Monday 14 June 2010
QBiM Q&A with Daniel Romano
QBiM: State your name for the record (and mention your record while you’re at it).
DR: Daniel Romano, Workin’ for the Music Man?
QBiM: Where are you from, how did you get here, and where are you going next?
DR: I’m from Welland Ontario, Joni Romano birthed me. and I’m going to get ice cream next.
QBiM: You’ve had a busy 2009 and 2010. How did your collaboration with Daniel, Fred & Julie come about? Is that just going to be a one-off project or will we be hearing more from the three of you?
DR: I’m not sure if its a one off project yet… I’m up for anything. It came about because I asked Fred to make a record with me. And then I took the train out there. I had some songs and some books. We worked it out. Julie joined us.
QBiM: Is your new solo album a reaction to being part of Attack In Black, or is it just an extension of the band, like another side of Daniel Romano?
DR: It really has nothing to do with the band… It’s its own thing. It reflects, I suppose the “other side of me” but this particular side has been there my whole life; long before le rock and roll.
QBiM: get the sense from Workin’ for The Music Man that you’re somewhat disenchanted with the whole record industry whirlwind? Is that a valid assumption?
DR: Yes. but I’m also very happy about other stuff…
QBiM: There’s also a lot of romantic (dare I say love?) songs, in a singer-songwriter vein. Does that have anything to do with the “other stuff” you’re happy about?
DR: Yes I am very much in love.
QBiM: Being from Welland myself I know that this working class town is somewhat lacking in a cultural/music scene. Did you find growing up here provided enough inspiration for your music, or did you have to look beyond Welland for that?
DR: The less there is going on the more you can focus on whatever you need to. I find it perfect here. No one knows or cares. And I love that.
QBiM: What’s the one record you can go back to and listen to over and over again?
DR: ONE RECORD!? Impossible.
QBiM: I understand that the new record was recorded mainly at home in your own studio. Is that a big change from the way Attack In Black work? Was there less pressure on you working at home?
DR: There is never pressure recording a record for me. It is always as fast as possible so that I stay focused and don’t get sick of it before its finished.
QBiM: How has the rest of the band reacted to the solo album?
DR: They seem to be taking my lead. Spencer (Burton) made a record. (Ian) Kehoe is thinking about it I think. And my bro (Ian Romano) has been playing with my folks’ band and is starting to record and produce other bands a lot more. I think it’s good for everyone.
QBiM: Attack In Black is scheduled to play at NXNE this year, but will you be doing any solo shows in support of the record?
DR: There is a small tour yes, and some festivals in the summer.
QBiM: What’s the one sound that drives you crazy?
DR: Wet boots being rubbed or dried on carpet.
QBiM: When was the last time you got into a fight?
DR: Too long ago… You wanna go?
QBiM: What’s the worse bit of musical advice you’ve ever been given?
DR: “You should try to sound more like the E street band.”
QBiM: what’s the one thing our world could do with less of?
DR: The E street band. And everyone that copied them.
QBiM: Is there anything left to explore?
DR: The ocean!
QBiM: Who has been the most influential Canadian artist in your career?
DR: Neil.
QBiM: Anything to declare?
DR: I rarely wear underwear, and when I do it’s usually something unusual.
~~~
Underwear aside, there’s nothing unusual about Romano’s talent: Workin’ For the Music Man is a bright, assured album of classic folk rock songs very much in the vein of his chief influence, Neil Young. I’ll have a full review of the album in the next week or so, but don’t wait for me–go out and get it yourself now.
MP3: Daniel Romano “Workin’ for the Music Man”
Myspace: Daniel Romano
This entry was posted on Monday, June 14th, 2010 at 8:30 am and is filed under MP3, QBiM Q&A. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
