“I’m not anti-Rockabilly” insists Canadian singer Lew Phillips.

Canadian singer Lew Phillips has categorically denied he is anti-rockabilly by stating he has just changed his style. Lew, who performed live at the Rockabilly Rave in June, has confirmed he doesn’t mind rockabilly music it is just that he would rather focus on the late fifties/early sixties style of rock and roll. His style has been likened to that of Buddy Holly and Bobby Fuller, and although the singer does see the comparisons, he is adamant he is his own man, and that he can reach success with the style of music he is planning to record and play.

“I have been planning for a few months now to get a recording contract with a big label in Canada linked to the pop industry, but don’t worry, I am not planning on doing any modern music! I am already preparing the second album which I should record this coming winter. This will be recorded in a very professional studio and the man who runs the actual studio is a friend of mine, Martin Deschamps, and he is a very big star in the music industry in Quebec. I have decided to take some new directions in my musical work as I have always wanted to some late 1950’s and early 60’s pop music. You know what music I mean, basically teen idols, I have also always liked early 1960’s American bands like The Ventures, The Trashmen, The Rivieras, not to mention the bands in Quebec like Les Mégatones, Les Jaguars. I must admit I am a big fan of The Trashmen as I like that different kind of rock and roll, with a lot of reverb in the music, almost surf music. However, my musical tastes all combine as I like The Beach Boys, The Hondells, The Rip-Chords, so I have decided to blend plenty of styles for the new album. I think it is gonna be great but I am conscious some people may not like it because I have turned a little bit more early 190’s rather than the 50’s but that is a risk I am ready to take” said Phillips.

After learning pretty much straight away from this interview, Lew, is more influenced by Teen Idol style rock and roll rather than real raw rockabilly which is different than most young artists. The Canadian performer did start off playing more rocking material, but later on in the interview he reveals why the change happened, but I had to ask Mr Phillips why he prefers rock and roll over rockabilly.

“Without any hesitation I prefer rock and roll to rockabilly! To be honest with you I have never really loved rockabilly music as I have always preferred rock and roll because to me all rockabilly music does sound the same, that is only my opinion though, I am not saying it is not good music, I’m just saying what I prefer musically. It’s not that I don’t like rockabilly artists at all, but it is just rare that I listen to rockabilly, I mean sometimes I can listen to guys like Don Woody but don’t ever try to make me listen to some Johnny Burnette and The Rock n Roll Trio because I much rather listen to some Burnette from the early 60’s with tracks like Dreamin’ and You’re Sixteen. Give me that over Lonesome Train or Rockabilly Boogie, as in my opinion the big productions were something completely different and created more than the rockabilly sound with the string orchestra behind the vocals”.

As I touched on earlier in the interview, listening to some of Lew’s songs, there is a Buddy Holly sound within the singer. When I watched Mr Phillips live at the Rockabilly Rave a lot of other people in the crowd also touched on the likeness to the late great Buddy Holly. However, Lew doesn’t want to be seen as a copy-act to him, even though he appreciates and loves his music.

“A lot of people have compared me to him as well as Bobby Fuller. Buddy Holly has always been my favourite artist but I do really love Bobby Fuller but that is something I am trying to get away from bevause I don’t want to be identified as a copy act or compared to these legendary guys. They did so much for rock music, so I want to build my own place in music history, I don’t want people to remember me as the guy who sounded so much like Buddy Holly or Bobby Fuller. If you want my opinion on Buddy, I’m sure my friend Phil Trigwell will agree with me, I think that Buddy was way ahead of his time and if you listen to what he did it sounds like music that was recorded in the sixties, but Buddy had already recorded it, years before. Even though he is legendary, in my humble opinion, he should have received more recognition for what he did” confirmed Phillips.

Making it in the music industry is hard for any young artist but in this sepcialised genre it is made that much difficult due to the fact that this music has been around for quite some time. Lovers of vintage music, like myself, know that there is no expiry date and that different takes on rock and roll/rockabilly are being created every day, Lew explains how he hopes to crack the industry and become a big success in his homeland.

