Howdy folks and happy Monday happy Thursday and almost end of the week to you. We are kicking the week off ending the week with some kick butt music for your kids that doesn't suck. This week I was lucky enough to get the local fan faves Rocknocerous to stop by. Tell me you heard of these guys? If not, here's a bit of background.
The Rocknoceros trio met and grew up in Northern Virginia. Boogie and Coach met when they were four years old have best buds since. They met Williebob in high school and started makoing music. But it wasn't until Coach Cotton was raising his own children that the idea and inspiration for Rocknoceros came together.
Their 4th album, Colonel Purple Turtle, which dropped last week, recounts tales of a mythical reptilian Colonel and his friends in their make-believe home of Soggy Bog. The album focuses on entirely friendship, a subject near and dear to the trio. Colonel Purple Turtle reflects their abiding trust in each other and their desire to share their message of camaraderie through song and story. The message is likewise expressed throughout the album’s beautifully illustrated companion storybook, Colonel Purple Turtle’s Purple Turtle Journal, which depicts, in gorgeous colors, all of the whimsical characters celebrated on the CD.
You will not be sorry if you buy it. You will find yourself bobbing your head and singing along. I promise you.
The trio was kind enough to sit down with me and answer 10 of my toughest questions. Enjoy the interview and afterwards don't forget to go check them out...
How did you end up where you are, what led you to this career?
Coach Cotton :My kids lead me to this career. And my love of music. I took my boys, when they were 1 and 3 years old respectively, to see a local children's performer. It looked like fun and I happened to have two life-long friends whom I thought might be interested in starting a band that would perform specifically for families. We started performing and writing songs shortly thereafter, and, well, here we are!
Talk to me about your creative process. How does it all come together?
Coach Cotton: The process varies, but usually starts with a simple lyrical or musical idea. Most of our songs are completely collaborative, but on occasion one band member will bring a complete song to the table.
Williebob: Some songs are written in full by one of us. Other songs start as a lyric or musical phrase, and are developed by the band. Whatever works!
Boogie Woogie Bennie:There is not a set process for Rocknoceros. It varies from song to song.
What's the best thing about performing?
Coach Cotton: Every gig is different from the one that preceded it, and presents its own challenges and rewards.
Williebob: Seeing children dancing, listening, having a wonderful time.
Boogie Woogie Bennie:Seeing kids have fun is always fun. Seeing parents sing the words to a song you wrote is rewarding. And playing music itself is fun.
Whats your favorite song to perform?
Coach Cotton: "Boogie Woogie Bennie" theme song is a long-standing favorite of mine, but "Playground" also ranks high.
Williebob: Currently my favorite is Harry Elefante.
Boogie Woogie Bennie:Right now, it might be Colonel Purple Turtle!
What's your least?
Coach Cotton: "Did the Moon See You?" presents some syncopation obstacles for me, and it's new so I'm not comfortable with it yet. Soon, though, it'll be fun!
Williebob: My least favorite is probably Did the Moon See You?, because I am still learning how to play it!
Boogie Woogie Bennie: At the moment, "What's Your Favorite Animal" is the least comfortable, but that doesn't mean I don't like to play it. It's still very new in our set, and it has some funny syncopations that I need to maintain. I bet in a few weeks it will start feeling pretty good.
What are you listening to on your iPod?
Coach Cotton: I really like Devon Sproule's new album called I Love You, Go Easy. Man Man has a new record out (NOT for kids) and I spin it often, as well as new releases by Paul Simon, Mirah and Thao, Laura Cantrell, Fleet Foxes, Old 97's...
Williebob: iPod? I was born in the 1970s, man! I listen on a "stereo" at home. Lately, it's been The Fall and Wayne Shorter.
Boogie Woogie Bennie:I am in the midst of a serious Beatles feast. Today I listened to Rubber Soul twice, and Magical Mystery Tour, plus I listened to Big Echo by The Morning Benders.
If you could hang out with any artist alive or deceased who would it be and why?
Coach Cotton: David Byrne
Williebob: Frank Zappa. I would have loved to ask him nerdy questions about how he recorded and arranged his music.
Boogie Woogie Bennie: Given my current diet of Beatles, I'd pick Paul McCartney.
What's the best advice you have ever received?
Coach Cotton: "Don't spend time getting good at what you don't want to do."
Williebob: "My worst day playing music beats my best day at any other job." A friend of mine said that. Not advice exactly, but I treat it as such.
What's your favorite time of the day?
Coach Cotton: I like 10pm, and 8am.
Williebob: Any time I can kick back with a good book.
Boogie Woogie Bennie: On days when I don't have any engagements, I like mornings.
Describe your work in 3 words.
Coach Cotton: Family friendly fun.
Williebob: Music. Laughter. Freedom.
Boogie Woogie Bennie: I write songs.
