INTERVIEW:
Blackjack Love
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AZZA is the man behind 'Blackjack Love'…
and I was eager, before I talked about his new music, to learn whether there is a story behind the moniker. The songwriter tells me about his new track, Carryin’ On (Rockin’ and Rollin’), and what it was like working with Jon Astley on his amazing album, Bullets & Blues.
I discover the musicians that influence Blackjack Love and when music came into his life; what he hopes to accomplish before this year is through; his favourite memories from his time in music – he provides some pithy and useful advice for upcoming artists.
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Hi, Azza. How are you? How has your week been?
Yea. Alright, thanks. You? It's been ok. The weather was a bit moody but now the sun is shining, on the righteous, right?
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
I'm Azza; a songwriter/producer/guitarist from Woking.
How did the idea of ‘Blackjack Love’ come to be? What inspired the name?
The idea came from a little E.P. I'd recorded along with (playing some) open mic nights around L.A. and Joshua Tree. The name, on the other hand, came from a racehorse. Haha.
Carryin’ On (Rockin’ and Rollin’) is your new single. How did the song come together? Is there a story behind it?
Well. The whole album is loosely a concept album, set in old times; a Wild West kinda thing. So, the song is a piece of that puzzle. We'd recorded the song and I always had it planned that there would be some piano in it, leading the track. So, we called in an amazing player called Olly Wedgewood to lay several parts down and we cut it up into what it is now.
Bullets & Blues, your debut album, has Jon Astley mastering. What was it like writing and recording the record? What was it like working with Astley?
Writing the record took some time, but only because I had started to record one song, then started mixing it; then I thought that I'd write an album! So, once that was the case, the rest was written in a few months. The song was done in 2015, then I probably ummed and ahhd for a while. Haha. We recorded most of it in a pool room! Some of the reverbs are actually from the room itself! The vocals for Won't You Give It? were recorded at Studio City Sound in L.A., which was cool.
Jon Astley is one of the coolest, nicest guys I've ever met and he did a top, top job on this album.
How did you come to meet your manager – The Jam’s former drummer, Rick Buckler?
I honestly can't remember! I think someone got him to see my old band at a gig, then he put on a gig for another artist he was managing and my old band played. (Or it might have Guilfest; I'm not too sure). So, that's how he became our old manager. That band split a while ago but we remained friends, which is cool.
When did music come into your life? Were there particular artists that influenced you?
I think music has always been in my life - before I could even play an instrument! My uncle had a wide musical taste and would always have music on in his car, or would buy me C.D.s. Yeah. Noel Gallagher, Josh Homme; Jimi Hendrix, Marvin Gaye and HDH. There are loads.
Can we see you tour this year? What gigs do you have coming along?
As of yet, no tour; just starting to sort gigs out so nothing concrete yet - but when there is, all the info will be on Facebook etc.
If we came and saw you play; what would the live show consist in terms of material and feel?
Material from the album: some new, some old. Maybe, I’ll throw in a surprise cover somewhere. Straight-up Rock 'n' Roll, baby.
What do you hope to achieve in 2018?
Decent fans, decent album sales and decent shows. Oh, and world domination, of course. Haha.
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?
Playing the Indigo at The 02 and supporting Stiff Little Fingers was cool. The best, probably, was recording in Manchester once and going on the sauce with Frank Harper. Haha!
Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?
Oasis – (What's The Story) Morning Glory?
My all-time favourite.
Marvin Gaye – What's Going On?
So cool. He's saying a message. It was his kinda growth from a sex symbol to a man with a voice/message.
Nirvana – Nevermind
It made me wanna play the guitar.
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
If it sounds sh*t, it probably is sh*t…so start again. Do what you wanna do and don't lose sight.
IN THIS PHOTO: Déjà Vega
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
Déjà Vega, Birdsworth and Coco La Funk.
IN THIS PHOTO: Birdsworth
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
Yeah and no. I get time away from the studio, but the music never stops. I don't know how to unwin. Haha.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) – Marvin Gaye
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