Below is an interview with American 70s-sounding band, ROOKIE. Read what it was like to work on a first album, only to be met by a pandemic!
MIA: You recently released your self-titled album! What was the release like for you all?
ROOKIE: Super exciting only to met with the horrors of a global pandemic. It was so shocking to see what happened to the world we nearly forgot something we poured our heart into even existed.
M: I really love the cover art - it’s simple, colourful and vibey. Is there a specific thing you look for in a cover for your music?
R: Our friend Brandon did a fantastic job recreating our buddy Tim’s photography. I’d say we are just looking for a visual artist to give their take on what they hear whether it be a photographer, artist or otherwise.
M: I think you’re the largest band I’ve interviewed! With so many people, does the music process ever become hard or overwhelming?
R: It actually is a lot easier. We are looking for more guitarist.
M: There's a lot on your album about the US, or themes of such. Has growing up in the US been heavily influential on your music?
R: Of course! The states are so incredibly fucked up - we either want to provide a break from the craziness or let you know we feel the same and we want change too. There is no way around that and shouldn’t be when you’re an artist.
M: What artists would you say you guys mostly take inspiration from?
R: Dream Band:
Phil Lynott on bass and vocals
Terry Kath on guitar and vocals
John Bonham on drums
Nicky Hopkins on piano
Jerry Garcia on wandering around somewhere
M: your first release on Spotify was 2018. Were you making music a lot beforehand?
R: We have a very dense pre-rookie catalogue. Might be neat to come out with a fun little comp one day.
M: Was music always what you all individually wanted to take up? If not, what were your original goals?
R: I wanted so badly to be an electrician and work a trade and still toy with being a bus driver. Maybe when I find myself I’ll be a bus driver. Never a plumber or exterminator. Poop and Bugs scare the hell out me.
M: to be honest, I sense a bit of a sixties/seventies inspiration through all your work and the covers used for your music. Would you say that’s the decade you resonate most with?
R: Guitar music shined in those days. That light has dimmed a bit and we are practicing very hard to bring back that organic raw goodness.
M: What do you feel has been the most positive outcome from releasing music for you guys?
R: We have a couple friends pick up playing music. What a reward for someone to think “I want to sound like that guy”. That just means everything to me.
M: I like to end on a random fun one. If you could do a personal concert for one person, who would it be?
R: I would play for my wife’s Auntie Margaret again. Rest In Peace, old soul.
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