Who: Kurt Sodergren, original member and drummer of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
When: March 2015
Where: Syracuse, NY
Why: In preparation for the band's gig @ the Westcott theater this Monday night
Kurt Sodergren:
'We liked the sound of Swing, and when we started playing it in the
many Rock N Roll clubs we played in our earlier career, we liked how
everyone was like, 'what in the world was going on?' especially when we
played after or before a modern rock band.'
Welcome to Wildfire Reviews first music interview of 2015, where we will be questioning Kurt Sodergren, an original member and drummer of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
Question: (Me)
Are you guys all from Ventura, California? Is that near Channel Islands National Park?
Kurt S:
Yes, we are and yes, you can see the Islands from right where we live.
Me:
I've been to Big Sur, California multiple times. I believe that's relatively near where you guys live, It's one of my all-time favorite places.
Kurt S:
Yes it is! It is one of my favorite places too, I love going there. Andy Rowley and I are playing a gig there in the next few months and I'm super excited about it.
Me:
Do you have any family, Kurt?
Kurt S:
Yes I do! I have two kids, one is sixteen who's in a rock band.
Me:
What type of music does he play? He must be pretty honored his father is in an awesome touring musical group!
Kurt:
He plays in a rock cover band. We actually talk more about his band than we talk about mine. They're called Eco.
Me:
When did you guys form together as a band?
Kurt:
We came out with our first record in 1994, but we were as band as early as 1993. Jumpin Jack was one of our very first tunes we made. I met up with Scott (Scott Murris) after college when I finished my English Degree.
Me:
Why swing music? Did you guys play anything before Swing?
Kurt:
Swing was Scott's idea. He approached it to the rest of us and we all loved the idea. Before we were a Swing band we played lots of blues rock and roots music.
We liked the sound of Swing, and when we started playing it in the many Rock N Roll clubs we played in our earlier career, we liked how everyone was like, 'what in the world was going on?' especially when we played after or before a modern rock band.'
'We liked playing Swing music because of how the crowd began to really get into the music and dance during our concerts.'
Kurt:
My grandfather was in a swing band during WWII in the 40s. They use to play in the ballrooms and everyone would come out, so it's kind of been in the family.
Me:
You guys have toured for a long time. Do you like playing clubs or bigger amphitheaters and music festivals better?
Kurt:
I like playing everywhere. Were very fortunate that we can play both big and small venues. Small venues are great because then we'll have more of a high energy set list, where as bigger venues crowds can expect to hear newer songs and more balled type stuff.
Me:
What can the crowd at the Westcott expect Monday night, will there be a high energy set list since it's a small venue?
Kurt: of course!
Me:
What other types of music do you like?
Kurt:
The Band & I like all types of music. As a band we listen to pretty much everything and a good variety of stuff. One of my favorites right now is Royal Blood.
I'm also in a Led Zeppelin cover band, so it's not just swing music for me
Me:
Do you have a favorite place in the country you like to tour in?
Kurt:
I like to tour everywhere, although Seattle is a highlight whenever we go there. We came out as a band when Nirvana was huge in the music world in the mid nineties, so they are a huge influence on us. We have an upcoming gig at B.B. King's legends in New York City were all excited about, and we have a day off so we plan on touring the city.
Me:
Do you have any other hobbies besides music?
Kurt:
Music keeps us busy. But were scheduled for a gig up in Juneau, Alaska soon and a guy up there plans to take us fishing & hiking and that be super nice.
Me: Before we go, I have to ask, what's your favorite type of drink?
Kurt: I like both beer and mixed drinks. Sometimes I'm in the mood for a Lager, but for mixed drinks it's usually Gin & Tonics.
Me: And have you guys ever been to Dinosaur Barbeque here in Syracuse?
Kurt: Yes we have, we ate there, and hopefully we'll visit there again someday!
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