Music > Interviews

Rag n Bone Man

by Lizzoutline

16/02/15

Rag n Bone Man is a guy that's full of soul. Straight outta Brighton, and coming to the Waterfront on 19th March, he's turned a lot of ears with his EP Wolves and powerful track Hell Yeah feat Vince Staples. Have a listen here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPbYdPwmjsI and then have a read of what he had to say when I caught up with him..

You grew up surrounded by music; how did you come to discover your own unique talent and style?

It goes back to the importance of influence; my parents have great taste in music.  I just sang and it came out like that.

You’ve clearly got a great respect and love for folk, blues and soul. They are genres of music that traditionally come from the people. Do you feel that goes for you as well…do you try to make music that people can relate to?

I like stories, I love Johnny Cash  and traditional folk music as much as I love the Blues.  They coincide for me.  I would say I try to, but if you start from an honest place then your’re halfway there.  If I have to make people believe in what I’m singing, then I must sing the song with conviction.  And to do that, I have to believe it myself.

How did you come to start to approach music as a profession?

It’s a very simple & short answer;  I played everywhere, I took every opportunity regardless of money and in turn good people put faith in me.

How did you come up with the name Rag ‘n’ Bone Man and what does it mean to you?

When I was a kid I used to watch Steptoe and Son with my granddad.  I loved it then and I still do;  I think its a cool name.

Who have been your musical inspirations musically thus far?

I wont bombard you with a million names, but my Top 5. D’Angelo, Bessie Smith, Paul Rogers, Sly Family Stone and BB King

You’ve been a touring musician for a few years now. What’s been your best gig experience so far?

At Brighton Komedia  in my home town .The love I got was beautiful  and reduced me to tears.

You played a few festivals last year and everyone went mad for it! Is it nerve wracking to play to such large crowds or does it fill you with confidence?

I don’t really get nervous; I just cant wait to get on stage.  The waiting kills me!

Can you tell me about what your new project Disfigured is about?

The first song from the project is called Bitter end.  We spent a lot of time condensing a big body of material.  I feel like this project is the best we have to offer right now.

You’ve been based in Brighton for most of your life so far. What support have you found there? Is there a big hip hop scene?

My love for Brighton is huge.  It’s where I grew my craft . With Rum Committee, Hi Focus, Slipjam, Rarekind..it’s not a big scene but its great.

Your excellent track Hell Yeah is a collaboration with Vince Staples. How did that come about?

I love Vince, he’s wicked  We hollered for a feature and he said yes.  That’s pretty much it!

Who else would you love to collaborate with, and why?

Leon Russell.  He wrote Donny Hathaway’s A song for you which  is my favourite song of all time.

Do you write your lyrics first and then fit them to a song, or vice versa? What do you use to create the music side of the tunes?

I don’t have a set method at all, but recently my favourite thing is just sitting at the piano.

What does 2015 have in store for you?

I’m gonna take over the world. Seriously.

Tickets from www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk