Romeo Crow
Meet London-born UK Open Mic performer Romeo Crow:
Hi Romeo Crow, thanks for joining us! Let’s get into it:
Do you play solo only, or also in a group?
Solo
How old are you?
41
Where were you born?
London
Where did you grow up?
Southend and London!
How did that place influence your music? (if at all!)
The specific place didn’t influence me much at all. But, like all kids, my friends, and their taste in music, did 🙂
Where are you based now, and why?
Italy – because my wife’s Italian and the food and weather is much more pleasant here!
What got you into making music in the first place?
I had to! As soon as I learnt how to play an instrument it was a natural step for me to start making my own music. Even now, I still have the same urge to create! (sometimes, literally, in my dreams; I have a song idea and force myself to wake up to record the idea before I forget it. It’s great to do, but really annoying at 4am!)
What instrument/s do you play?
Singing, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Music Producer
Who would be in your top 10 musical influences, and why?
Prince – he is the GOAT, the greatest single artist of all time, in my humble opinion! The guy could do it all; he was as if Music solidified into human form. I love his creativity, desire to push boundaries and explore, which included a complete meandering into, across and mashing up so many genres. Added to his immense songwriting output (not to mention virtuosity on multiple instruments, stage-craft and dance moves!) this is what I most aspire to.
Led Zeppelin – my favourite band. Exceptional musicians in their own right, but together, the very definition of greater than the sum of its parts. They defined both how a band could be as well as spearheading the birth of Classic Rock and Blues Rock – two of my favourite genres 🙂 I love the riffs, the musicianship (especially live) and the whole rock and roll ethos.
I could go on, but I’ll leave it with a little list of some of the other artists in my Top 10, in no particular order:
AC/DC
Fun Lovin’ Criminals
Counting Crows
Rage Against The Machine
U2
Guns N’ Roses
Pink Floyd
Radiohead
Do you write your own songs?
Yes
How many years have you been writing songs for?
28
What process, or processes, do you often find yourself using when you write songs?
For me, the music almost always comes first; first the chords, riff or backing bed, then the melody, and finally the lyrics.
As I’ve got more into producing my own music, I’ve come up with ways of working that help bring a fresh twist on this. For example, recorded a song with the guitar chords first, add some bass, perhaps another lead guitar, as I normally do, but then take away the chords entirely. This gives the song a totally different feel and leaves space for new creative ideas I wouldn’t have thought of with the chords still in.
However, it still is backing music > melody > lyrics.
How long have you been playing open mic nights?
8
Why did you get into playing them in the first place?
I was out with my wife and 1 year old daughter, trying to meet some friends who’d come to London. The only venue we could find that would let us in with a young child in the evening was a local pub in Battersea. Our friends didn’t end up making it, but there was an open mic running there! I got chatting with the host and he convinced me to perform for the first time. I became a regular and, over time, even took over running the night!
What advice would you give new performers who are just starting out playing their first open mics?
Don’t worry about making mistakes, forgetting lyrics, etc. We all do it! Remember, the crowd WANTS you to do well, they’re on your side! The best thing you can do is make it fun; for yourself and the audience. The more relaxed you can be, the better – for everyone!
What’s the hardest thing, for you, about playing open mics?
Remembering lyrics to my songs! I’m often not so well prepared as I could be 🙂
What’s the most bizarre, or fun, open mic, or gig, you’ve ever played, and why?
In one of my old bands we played a few dates with Pete Doherty’s Babyshambles. We turned up to one of the gigs somewhat already partied out, so much so that our guitarist passed out.. before we got on stage! We carried him to the stage and woke him up then started playing. It was packed and a great atmosphere. Unfortunately, he fell over the guitar stack, knocking the whole thing to the floor to the chorus of a lot of booing. We managed to struggle through and complete the set, but it wasn’t our finest hour. The funny thing was, when Pete Doherty came on after us, he also fell over the guitar stack, knocking it down again. Except he received resounding cheers from the whole venue! Same accident, different guy. Opposite outcome! It pays to be famous sometimes – you can get away with more “rock and roll” behaviour!
If it’s not already, are you hoping to make music your full-time career?
Yes
What do you currently find the hardest and biggest obstacles to moving your music career forward?
Finding the time to put into it, alongside all my other family and business commitments.
What’s the one truth about you that people often find surprising?
That I think Singing In The Rain is one of the best films ever made!
What’s the most exciting project you’re working on at the moment?
My second album, tentatively titled Back To My Roots, and my first full length novel, currently titled Praha 72.
Do you have your own music video, channel or playlist you’d like to share?
Do you have music on streaming? What’s you main streaming channel to send people to?
Where is the main place should people go to find out more about you?
What other sites/profiles should people go to to find out more about you?
facebook.com/romeocrow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">facebook.com/romeocrow
We’re done! Anything else you want to share before we go?
If anyone reading this wants to get my first two full EP’s for free, along with lots of exclusive related bonus content, just head to my website to get immediate access – https://RomeoCrow.com. Thanks a lot for reading!