Name: The Stiff Kick
Hometown: Belfast
Genre: Alternative Country Blues
◀ Q & A ▶
▶ Tell us about your band name
The Stiff Kick takes its name from a very strong alcoholic cocktail my favourite bar tender was concocting one evening. I loved the name and asked her if I could use it. The rest of the evening was a blur and the cocktail was never made again.
▶ When did you start playing music and how would you describe your sound?
I started playing the guitar back in 2005 while travelling, and with plenty of free time to practice everyday I picked it up quite quickly. At present my sound could be described as catchy guitar based rock n roll accompanied by some very rustic percussive noises in the background and lyrics that aren’t shit.
▶ What releases have you put out so far?
Nothing major yet, just a collection of rough and ready kitchen demos called philomenas demos. Recorded last September up on the west coast amongst the rest of the carrying on.
▶ Is there a particular live show that stands out amongst all the rest?
The first one. Myself and my mate Muzza performed as The Secret Squirrels for his Dads 60th a while ago. Big amps and a full kit in a quiet little pub. The place was bouncing that night.
▶ Can you talk about a Highlight and a low point of the journey so far?
A highlight that sticks out for me would be writing and recording my song “Good & Evil”. It was the first song I put on to a cd for others to listen too. When I heard it played back in the car I realised the potential I had and that there was gonna be some changes around here.
I try to avoid low points as much as I do traffic wardens, but dropping my old guitar, Toni, on to a unforgiving piece of concrete flooring while playing at a recent NYE party. That was a low point and Toni now lives on a wall.
▶ If you weren’t a musician(s) how would you spend your spare time?
Surfing and writing a book.
▶ If you were to go on a world tour and you could pick any 3 acts come along, who would they be?
Billy Connolly, Joe Strummer & the Mecaleros and Sublime.
▶ What would be the 3 strangest things on your rider if you were able to make any demand?
Remote control helicopters, with batteries. A tv with live sport on it and fresh socks.
▶ Is there a particular aim or goal which you hope to achieve through music?
Nothing in particular, but maybe an extended european tour with all my mates on the bus and someone sensible enough behind the wheel to get us from one party to the next. I’ll aim for that. That bus is still available at www.rockstarzlimo.com, I checked.
▶ Who has been your biggest inspiration as musicians?
Joey Ramone.
▶ Are there any other Northern Irish musicians we should check out?
Team Fresh.
▶ What is next for you?
My EP was released in April, so I plan to keep playing shows and recording music.
◀ LISTEN ▶
Facebook ▶ /The Stiff Kick
