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 Brighton
based Mike Rosenberg Band are due to release their single Philadelphia, which follows their previous
digital only track, Stray Dog. Led by 21
year old Mike but centred round the creative partnership with Andrew Phillips Rosenberg,
they’re making a mark on the live scene having sold out gigs in Brighton,
appeared at Glastonbury and regular London gigs supporting
the likes of Two Gallants. Mike and
Andrew answered our questions.
How are you?
Fine
thanks! We’ve been really busy what with our single coming out & getting
ready for out tour
So, tell us about your new single Philadelphia?
Mike:
Well, it was really the first track that we collaborated on – I Wrote the words
& the tune when I was away in the States & when I got back we worked on
the music with Andrew bringing his electronica influence for the first time. I was waiting on the steps which Rocky
famously ran up waiting for someone when
the lyrics started coming into my head. It’s really about about being alone
& small in a vast unfamiliar place.
Andrew:
I found Mike’s words really inspiring
& we started the track with a sample from Moondog – a blind homeless
musician who lived in 1950s New York
& it took shape from there.
What are your musical influences?
A
whole mix of things – from Neil Young & Bonnie Prince Billy to Blockhead
& Mercof
How would you describe your music?
A
combination of traditional songwriting with a contemporary edge – we hope we’re
making honest music which reflects our times
What’s the best thing about music
as far as you’re concerned?
The fact that it means something
to everyone, but never the same thing
How
did you meet?
We
met at a charity gig where we were both performing – Mike solo & Andrew
with slovo - & soon discovered we had similar tastes in music & other
things.
How did you connect creatively?
We
found we got excited over the same lines in songs, the same musical moments on
records & it wasn’t long before we brought that excitement in to our own
work
What
is your earliest musical memory?
Being
very small & sleepy in a car listening to Paul Simon
What inspires you?
Tabloid
horoscopes
Are you excited about what’s
happening in music at the moment?
Yes
– there are so many great bands around at the moment – especially it seems in Brighton. Also it’s a rapidly changing environment where
you fell anything could happen, which can be unnerving but for the most part is
very exciting.
What are you currently listening
to?
Curtis
Mayfield, Bat for Lashes
Finally, what would you ultimately
like to achieve?
That
people receive it as we intend it – honest songs that we’ve put everything
into. Of course it would be lovely to sell lots of records, but really we want
people to properly connect with what we’re trying to say. Oh, & obviously a
different car for every day of the week…..
Philadelphia is out on 25th September.
For more info: www.mikerosenbergband.co.uk
Words: Helen Duong
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