Steve's Place
An Interview with
Richard Watts
2001
The first hint of someone new working with Robin came while I was reading through the October 1997 issue of Trowerpower (pre-website format). Robin was talking about a new young artist that he was very excited about working with.
I was quite intrigued. I was unsure in what capacity Robin was working with this new person. Was he putting a new band together? Was he producing some new guitar whiz kid that had caught his eye (or ear)?
I found myself wondering what this person had that Robin found interesting enough to want to work with him. The opportunity to work with a musician of Robin's calibre is the stuff that dreams are made of for most aspiring young musicians, but why this particular musician?
Not much else was said about the subject until one day last spring when I was talking with Bill Lordan. He mentioned that Robin was coming to tour with Alvino Bennett (who I was definitely familiar with) and this new singer whose name was Richard Watts.
I spent the next couple of months getting ready to go see one of the shows when along came the latest issue of Trowerpower with a picture of Robin and Richard sitting in a studio. It stated that Richard had done a couple of tracks on Robin's upcoming release and would be joining him on the 2000 tour.
If you read my California story, you know that I first met Richard at the hotel where the band was staying. It was funny because when I did walk up to him and introduce myself, he seemed genuinely amazed that he was recognized!
I think he was a bit unsure as to who the heck this stranger was walking up to him, but Richard was polite and let me ramble on about coming from Canada to see my first show.
During the next couple of days I had the pleasure of talking to Richard on a number of occasions; at the hotel, backstage after the show at the Galaxy and at the sound check at the Coachhouse and found him to be a fairly quiet and obliging guy. During the sound check I got to hear Richard testing the mics and improvising on his vocal parts. I was very impressed to say the least. During both shows Richard showed he was a natural performer and despite his lack of years, had a rich, mature edge to his vocals.
When I returned from California, I was working hard to get my story on the site when I received a nice note in my guest book from Richard's wife Sisca saying she had found my site and that her husband was now touring with Robin. I wrote her back and gave her the link to my 'Adventure' story and after she read it we corresponded a couple of times. In one of my e-mails to her, I asked if she thought Richard would like to do an interview with me. She said she would mention my request to Richard and at the end of last years tour we hooked up, again via e-mail and started to set this up. A few delays occurred, including a change of houses for Richard and Sisca, but we finally got it completed.
And, just in time .......
...... the fall 2001 tour is just about to begin .....
S.S. : So Richard, do you come from a musical family background?
R.W. : No, strangely enough I don't have any immediate relatives who play. My dad used to have an old farfisa organ in the house as I was growing up so that was the first thing I was able to create music on. I've got some frightening pictures, which I won't scare you with right now! I have a great-uncle who played the horn in the army for years and his son followed suit but my dad, bless him, enjoys music with a passion but plays it wearing gloves.
S.S.: What person(s) or event(s) first inspired you to want to pick up a musical instrument?
R.W. : This question ties in with the old Farfisa organ again. It was the first instrument that I was exposed to that could create sound and even play the typically old-style rhythms (i.e. the bossa nova). It even had a tape recorder to put down my very first creations. My dad was very proud! Later we had a piano which I attacked with equal fervour. New sound, new inspiration!
As for an individual leading me to my first musical experience, I don't think there was one. It was a enlightening in myself, and an excitement to create my own melodies that drove me to begin and continue growing. I simply loved music and what it did for me.
S.S.: At what age did you realize that you also had vocal talents? I believe I read where you sang in the church choir. Was this your proving ground for developing your vocal skills?
R.W. : When I was at school we used to stay in at break time and play cover songs in the music room. Partly for the love of playing and singing and partly for the simple fact that we didn't have to go outside in the winter months. This is probably one of the earliest times I remember singing and liking what I heard.
