Interview: Roger The Mascot

 

So, Roger the Mascot, where did the name originate from?

 

The name, Roger The Mascot, was thought up by our frontman (Vardy) about our bass players (Kingy) dad, Roger. You can hear Roger, A.K.A. The Mascot, playing a bit of piano on an early recording of 'Time Machine' that we did with producer Ross Orton in Sheffield. Roger can also be found at almost every show.

 

Care to introduce the band members and their roles within the band?

 

Daniel Vardy, Singer/Song Writer - Vocals/Guitar

Matthew King, Bass/Vocals

Jamie Pickering, Drums

Laura Hudson, Saxophones/Vocals

 

You won the eufest and got to perform alongside Arctic Monkeys, surely that was your career highlight?

 

We would say it’s both, winning the 'All about the Music' competition held by 'Band Crusade' and 'eufest' at Leamington. Then getting to play the main stage warming up for The Arctic Monkeys was something we will never forget, and a truly mind blowing experience. We are happy to be back on this year’s bill at ‘INmusic’ Festival and can't wait to smash it for all our fans over there.

 

What is the best venue in Sheffield that you’ve ever played?

 

Our Headline show at The Leadmill last summer was something special. An absolute belter of a gig, with some awesome support bands and solo acts as well.

 

Tramlines, Sheffield’s premier festival, is it a dream to grace the main stage?

 

We don't see playing any stage as being a dream, but come on it would be awesome to tear up tramlines on the main stage. We will just keep working hard, gigging everywhere we can, and with our awesome manager Eileen behind us, you never know we might be on there soon.

 

You released your album not long ago, how is it being received within Sheffield and the surrounding areas?

 

Yeah we released our debut album 'Wired To The System' last February and it has been received very well by our fans who jumped on the download on its release and got it as high as 21 in the iTunes album charts. It also has some great reviews on iTunes retaining a five star rating. As much as we love our debut album, our sound has developed a lot since then and we have also had a change in our line up with our lead guitarist being replaced by the amazingly talented saxophonist, Laura Hudson.

 

Outside of Sheffield, where has been your favourite place to play?

 

Well, after racking up somewhere in the region of 100 gigs last year, we would probably say London is up there with being one of our favourites. But we have been about a bit, so it's hard to choose!

 

And finally, in terms of gigs and records, what’s next for you guys?

 

What's to come from us Roger’s?

 

Firstly, we have the release of our new single 'Bothered' on the 3rd of March, which we are bursting with excitement for. The video has had such an amazing reception, with so many people loving the song and giving great feedback. In terms of gigs in March, we have one on the 13th at The Ruby Lounge in Manchester, one on the 15th at The Harley in Sheffield and also one on the 21st at The Intake in Mansfield. Last of all, we have a very special release for this summer. We are looking forward to working with the magnificent Joe Foster, (Creation Records) but that's all I can give away on that last one so you will have to wait and see!