A man with addictive grooves
Hi Andrew, welcome to the DMC world. Amazing vocals on the new Dr Rubberfunk’s single ‘Trouble Woman’ taken from his new album ‘Hot Stone’ forthcoming on Jalapeno Records – how did that all come about?
“Dr Rubberfunk got in touch with me through my management and we met up and I instantly understood and loved the vibe of where his music was coming from, I heard a few tracks and felt inspired to try something on one of the tracks, it all came together quite naturally in the end.”
So you were the main force behind the band Roachford in the late 80s with Chris, Hawi and Derrick – you on vocals, percussion and keyboard, the other trio looking after drums and guitars – where did you all first meet?
“I knew Derrick since I was about 17, he introduced me to Chris, they were in a band together previously and I was fortunate enough to get them as my rhythm section, and eventually I met Hawi through a mate.”
A cool tour about to begin, all across the UK I’m looking forward to rocking up to The Jazz Cafe in London in November – where are you looking forward appearing this time around?
“I feel like I was born to do gigs! I like the fact that no two gigs are the same, in the UK each town we play has a different energy that brings out something different on stage…of course it’s always an extra buzz to play my home town!”
Who were your early musical influences growing up – what were the bands and artists blaring out of your radio as a kid? Was that piano sitting in your living room a godsend?
“I always have had such an eclectic taste in music, at school my mates were listening to reggae and soul stuff, which I loved, and meanwhile at home my family were musicians and playing jazz and bluesy stuff. I also loved listening to the stuff on the radio, like The Specials, madness and some of the Brit soul stuff. I always knew that I would be a musician from the first time I touched the piano that was in my family house, there was no turning back.”
Tell us about your uncle Bill Roachford – this is the man, a saxophonist in his own right, who taught Ronnie Scott and Femi Kuti how to play the sax…
“I grew up listening to my uncle practicing on the sax (and piano) at home, but until I was old enough to go to see him play at a gig I didn’t realize how good he was! I became a fan of his, he taught me a lot of stuff and by the time I was 14 I was playing piano in his band.”
Favorite place in the world you have performed in – and why?
“I have been lucky enough to have played so many great places around the world, I guess one of my favourite gigs so far would have to be at a Sony Music Conference in Florida, mainly because there were so many of my hero’s in the audience!! The Jackson brother’s were there, the Isley Brothers, Cindy Lauper…etc it was quite surreal.
You famously signed a seven album recording contract with Columbia and went on to become Columbia’s biggest selling UK act for ten years – how did you feel putting pen to paper on such a long, long deal?
When I first signed to Columbia I was buzzing because it meant I could finally get to make my album properly and do loads of gigs, a seven album deal didn’t mean that much to me because I was inexperienced thought that was how they signed all their artist…later I realized what a big deal it was!”
Your house is on fire – what 1 album do you grab and save before jumping out of your bedroom window in your boxer shorts?
The first album I would have to grab is ‘Talking Book’ by Stevie Wonder, I think it is one of the best albums ever made.”
Best Michael Jackson song he ever made, I hear he once asked you to write a song for him?
“Unfortunately I never met Michael Jackson, but he did once send someone to one of my gigs, this guy came backstage after the show and told me his boss Michael Jackson was looking for songs for his ‘Dangerous’ album, and he really likes my stuff. But I didn’t believe this guy so I kind of dismissed it only to find out a while later that this guy was for real,…shit.”
Obvious question, but let’s get it out of the way. ‘Cuddly Toy’ and ‘Ride The Storm’ – massive tracks…what has been your favorite record you have ever made though?
“I don’t have one favorite record of my own, partly because each song means something to me, they are like my children.”
Parts of your lyrics in ‘Cuddle Toy’ are…
“A cuddly toy is my only joy
Waiting for me when I get home”
– So what cuddly toy have you got in your bedroom?
“I’m a grown ass man, I don’t have cuddly toys in my bedroom, that song was tongue in cheek, and you know that right??”
Heh heh for sure. So what are the big tunes on your iPod right now?
“Well at the moment I am a big fan of James Morrison, I love his songs and the great production on his album’s, also Jay Z “Run This Town” to name a few.”
What do you think of the current state of the UK’s Jazz, soulful/R&B scene today – who do you rate?
“I feel that the UK jazz and soul scene is still trying to find it place in this ever changing music business, partly because there is a generation of young musicians who are taking so called “urban” music somewhere else and finding their own identity. However I believe there will always be a core audience for good UK soul and jazz music
What’s next from the Roachford studio…?
“A brand new album “Addictive” which will probably be the album I’m most proud of!!
Roachford appears on Dr Rubberfunk’s new single ‘Trouble Woman’ due for release on Jalapeno Records on January 13th 2010