“I think it is hard everywhere to release vintage music and be on big radio stations, on a big record label or be rich. Maybe in Europe the scene is bigger and there are more festivals/places to play, but that’s not to say you have more chance of performing as an act or to be rich with your music. I found something interesting in  Canada because no matter what music you play if you’re really good, you get more chances of being successful with this kind of music, as it has disappeared since the 60’s and not many people know about this kind of music. Today’s generation are listening to almost every kind of music no matter what it is and the same goes for the fashion. People mix near and old clothes together and they don’t care, it’s not just about the music, it is a culture”.

The next subject is somewhat brutally honest by Lew as he discusses his time at the Rockabilly Rave and he goes more in-depth about his views on rockabilly music. Even though his style was different to that of many other bands at the Rave, he still got a good reception, which pleased the young man.

“I had a really great time at the Rockabilly Rave even though I wasn’t a great fan of many of the bands there. I don’t hold back with my opinions and views, I just hate hypocrites. I always like to tell the truth, I am not saying that the artists there weren’t good artists because they were all great, it’s just not my style. I have changed my style now as I only listen to late fifties and many sixties music now.

“I recorded my 45 on Wild Records and from that I had been invited to play the Rave but I had already changed my style since my first and only record on Wild Records. They were my only ‘rockabilly records’ and I don’t regret it but I must admit I prefer what I am doing now. I did have a little rockabilly period about three years ago, but my heart was always in late 50’s rock and roll. The A-side of the record was Mister Colter which I also released on my first album in April as a slightly different version. The B-side was Silent Love which I’m now working on to make a new version of that song too! The reason why I changed it is simple, because of what I have been listening to, I never planned and never will plan to change or evolve as I believe it happens naturally. I am not anti-rockabilly at all, or anti the Rave, it’s just not my style anymore, and I do listen to it sometimes” insisted the combed-backed Canadian (reference to his hairstyle!)

Despite his change in style he still believes he received a good overall reception from the British crowd and the singer admits he suffered with big stage nerves at the weekend festival earlier this year.

“I got a good reception but from my own personal point of view it brought me mixed feelings. It helped in a sense because I’ve never played there before (in Europe) and it got people to know me and my music, but on the downside I was so nervous, that I didn’t really put on a very good performance. I was so nervous. From that it seems that some promoters in Europe do not want to book me because they feel I haven’t got the experience. Sometimes I still get very nervous especially when I play the big shows in Quebec and I think that’s because you know that most people there do not know your music and it adds extra pressure to perform for all those people listening” said Lew Phillips.

As the interview with this confident young man draws to a close, he informs us of his intentions for the future and his life long ambitions. The man from Canada has clearly got success on his brain as he attempts to make a living from the music he creates.

“My pleasure of playing and creating music gets me over any confidence or nerve issues. The smiles of my fans when they are watching me on stage, or when they come up to me after a show, and they are in admiration of what I do. My plans for the next year are to get a contract with a big label in Canada and find myself a manager”.

“I am already planning the new album and to be honest I have already written all the songs for the second CD. As I repeat from earlier, this new album is going to be different, some people may be disappointed but I have decided to tackle a new direction and when I have an idea, nobody can remove it from my head. It is going to be recorded in a very professional studio and it will be expensive but I don’t care” smiled Phillips.

 

 

 

 

“The fifites has been a big influence in my life” says pin-up model Laura.

This is the first interview outside of the music scene that I have had the chance to be part of and I have to say it was a pleasure to chat to a young and aspiring pin-up model. Going by the name of Vintage Doll Laura, the Fulham based youngster told Mayhem Rockabilly about her aspirations, inspirations and how she got into this vintage style of modelling.

“My name is Laura, I’m 21 years old and my day job is that I work in a pharmacy 6 days a week. I am a part-time model”.

Most aspiring models start their careers by paying for a photo shoot so that they can have something for themselves and to show future employers. It is almost like a show-reel that film directors or actors use when going for jobs in their specified subjects. Laura was no different. She obviously had the dream and the confidence that she wanted to be a model, so the first shoot was paid for and that started the adventure, so to speak.

