1. SO TROG, HOW ARE YOU? AND WOULD YOU CARE TO VENTURE YOUR REAL NAME?
I think you know it mate! But in answer to your question� no! Trog is a 'real' name, isn't it?
2. YOU ARE AN ACOUSTIC SINGER-SONGWRITER WITH POLITICS ON YOUR MIND, AND YET YOU STILL MANAGE TO BE QUIRKY WITH IT. HOW SO, AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WRITE THE MUSIC AND - MOREOVER - THE LYRICS THAT YOU DO?
Er, anything! Whatever mood I'm in at the time usually, but not all the time. If I can't make the point I want to make the song won't get written. It ain't always politics on my mind. I ain't Billy Bragg.
3. YOU LIVE AND PLAY in NOTTINGHAM. HOW IS THE LIVE MUSIC SCENE AROUND THERE AND WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO LOOK OUT FOR ON SUCH A SCENE? DO YOU KNOW ANY OTHER ARTISTS LIKE YOURSELF, OR ARE YOU OUT ON A LIMB WITH YOUR MUSICAL STYLE?
Bands: Alien Tendrils, Ben's Dead, 3rd Time Lucky, Urban Phoenix. All deserve a mention. I live in Long Eaton, near Sawley and there seems to be millions of young musicians here. And they're all good people� not arseholes! I am the old codger of the group(s). In short, Nottingham/ Derby has a great scene. But there's no one else round here like me, so I am a bit out on a limb.
4. YOUR SONGS HARBOUR SOME GENUINELY SUBLIME MELODIES (such as on 'To The Castle'). DO YOU FIND THE MELODIES DEVELOP NATURALLY OR DO YOU FIND IT TAKES A LOT OF TIME AND BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS TO WRITE YOUR AWESOME AND UTTERLY ORIGINAL SONGS?
Oh - cheers mate! Most develop naturally but some I have to bleed for. As soon as I strum my first few chords for the day usually I'm singing to them or I 'La! La! La!' to them.
5. WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY TO HOLLY HERNANDEZ AT THE 'NME' ON ACCOUNT OF THE SARCASTIC REVIEW SHE DID OF YOUR 'DEMO TED' EP?
It's her job! She's obviously not a successful musician, bless! And I reckon she's the type of bird I wouldn't mind having a drink with. If my luck was in, I'd buy. Maybe even a ruby (curry) after.
6. WHICH BANDS AND ARTISTS HAVE INSPIRED YOU? AND DO YOU EVER ACTION YOUR POLITICAL VIEWS in RALLIES SUCH AS THE RECENT ANTI-WAR RALLIES?
My biggest inspirations are Dylan, Marley, the Sex Pistols, Slade, Nirvana and the Chieftains. Alongside Dylan, Sonny Boy Williamson taught me how to play harmonica. As for rallies� not yet, though I would given a chance. Especially if it's anything to do with 'GREENPEACE' or 'GREEN PARTY.' I'll always action my views at any gig. Every stage I play on is a party-political debate� albeit a one man party political debate.
7. SO FAR YOU'VE RELEASED THE AFOREMENTIONED 'DEMO TED' EP AND YOUR 'ON THE BOG' LP� WHAT'S NEXT, AND WHERE'S THE BEST PLACE TO SEE YOU LIVE?
The next album is 'Wed Bunnies and Gween Wabbits.' All songs are Eco-songs, environmental ones. It'll be bit of a concept 'Green' album. To see me you want to be in Nottingham or Derby.
8. IF YOU HAVE ANY PLUGS TO MAKE ON YOUR OWN BEHALF, PLEASE LET RIP�
As if doing this interview ain't plugging myself?� I'm simple, basic, rough round the edges - but I'll get a reaction. I need a proper manager. I hate gardening and washing up.
Cheers mate.