The church choir connection came later when I was about seventeen. I was asked by a friend if I wanted to play in the music group and I reluctantly agreed. I started by playing the keyboard in the group and then went on to lead the group, after the original leader left. It was then that Robin first heard me singing in mass one Sunday. I think the songs we sang inspired a depth in me that reflected in my singing. I hope that is what caught Robin's ear.
I also had a school band called 'Three Quarters Blue' which I used to sing and play rhythm guitar in. We did a little demo tape, made t-shirts and did a few gigs but it never really took off. The inter-band relationships were far from perfect! (Typical scenario)
S.S.: I know you are now well versed on a number of instruments. What, if any, formal training have you had and on which instrument(s)?
R.W. : All the instruments I play, I play by ear. I have found out that you usually only get two types of musician: the ones who read; and the ones that play by ear. This may be old news to most people but it still fascinates me to see such excellent readers struggle with the concept of writing original material, and likewise (from personal experience) the agony of learning to play someone else's music, written out in full. I long to conquer this weakness but I can except my flaw because of how much I love to wallow in the creative process. Of course there are those who break this generalisation but for the most part it does ring true.
I had some formal piano lessons more recently and managed to reach Grade 5 Theory and Practical. I would love to take the time to go on to Grade 8 and above, when I can dedicate my full attention to it. My appreciation for classical music has grown considerably since having my lessons and I am looking forward to recording my own TV/Film music in the future. I have to keep reminding myself that I have a whole lifetime to explore these different avenues but sometimes my head feels like it's going to explode with all the ideas and plans that I have for the years ahead.
I also had about six months of singing lessons with an opera singer who was a real character. He taught me the correct technique and some brilliant breathing exercises which I use to warm up before every gig. From a technique point of view, I have benefited greatly from having formal lessons but I would say that it has made me a little too aware of the mechanics of singing, which have tended to take away some of my natural sound. Now that I am aware of this slight draw back I have started to revert back to my natural voice whilst incorporating the breathing techniques for all out power.
All in all, the formal training that I have had has helped me develop, but I think it is very important to remember what you have in it's basic form and not to stray too far from it. After all, that is where originality comes from. Not fearing to be different!
S.S. : What instrument are you the most comfortable playing?
R.W. : I don't think there is one I am more comfortable on these days. It is more a case of what the instrument inspires in my mind. I love both instruments and I always enjoy breaking out of my normal boundaries and finding something new with them. Piano naturally inspires more intense
ballads and the guitar can give me the basis for a more rhythmic song. It all depends on my mood to be honest, alot of the time all my writing is a form of release. Any frustrations or mind-buzzing can be released and expressed through the melody first, and then through the lyrics.
S.S. : Have you always lived in England?
R.W. : ENGLAND, has always been my home. I have lived in the same town, by the sea (and the mud) my whole life. There are days when England seems very dreary and dull, but other times it is the most beautiful place I know. There are alot of places that I have not visited yet, but I am determined to see as much as I can in my lifetime. I love the whole concept of experiences. Sisca and I have revelled in trying scuba diving, balloon rides, riding Elephants in Thailand and all sorts of other things. I have just recently discovered skiing and I'd love to try sky diving next. Who knows when I'll achieve that one?
S.S. : Skiing .... hmmm... being a Canadian I'm well versed in all the snow activities! I can build a mean snowman! When you were in your teens, who did you enjoy listening too? What was it that you liked about them?
R.W. : This question is a little embarrassing for me. I don't really know why I am cagey about this, maybe it's like old clothes that you loved at the time but looking back you feel such an ass because you looked soooo stupid! Anyway I'll brave it and pick the better ones I can think of. One of my earliest memories of music that had a real impact on me was Elvis Presley. I was in the top year of Primary School and a friend passed me his Walkman and said "Have a listen to this Rich!" I loved what I heard so much that I can still remember the cassette make and the colour, I kept that tape for years (In fact I probably still have it). Even now listening to particular songs stirs a really fond memory of how much I loved it. Melody has always been my main obsession and so all the music that I listened to had to have good melody to keep me interested. So that actually broadens my horizons quite dramatically. Early teens though was more along the lines of Foreigner, Bon Jovi and the power/rock ballad stuff.
