music together. Then one day we just went away for 5 days and got 7 songs out and it felt like magic. From there we wrote what you hear on the album. It’s loosely all about the Pressures of the Modern age that we all face. More a social commentary than politically charged. We can only tell it as we see it but its all positive.
Which song are you most excited for people to hear when it’s released and why?
I think Sunshine Dancing is the most different ne for us on the album. The tempo is a good pace and all the parts are so lush, I feel like it will take some by surprise as a song.
How has your sound developed from your first to albums to this one?
As I mention earlier, we tend to push ourselves in the studio with production and songwriting. This time it feels like we have gone full circle back to how the band sounded earlier on, but this time we have the songs and know how to keep a song simple but interesting. I think its important to bush yourself as artists and not rinse and repeat the same thing over and over.
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You’ve supported some legends like Foo Fighters and Kasabian and performed at iconic festivals like Groovin’ the Moo. Are there any memories that really stand out to you?
All of those moments were great memories for us, we have made lifelong friends with Kasabian guys and a couple of the Foo Fighters from those tours. Sometimes when things are a bit of a struggle I always take stock of these things that we have achieved and wonder what my 20-year-old self would say if he knew what was coming. Some real pinch yourself moments. Having Jimmy page roll up to a show in London a few years back is up there, it was so arbitrary and he just happened to be in the club that night. I know a lot of guitar crazed friends still hate hearing that story.
You have some Australian tour dates coming up at the end of the year – what are you most looking forward to on this tour?
It sounds cliché but we are really looking forward to getting back out on the road to play these new songs. Its been a while since we have played a good run of shows and we have been rehearsing a lot of the new album to play live. They are coming together great, we have Elliott feature on drums and vocals on a few of the tracks which most people haven’t seen or know. It adds a great dynamic to the overall show.
If you could tour with anyone, who would it be and why? (Dead or alive)
I would have to say (and I think Elliott would agree), if we were on stage with The Band for the Last Waltz show In 1978 in some capacity that would be the one. We actually did a rendition of it with a bunch of friends and guests a couple times and it was the most fun I’ve had playing. I would have loved to have seen what was going on backstage that day and night…
What are you hoping to achieve next in your career?
As everyone would answer to this question, we just want to keep putting out music and playing together. Obviously, we want to take this thing to the world, but for now we are still happy with everything that comes and enjoy every minute. To me that is success, regardless of popularity or status, I love playing with these guys and if I can continue to do so forever I will be stoked.
Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – The Replacements – TIM
Artist – Jamie Presiz
Movie – Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Place to visit – Malta
Venue to play – The Triffid, Brisbane
Food – Japanese all the way
Drink – Jameson Whisky
Person in History – Tom Petty RAD
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?) – My – Dad Bod one is pretty dope.
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Check out THE DELTA RIGGS below
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