A Q&A with Blotter
Classic rock n roll outfit from Manteo, North Carolina – here’s bassist Jimbo…
What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
Our newest album is entitled New Horizon, which we released in March. This album meant a lot to us because it’s the first record that all members contributed to the songwriting, composition, and recording process.
What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
Before we began recording sessions we parted ways with our longtime drummer and friend, Leroy Brown. It was a rough ordeal for us all because he was an integral part of the band for a long time, and an absolute dynamite drummer. However, for us to keep moving forward as a solitary unit the decision had to be made. Timmy and our friend, Roger McGuffin, stepped up and played on the drum tracks for this album.
What do enjoy most about producing your own material?
We had so much fun making this record in our own studio that Timmy built from the ground up. It was really a comfortable experience without any outside interference, and it really helped us grow as recording artists, and songwriters.
What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
The fact that we write songs for people just like us. We’re not just musicians, but fans as well. Hopefully, people can relate to our music because it stems from our own life experiences.
How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
Basically, everyone writes seperately; be it a riff, some lyrics, or maybe just a chorus. It’s brought to the other members, and it gets passed around to see if there’s anything that can be added/taken away to make it pop. Generally a track grows organically through that process.
What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
We’re all huge fans of bands like KISS, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Van Halen. Bands like that infused killer riffs, melodies, awesome back-up vocals, and played as a complete unit. You try to emulate your heroes, so that’s what we strive to do.
What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
Whenever we talk about playing other countries the UK and Australia are always the two that get talked about the most. Japan and Germany would be amazing to tour in, as well. The Royal Albert Hall is pretty legendary. That would be a tremendous venue for us to perform at. Besides that, Madison Square Garden has always been the number one place for us to play since day one!
If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
It’s always hard to choose just one. If we had to choose it would probably be a song on our first album called ‘Reflections’. It really showcases everything we try to incorporate into our songwriting. Meaningful lyrics, vocal harmonies, dual guitar solos, that’s what we love to put into our music.
What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
We want to continue to grow as songwriters and entertainers. Focusing on building our catalog and having a good time is in our immediate future. This is the closest we’ve been since starting this band, so we want to continue helping each other move forward. Farther into the future the goal is to become an established touring band, and play that dream show of a sold out Madison Square Garden!
Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
As always thank you to all our fans that support us. It means the absolute world to us!
For more info visit: facebook.com/TheRealBLOTTER
Top image: Loud Street Media