S.S.: When you're writing for yourself, what comes to you first, the words or the music?
R.W. : Music, then melody. Topic and lastly lyrics. I try to avoid the obvious lyrics that most pop songs use but I try to communicate the message at the same time. (Sometimes quite tricky!) I get huge satisfaction when I
complete a lyric because it's the least natural part for me.
S.S.: Interesting statement.... and where do you find most of your inspiration coming from? (events, family etc.)
R.W. : Everything that happens to me, and that I observe in others, is inspiration for me. It's quite strange sometimes that I get preoccupied with the concept of a lyric and forget to write how I actually feel about something. I think it's something to do with the creative side of me, not wanting to be too blatantly obvious! ..... The battle continues.
S.S. : What music is on your stereo right now? Who else do you listen to at this point in your life? (other than Mr. Trower :o) )
R.W. : At the moment I am playing various artists who I respect in an attempt to take in the sounds and production techniques they have used because I am going into the studio soon to record my debut album. Therefore the range is wide. Robin is obviously up there with the best of them, as I was personally involved in that record, it's always good to recap and reset my ears for the approaching challenge. Alongside Robin there is Bramhall, Jeff Buckley, Coldplay, Travis (two English-based bands, The Follow (Mat the drum techs band) and even the likes of Sheryl Crow, who I think is brilliant. I am very into Guitar-based bands with a good sense of melody and plenty of credibility! I don't really have much of a sweet tooth for pop, although my ears do prick up when I hear a decent melody and some palatable lyrics. (Usually let down on this point!)
S.S. : Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you enjoy doing for fun and relaxation?
R.W. : Fun? Relaxation? What are they??? Only joking, mmm that's a tough one. There is not alot else bouncing around in my mind other than music, in some way shape or form. It's an obsession I suppose. Maybe when I am established more I will begin to look to other means of enjoyment, but for the moment the only alternative to music is silence and relaxation or quality time with my wife, Sisca. That is always worth pulling away for!
S.S. : I'd like to change direction now to include Robin in a few of the questions. So here we find Richard, a young musician who is a friend of Robin's son. Were you at all aware of who his father was?
R.W. : No! I vaguely knew that Robin was a guitarist but I was only really presented with Robins popularity on last years tour. It sounds amazing now that I think of it, all that time and I never really had any idea how popular he was. Mind you I was a bit of a dreamer as a kid, so that could also explain it.
Not always on the planet, if you know what I mean!
S.S. : Ha! Ya... I do know what you mean!
So how long have you known the Trower's?
R.W. : Years!
S.S. : I have been surprised with the realization that Robin's reputation as a guitarist is relatively low key with the people in England who know him (outside the music business) and I understand that if you walked into the Trower home, there is very little around that would indicate that you were in the home of a very famous guitarist. How aware of Robin's history in the music field were you?
R.W. : I was aware that Robin had a good career in music, because occasionally I would hear about an interview he had done in a guitar magazine, or something. Even then it was hard for me to comprehend the affect that he had had on a whole generation of guitar lovers. Having seen it all first hand now I fully understand why so many people love what he does. It is a unique gift!
S.S.: What was the first Trower song you heard?
R.W. : To be honest with you I really can't remember which one it was. I started listening to his material when I knew I was going on the tour. It was probably one of the classics like 'Bridge of Sighs' or 'Day of the Eagle'. Whichever one it was I really liked the vibe of it straight away.
You can always tell the good stuff when you get an instant reaction to it.
S.S.: What was the circumstance, event or situation that brought about the initial thought of you and he collaborating musically?