” It all started through Instagram. I had my first photo shoot, which I paid for, and after that it all took off for myself. I had photographers emailing me and contacting me through social media asking if I could do a photo shoot for them”.

Things started looking up for The Vintage Doll, as she calls herself, and it is quite evident to anybody that looks at her work that she is heavily influenced by the 1950’s pin-up look. However, the fifties isn’t the only genre/style that she has been influenced by.

“I am most definitely a big fan of the fifties. The 1950’s has been a big influence in my life, but when I was younger I was more into the ‘grunge & emo’ vibe. However, even then I still always loved the fifties era” said Laura.

As I am a massive fan of all the vintage scene with the music, the cars and the fashion (not to mention pin-up competitions at weekenders) from an outsiders point of view on the modelling aspect and how it all works I asked the question to Laura about the process of how she gets contacted by agencies.

“I am not actually an agency represented model as such, I just join online websites. Sites such as PurplePort, which is a website for models, photographers and clothing designers. That was really got because it actually got me paid jobs, such as working for the clothing brand Hell Bunny. It’s not all about paid work though, I do a selection of non-paid work too, so I can build up my portfolio and met new photographers”.

A lot of clothing brands are now bringing back the ‘vintage’ look and younger people are copying the styles from the rock ‘n’ roll era. The TOWIE hair-cut is a modern day take on the rockabilly haircut, the leather jackets, the turn-up jeans and to some extent some trainers/shoes are now based on a retro look. Despite most people having that style of haircut, wearing the jeans etc. etc. they have no idea about the rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll music. Now that doesn’t apply to the Fulham based model, as she enjoys the music too!

“I love the music! I love Elvis loads, I often go to Elvis tribute shows, but it’s not just Elvis as I also like Buddy Holly and I love The Platters. I am also a very big fan of Imelda May. I have also been to a couple of small events with Rockin’ Wheels & Chicks as I am one of the representatives. I haven’t been to any of the big ones yet, like the Rockabilly Rave, due to work commitments but I plan to go to some of the big events next year for sure!”. You just have to go to the Rave, it is amazing, isn’t it?

So despite doing a lot of her own work to start with Vintage Doll Laura is getting a lot busier. She just doesn’t do rockabilly pin-up shoots, she works for lots of different styles and Laura has plenty of work coming her way!

“I have a lot in store but cannot give anything away yet” she smiled.
“All the shoots will be a lot of fun and there are plenty of pin-up shots coming your way” beamed Laura.

Despite the fun and talented side of a job like this, I’m sure there has its dark side too. Being young and attractive and female, can cause a lot of attention from boys. Laura says some people online go too far the point of no return sometime, and that she has even had to delete and block people on her social media profile.

“Hopefully people like what I do. I do get people come up to me in the street or at work asking me how I do my hair or make up, or ask me where I get my clothing from too! Occasionally they want to take a picture with me, however online the followers I have got are many male. That is all well and good, but I have had to block a couple of them, certain people were being inappropriate and stalker-like, but that rarely happens now. When it does I either just ignore it or block them if they are being rude at all. The other side is the positive and I do reply when I can because I like talking to my online fans and friends”.

Behind each happy and positive young person is normally a very supportive family and friendship group. Laura say that her family have helped her out so much and that she is so lucky to have the support she receives.

“I am so happy to have a family like mine. They have helped me out so much and not just with my modelling but with other struggles I have suffered. I did suffer from anxiety my whole life, and when I started modelling, they helped me come out from my comfort zone and I honestly do not know where I would be without them. I am so grateful to have two supportive parents, three brothers and my sister. They are just all amazing and I love them dearly”.

Ambitions do not stop because you have achieved your first goal. Each person has to readjust their dreams and aspirations each step along the journey. Laura is no different, she just takes each day as it comes, but she does have long-term ambitions as a model.

“At this moment in time I am just taking each day as it comes. In the future I do plan to work with more models on photo shoots and hopefully have my own merchandise to sell, if all goes to plan. It goes without saying that I want to sell signed prints too!”.

That sums up this interesting chat I had my Laura, I hope you all felt the same way, and I would like you all to join me in wishing her all the best for the future both privately and work related.

