The Delta Riggs
Bass/Vocals: Michael Tramonte
Vocals/Harmonica/Keys: Elliott Hammond
Guitar/Vocals: Alex Markwell
Drums: Simon McConnell
‘Dipz Zebazios’ was the last album released by The Delta Riggs, how was the response to that?
Overall the reception has been positive which is great as we weren’t sure how people were going to react to some of the songs. We definitely wanted to try some new sounds to keep it interesting for us so it’s nice when it translates and connects with people.
You’ve just wrapped up touring with Rise Against and The Foo Fighters, two massive US bands. How was it opening for those guys in venues on such a large scale?
It was pretty wild. Just to see how that Foo Fighters machine works behind the scenes was interesting. They would turn up and jam together underneath the stadium for over an Hour, Taylor Hawkins would then keep drumming on his own then they’d walk out and play for almost 3 Hours. It was kinda ridiculous but shows that they still care a lot about the music and their craft after all these years. It was also a surreal experience staring at Dave Grohl’s face having a chat to him – it was just strange to talk to this guy who you’ve been watching & listening to for 20 years be right there in front of you. Both bands were still super humble aswell which was nice to see it hasn’t all gone to their heads.
The Delta Riggs have a unique rock and roll sound, who would you say influenced that sound?Growing up we all were into punk music but the parents always had the Stones, Beatles, Zeppelin, Michael Jackson records on the stereo so that influence was always subtlety around. We all still have our favourite bands from yester-year but are always on the hunt for new bands and sounds to show each other, which an exciting relationship to have with your friends. With the new record we were listening to a lot of hip hop from Outkast to N.E.R.D so we wanted to take influence from that style rythmically and try and inject something new and fresh into rock n roll.
Something I always find interesting is how each band has their own take on writing songs. What’s the deal in terms of writing for The Delta Riggs?
With Dipz Zebazios the majority of it was written over various sessions in our production suite in Melbourne. It was a new approach at the time for us but it seemed to really work. As half of the band live in Melbourne and the other half are in Sydney there were always different band members present and then we recording it live over 2 weekends in a proper studio and put the final puzzle pieces together then.
Unfortunately I can’t say I’ve seen you guys play a live gig but I’ve heard nothing but great things. Where would you say the energy in your set comes from?
I think one thing that keeps it interesting for us is the excitement of not knowing whats going to happen out there, thats definitely a driving factor. I mean anything can happen when you walk out onto the stage – good or bad. Songs that you think will really connect can bomb and vice versa. Its a good social experiment and when it all works out perfectly its a good feeling.
You’ve been around for a few years now, I’d assume you’ve made some classic memories. Want to share any?
It was pretty classic when Johnny Depp turned up to the Brisbane Foo Fighters show and was just cruising around smoking ciggies. He was surprisingly relaxed and open considering how every single person in the venue wouldn’t stop staring at him. It must be a weird existance. He was just rolling around in his pirate garb and eye make-up hanging out smoking darts with us.
We like to have a little bit of fun. Titanic or Twilight? USA or Europe? Past or Future?
Geezus, i’ll go with Titanic. Twilight is horrid (sorry tweenies). Leo Dicaprio seems like a bit of a party boy nowadays, i’d love to have a drink with him. I’ll go Europe – A lot of new territory i need to explore and plenty of freaks to meet. I’ll choose future – I want a hover board already ffs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7t8VCwVUnY
Your like a version cover of Gooey by Glass Animals received incredible feedback. What made you pick that song?
We had a few songs in mind and that one just kept standing out. There wasn’t a lot to it, we just liked the song and thought we could put an interesting spin on it in our style.
What should we expect to see from The Delta Riggs in the coming future?
We’re releasing an mini Album titled Dipz From The Zong on April 24th its an album extension for our album Dipz Zebazios – A few unreleased tracks, remixes and demo versions of songs. Splendour in the Grass and then back over to Europe later in the year.
Thanks Simon!