R.W. : In the very beginning it was a simple case of Robin hearing me singing and offering to help me develop what I already had. We have had a creative connection since then and worked on various things together. I am lucky that Robin heard me in the first place, really. More recently Robin approached me about trying to write some material together. Obviously, I was flattered at the suggestion and leapt into it whole-heartedly. I have been really pleased with the material we have written together and so has Robin, long may it continue. I love the whole process of writing songs and to add a new diversity to it really excites me
.
S.S.: Prior to 'Go My Way', I read where Robin had been working with you for a couple of years. What was he helping you with?
R.W. : After hearing me singing Robin and I worked on recording some demos of my songs and ended up doing quite a few songs. It was so good to hear some of the songs coming to life.
S.S.: What role, if any, did Robin play in the direction you have taken in your own music?
R.W. : Robin has always shown an avid interest in my work/voice and has given me the gift of his wisdom throughout our working relationship. I have always appreciated his input into what I do, and since the last tour it has really affected my writing. I think even Robin has noticed it in a couple of tunes!
S.S.: So then we had Robin working on his next venture, 'Go My Way'. How did it come about that you would sing a few of the songs?
R.W. : After work on my material it seemed like a natural progression to try my voice on some of Robin's. He made the suggestion and as usual I was up for the challenge, and experience, so we went into the studio and ended up with what is now 'Go My Way'. Well, you've heard what it's like, I really like the whole album, we listen to it quite alot. (for pleasure, not analysis)
S.S. : At what point did you start to discuss going on the tour to promote the album?
R.W. : Once we got the vocals we wanted for the album, Robin asked me if
I played bass. At the time I didn't, but I showed willing and told him that I would learn! That night I went to a friend's house and borrowed his bass. Some serious practice and aching fingers later, I went back to Robin and told him that I felt I was ready to play bass on tour..... fortunately he agreed.
S.S.: Even after agreeing to go to America to do the tour, I would imagine you really did not have any idea of the popularity of Robin's music in the states. After all the rehearsing and preparation for the trip to the states, you finally come to that first big moment of walking out on stage and you hear the reaction of the audience to Robin. What was that first show like for you personally? What was your initial reaction to the "enthusiastic" fans of Robin Trower?
R.W. : PETRIFYING!!! I got on the stage and I was shaking like a leaf. I was so concerned with covering my end of the deal that I made myself suffer. Once I got over the first few gigs and learned that the whole experience should be about fun, I was freed from the burden of mistakes. It changed the gigs dramatically and my eyes were opened to the enthusiasm and raw charge there was at Robin's gigs. The fans are great, it is such a good gig when you can feel the energy of the audience. It helps us no end to feel that rush of playing to people who genuinely love what they are hearing. I would dare to say there is nothing else quite like it. Pure Joy!!!
S.S.: When I first met Alvino, he was a really friendly guy. I got the impression you and he were good friends. How long have you known him?
R.W. : Alivno and I met last year for the tour. We did hit it off straight away though, it must be to do with our personalities. We did, and do, alot of talking on the tours and so you really learn much more about each other in a small space of time. Alvino is an amazing player and a good friend. We have talked in depth about music and I hope we can do something together soon.
S.S.: What can we expect from Richard Watts in the future?
R.W. : Richard Watts is ready to give the world a taste of his music and his soul. I just want to make music because it is what I do, cliché but true. I know people will like it if they can just hear it, so look out for it and give it a listen, you might even love it!
S.S. : For the upcoming tour I have heard that the band may be doing a few different older songs. How about letting everyone in on what one of those songs might be????
R.W. : Now you know I can't go blowing the surprise! You'll hear them soon enough. I can guarantee the show is going to be as energetic as usual. I'm certainly fired and ready to go!!!
S.S. : I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer these questions, Richard. It was a pleasure to have met you and I look forward to seeing you again someday soon. I anxiously look forward to hearing your own work as well.
R.W. : Thanks for the questions Steve, they have been great! I look forward to meeting you again in the future. Thanks to all the people who show such dedication to a genuine talent, Robin Trower.
