Forbidden Joe Newsletter Interview

Thanks to Alex for answering these questions:

What is the best gig/event you have ever performed at, and why?

Wellington folk festival 2008 – A great crowd, pouring rain and gumboots galore, on damp spirits, brilliant musicians everywhere, fantastic organisation.

What is your favourite NZ venue?

The Bunker on top of Mount Victoria, home to the Devonport Folk Club and the Old Time Bluegrass and Country Music Club. It’s warm and cosy, often a full house, with attentive and fun audiences. It’s home to a huge variety of music.

What can we expect to see from Forbidden Joe over the next year?

A National tour from February to March 2009, and then off to Australia for a small tour and to check out the National Folk Festival in Canberra. Potentially a European tour in late 2009 too, mainly around England, Ireland, and Scotland.

What other NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?

Copperkin, a stunning sister duo from Hamilton, who write beautiful songs and sing like angels. The Benka Boradovsky Bordello Band have an insane live performance! Plus they’re raising the profile of Easten European/Klezmer music.

If you could, what rumour would you start about Forbidden Joe?

That we took out the New Zealand spelling bee championships for nine consecutive years.

What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?

Listen to lots of different musics, get a feel for the styles, play the music you love, experiment, and play it with people you love. It helps!