Edward Rogers Interview For Wicked Spins Radio

Originally born in the UK Edward Rogers moved to the States at an early age. He started out as a drummer in bands but an event in life changed his contribution to music bringing forth the advent of a very talented singer/song writer. Edward has just released his fifth album Kaye. Wicked Spins Radio caught up with Edward and here is how it went.

WSR – Thank you so much for giving Wicked Spins Radio this interview, can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself?

Edward – I was born in Birmingham, England and moved to the States in the late 1960’s, missing out on all the wonderful glam rock music happening at the time, like Marc Bolan/T.Rex, Roxy Music, Steve Harley and Mott The Hoople to name a few. But did arrive in New York City to take in the mid to late 70s music scene – early New York Dolls, Patti Smith, The Ramones, Milk n Cookies – you name them, I saw them.

WSR – Can you tell us about Kaye, specifically who it is influenced by and also dedicated to?

Edward – Originally, the album was a collection of songs, loosely connected. As we were getting ready to record Kaye, I learned of the passing of Kevin Ayers. I read that the last words he wrote, which were found on his dying bed, were “you don’t shine if you don’t burn.” That evening, those words set up a writing spree that resulted in the title of the album and the title song. On Kaye, I was influenced by early ‘70s glam rock bands, such as Roxy Music, Ray Davies early ‘70s work (RCA period), of course Kevin Ayers and Mott.

WSR – Has Kevin Ayers inspired you in life as well as in music?

Edward – To be honest, I feel he abused the immense talent. He had so much potential and seemed to walk away or dream away whenever fame was close.

His songs definitely influenced me, but not necessarily his chosen life style.

WSR – Apart from Soft Machine what bands do you feel sum up the whole psychedelic movement and what songs prove the pinnacle of that period in music?

Edward – The prime band for me is still Pink Floyd with Syd Barrett. I think their early influence totally opened up a new world of music and broke down a lot of musical barriers. Caravan was another major influence in the development of the Canterbury scene, and let us not forget the amazing Robert Wyatt, also from Soft Machine.

WSR – You worked with Don Piper for your fourth solo album Porcelain, so what made him the perfect person to help you with Kaye?

Edward – Don Piper is the perfect producer for me. He knows how to work well with all different types of musicians, and is one of the very few people whose musical honesty I trust. He was a way of making music very simple and laid back, and always seems to be able to extend my musical limitations.

WSR – What do you think Kevin Ayers would say if he had a chance to hear Kaye?

Edward – Probably “could you get me another bottle of red wine, please.” 

To be honest, the few times I met Kevin, I think Kaye wouldn’t impress him at all. He didn’t possess the most agreeable of personalities. Although, it was nice to read a few reviews that said he would have liked it.

WSR – Can you tell us a little more about Losers Lounge and your role as a performer in the show?

Edward – I’ve been lucky to be singing at Losers Lounge for a number of years. A regular NYC-based series, Losers Lounge pays tribute to various artists. Over the years, there have been some amazing shows where the actual artist got involved, ie Lee Hazlewood and Paul Williams. One time, Neil Diamond even left a voice message for Joe Mcginty wishing him and the show good luck. I love all the musicians involved, as well as the other singers I’ve met over the years.

WSR – What were your early days like as a drummer?

Edward – I fancied myself being either Keith Moon or Clem Burke! I was neither. Not even close. But, I did enjoy the experience of being part of a group. I prefer songwriting and singing, as my timing will never be good 

WSR – Bedsit Poets in some ways explore your British roots musically, can you tell us a little more about Bedsit Poets and the story about how they got their name?

Edward – Originally, Amanda Thorpe and I got together and started writing songs. While in England, we had dinner with Colin Blunstone of The Zombies, and while explaining the nature of our project, he immediately referred to us as a type of “bedsit poets,” which we both thought was the perfect name for it. We were eventually joined by Mac Randall, who brought in an additional music edge.

WSR – What are Bedsit Poets doing at the moment?

Edward – On hiatus. We actually started writing songs for a third album, so maybe one day…

WSR – In 1985 something happened to you that made you swap from being a drummer and into the singer/song writer that we know and love today. Exactly what happened and how did this effect your life as a whole?

Edward – In October, 1985, while riding on a subway train, I didn’t feel well and passed out. Unfortunately, I fell out of the train. This resulted in the loss of my right arm and part of my right leg. But, I’m still here, and enjoy life and making music!

WSR – Do you have any fond memories from your early childhood in Birmingham in the UK?

Edward – Ah, yes, Edgewood Road…the school uniforms…the horrible British food…the amazing music scene…the color, lights and sounds coming from London. What a strange world to have been living in at the time.

WSR – If you could change would thing in life or do anything slightly differently Edward-Rogers-pc-Don-Piper would you and if you would then what would you change?

Edward – Life has served me well – both its ups and downs. Considering how much I always loved music, I wish I could have been more involved at an early age.

WSR – Of all the people who have been or still are in your life which person has been the biggest influence on you as a person?

Edward – My partner, Melani. Life is made much better by her. She gives me purpose and reason and confidence. Also a morning cup of tea…

WSR – Throughout your life what technological advance have you liked the most?

Edward – Probably garage band for demo-ing songs. It’s great for adding instrumentation and easy to operate. Demos for both Porcelain and Kaye came out of garage band.

WSR – What is the one thing that is sure to annoy you?

Edward – Lack of punctuality. I find it disrespectful.

WSR – Thank you so much for giving Wicked Spins Radio this interview, is there anything you would like to add?

Edward – Thanks so much for your interest and such brill questions. Hope my answers match them. Cheers. Oh, yes, to your readers: please give a listen to Kaye.

http://www.edwardrogersmusic.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Edward-Rogers-Fan-Page/228624228865?ref=ts