Photographs:
1) Image by Claire Seville – Hair & Make Up by Gypsylady make up.
2) Image by Claire Seville – Hair & Make Up by Gypsylady make up.
3) Image by John Bellingham.

“The Rave was an absolute blast, great event, great bands and great people” says Jittery Jack!

The first interview I am lucky enough to post online is with Boston wild-rocker, Jittery Jack, who blew me away with his performance at the 18th Annual Rockabilly Rave this year. His vocals and stage presence was there for everybody to see and the British public loved every drop of American sweat this rockabilly performer gave! Featuring Amy Griffin on lead guitar, the show wowed the crowd with songs like Something Wicked This Way Comes, Little Red Book, Boston Baby and Tell Your Story Walking to name just a few, and with a brand new music video out too surely Jittery Jack is reaching the top of the current rockabilly artists on the word circuit?

“I’ve been really busy this year, really busy indeed. I’ve played in Europe three times already this summer and now I’m off to Australia in a few days”.

Jittery Jack was one of the first big names to be recorded by myself for Mayhem Rockabilly and the man himself has shared that video online for his fans to view. The seven-minute video, that opens with the song Little Red Book, has had views from America and the man himself has fond memories of the Rockabilly Rave that took place in Camber Sands during June this year.

“The Rave was an absolute blast!” recalled Jittery Jack, real name, Kevin Patey.
“Great event, great bands and great people. Jerry (Chattabox) is and old friend who has booked me in the past during the Raging Teens days. I had sent over the latest recordings and he dug them, so asked me to come back and play there again. I was very excited to come back”.

His latest album recorded on Rhythm Bomb Records label, includes a whole variety of different styles that show off the versatility of Patey, songs like Full Snow Moon, is a little country song with meaning that has a very catchy melody. The tracks he performed live at the Rave went down really well with the crowd in Camber.

“People were very kind and supportive, of course Miss Amy (guitarist), got all the attention, but that’s always the case”. joked the front man.

Miss Amy Griffin, the lead guitarist in the band, has been performing with Jack for some time. They formed a band The Raging Teens, based in Boston, and he explains that she can turn her hand to anything, she is that talented.

“I met and first started playing with Amy when she was only 18 years old. We formed the Raging Teens together, next year will be the 20th anniversary of playing together! She is not only a fantastic guitarist, she plays piano, drums. She’s one of those people that if you put an instrument in front of them they’ll figure out how to play it”.

Rockabilly music is a fantastic genre that was only really commercially around for a couple of years in the 1950’s, but just as the rockabillies did by taking a mixture of genres to create a rockin’ country sound, many bands got their inspiration from the guys that first brought us this crazy slap-bass-music! The ‘Heartbreaker’ says he has a lot of musical influences.

“I always liked early rock n roll and country music from my Father and Grandfathers’ influence. In the States things tend to get a lot more blended together, punk rock, hard rock etc. I loved the Clash and started realising that a lot of these bands I liked were influenced by early rock n’ rollers so the research began and the rest is history as they say”.

“I have so many favourites in the rockabilly genre though, with the likes of Benny Joy, Ben Hewitt. Also love the Rock ‘n’ Roll sound of the Sparkletones and I also enjoy the two-part harmony stuff. We’re thinking of doing a Jittery Jack/Miss Amy record with two part harmonies etc. I don’t really model myself on anybody as my sound it’s all over the map, the last song I recorded has a little bit of everything of it and I’m sure the next will too”.

Since the Rockabilly Rave Jittery Jack and his band have had their music video released online which has done extremely well with social media shares, views and comments. Jack describes the song as a ‘killer stroller’ he explains how he used a local location and an experienced music videographer to shoot the video for Somethin’ Wicked This Way Comes.

“It was a lot of fun! We shot the music video locally near my house in the North of Boston. My friend Mike Gill is an established music videographer who has done work with bands like the Dropkick Murphys. He offered to help out and I wrote the script, then it all sort of came together from there really. People seem to be enjoying it, we’ve had almost 10,000 views in less than 2 months!”.

