Boomin interview

Hello!

Adam, Edd and Rory

Today I have something special for you - an interview with Rory O'Grady of Wigan indie rock band Boomin. The band are currently celebrating ten years together so I caught up with Rory to learn about the band's origins, inspirations, highlights and aims for the future.

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Congratulations on ten years! How did the band begin?

It started at Wigan and Leigh College back in 2003 where I met Edd and Adam. We first started a metal original band and there were six of us back then. Edd was the lead vocal frontman and Adam and myself were rhythm and lead guitarists. 

Over time members left, then we decided to originally start a cover band and that's how it all happened.

Who are your musical heroes?

We all have slightly different influences. Adam likes blues, Edd likes 80s and I like alternative rock but we're all fans of the likes of Queen, Foo Fighters, Prince, Billy Joel and Sum 41.

You have some imaginative videos, such as Chocolate: how do you come up with ideas?

As musicians and artists you are always looking and listening to everything around you to give yourself ideas. Sometimes you can steal an idea as long as you put your own spin on it.

Do you feel your style and/or direction has changed over the years?

Yes. It started with the classic cover songs (Johnny B. Goode, Mustang Sally, Brown Eyed Girl) and now we do more genres and do medleys. At the start it was more Adam lead vocal and now we all sing lead. We also chuck in some original material as well.

You travel a lot, do you enjoy life on the road?

It can be the worst part of being in a band but sometimes we can turn it into a positive by having a jam on the acoustics and doing live videos.

What would you say is your biggest achievement?

Getting our album in the iTunes rock chart at no. 22 without any PR or team. Other highlights include performing an original song on stage with Newton Faulkner, supporting McFly and finishing 12th out of 12,000 bands worldwide in Hard Rock Rising 2013.

What are your plans for 2016 and beyond?

Releasing an acoustic album that's more heartfelt and serious for us but it's something totally different for the fans, Then recording more original music hopefully. Just keep touring and making records and see how far we can go.

What advice would you give to young musicians?

Cliché but do what you love and stick at it. Don't change for anyone, be different, don't follow what others do. Hard work equals success, not Lady Luck.

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It's been great talking to Rory - I hope you have enjoyed the interview. If you did, check out my interviews with Eddi Reader and The Kennedys.

Make sure to give Boomin's music a listen, and you can follow Rory on Twitter at @roryboomin.

Thanks for reading!

Liz x