BLACK DRUMMER, ARE HERE....TO STAY | an exclusive interview with Toby Marriott

Very soon the whole world will be talking about this band!

Black Drummer is the name of the new band (formed from the ashes of The Strays) of Toby Marriott (son of Steve Marriott from Small Faces) and of Dimitris Koutsiouris. They just released their first  EP  produced by Grammy award winning Nashville producer Dave Cobb and mixed by Vance Powell (Kings Of Leon,Jack White, Dead Weather).

Their style is a boisterous mix of texured dance & swaggering rock and roll.

The London based four piece band are performing a very special debut appearance that will kick start a small fast and furious tour in the UK.

A few days after their very first performance we had the chance to talk to Toby Marriott and learn a few more things about Black Drummer!

SSWL: HOW IS YOUR TOUR GOING SO FAR? WHAT ARE PEOPLE`S REACTION TO YOUR LIVE? 

T.M.: Last night it was our first show, it went really well and people seemed to be into it. 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE MUSICAL STYLE OF BLACK DRUMMER? 

Dark and diverse, we try to explore many aspects of rock. The ep also has a western song, and a blues piece, something we haven't tried in the past.

WHAT NEW BANDS HAVE YOU BEEN LISTENING LATELY THAT YOU FIND THEIR MUSIC FRESH AND INSPIRING?

Kasabian, the kills, band of skulls , alabama shakes, jack white (solo)

DO YOU SEE BLACK DRUMMER AS A NATURAL PROGRESSION OF THE STRAYS OR AS SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT, A NEW BEGINNING? 

Something completely different, we feel the sound of bd is more geared for england.

HOW DID THE COLLABORATION WITH DAVE COBB AND VANCE POWELL CAME ABOUT? YOU MUST BE QUITE PSYCHED THAT THEY PRODUCED YOUR FIRST EP. 

Dave has worked with Vance on several projects, most recently rival sons.were very psyched about working with both of them

HOW WAS THE EXPERIENCE OF WORKING WITH THEM AND TO HAVE THE CHANCE TO RECORD YOUR EP AT TOWN LIKE NASHVILLE WHICH HAS SUCH A STRONG MUSICAL TRADITION? 

It gave the songs a darker edge, we plan to finish the album there.

WHATS YOUR HOPES AND EXPECTATION FROM THIS FIRST RELEASE? 

We have big expectations for this band, as we have for any ventures we have worked on.the rest well just have to leave in the hands of fate.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE NEAR FUTURE, ANY MORE GIGS? DO YOU HAVE ANY MUSIC VIDEOS OR ANY MORE RECORDINGS COMING UP?

We plan to finish up our uk dates and head back to the studio to finish the album, no videos as of yet, but ones in the works.

WHEN ARE WE GONNA HAVE THE CHANCE TO SEE YOU IN ATHENS?

We hope to play there soon, possibly after we finish the album, of course you'll be the first to know.

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New EP Available Now
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/black-drummer/id543888722

Wanna listen to the tunes..?
http://soundcloud.com/blackdrummer