The rise to becoming a well-known name on the rocking scene has been helped by the record labels the man from Boston, MA has has his music released on. Wild Records and Rhythm Bomb Records are two of the leading record labels for this genre of music and he has had fun recording for both of them. The response from the Gonna Have A Time With Jittery Jack, has also been very pleasing.

“The Wild Records release was recorded at Reb’s studio in Los Angeles. We had a lot of fun making the record. The last record was released on Rhythm Bomb but was actually recorded in Boston, MA at my friend Elio’s studio, the Soul Shop. It’s 100% vintage everything from amps to tape machines and microphones. Shorty Poole from the Sydewinders and Dave & Deke flew out to play bass and help produce. I have to credit him for the great sound on that record. We’ve been getting great feedback, Trevor from the UK magazine Now Dig This has been a great supporter. Now that the new 45 is out, I hope we’ll get all the DJ’s onboard and hear it on the dance floors around the world!”.

The last quote there goes to show the ambition of the man, and I have to echo his words about the great sound on the latest record. There is also a demo album titled ‘Jittery Jack’ which has 7 tracks on, some of which he has re-recorded on his latest album, all his albums have great sounds and the man has big ambitions for the years to come.

“I want to keep making records and playing shows. Probably going to think about touring more in the USA and hopefully play European festivals. I’m also tarting to think about the next record, so just keep on at it and hope people enjoy what I do! I’m starting to work on writing and collecting songs and ideas for a potential new album which I plan on recording next summer. In a perfect world it’s a record a year!”.

I hope from reading this interview with one of the hottest acts on the rockabilly circuit you can understand both the passion and excitement from this rocker and his ambitions for the future. As the interview came to a close I had to ask a question that is always on the tip of my tongue when talking to a recording artist ‘what is your favourite song you have recorded/performed? It is always interesting to know which song/songs the artist enjoys the most when performing to a packed audience.

“Wow, that’s a tough one! I’m probably going to go with Something Wicked, it’s a bit of a removal for me and we tracked it all live with the band in the studio, it has a great sound. A killer stroller!” I responded with which song I always enjoy when Jittery Jacks’ album plays in my car or on my iPod, which is Tell Your Story Walking, he agrees that is a good song too!

“I love that song, I’ve actually recorded it twice, it came out on the debut EP. My good friend and major influence, Little Frankie Blandino from Boston’s the Cranktones wrote that song. I think it’s fantastic, people always respond well to it when they hear it”.

To get the chance to interview Jittery Jack (Kevin Patey) was a great and it gave an insight into the person behind the music that we listen to. People seem to forget that these guys share the same passion for the music as us listeners, however, they have just that little bit more quality to play the stuff too!

Interview and pictures by Mayhem Rockabilly.
16/10/2014.

Welcome to Mayhem!

Hello and welcome to the home of the Mayhem Rockabilly blog, this is the site I will use to upload interviews, reviews and anything else for your enjoyment!

My name is Scott Barber and I am a rockabilly fanatic, well to be honest, I am a lover of all vintage music from Western Swing, early Delta Blues, Bluegrass, Hillbilly, Country, Rhythm and Blues, Rock ‘n’ Roll and not to mention Rockabilly!

I am also very interested in media, having studied it in further education, so I thought why not combine the both to make this wonderful concoction.

Making videos was originally the first step of Mayhem Rockabilly (formally Essex Rockabilly Videos) and that was done by capturing bands and editing videos before posting them online. This was great and I did get some work from that, however, the name Essex Rockabilly Videos did not really help as it seemed to have limited my reputation as just an Essex based cameraman, when I actually want to be world wide!

It wasn’t until I recorded and got chatting to people at the 18th Rockabilly Rave, that I knew I needed to branch out, and that brings us to where we are today with Mayhem Rockabilly Productions. It is such a suitable name for this type of music and way of life that hopefully it can kick start my career as a vintage rockin’ media man as well as hopefully getting some of my work into national and international magazines!

Interviews to come with Jittery Jack, the Boston wild man, fifties inspired pin-up girl Vintage Doll Laura, plus an article on young rockabilly sensation Lew Lewis.

Happy reading, and rock on!
Scotty.