TO LISTEN TO THE AUDIO INTERVIEW CLICK ON THE ARROW ABOVE
By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa Correspondent
Venue: Mid-Florida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa, Florida–July 3, 2016
Rock At Night was excited to have the opportunity to speak with Taylor Perkins of Canadian rock band BLEEKER. I recently listened to BLEEKER’s self-titled EP and really, really liked their retro rock, almost Led Zeppelinesque sound. Look in RAN for a full review of the EP soon!
BLEEKER is currently on a 23 city US Tour with Sublime with Rome, The Dirty Heads, and Tribal Seeds, which initiated in Atlanta on June 30th and will terminate in Corpus Christi, Texas on August 3rd. They are going to be zig-zagging their way to the North, Mid-West, West, and will probably see more states than I have in my entire life.
BLEEKER is comprised of two brothers, Taylor and Cole, as well as two pals who all share the same love for the blues-retro-rock sound. This tour, believe it or not, is their second to the States (the first was earlier in the year with The Struts) so they are not novices. In fact, during the interview Taylor said “the band” (although it has undergone name changes and line-ups) has been around for 13 years! These cats must have started out at a wee age.
At any rate I caught up with BLEEKER at the Mid-Florida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa, Florida for their five song set. Since I was already familiar with their music it was even more enjoyable. The guys came out on stage like gangbusters (no subtle intro) and jumped into the song feet first. It was sweltering hot on Sunday evening, but this didn’t stop Taylor from dancing with the microphone or Cole from firing off guitar riffs. Mike swayed and attacked the bass strings and Chris totally immersed in the drums. It is difficult being a support band but their energy revved up the crowd that was entering the venue. I saw people head bobbing and dancing.
Taylor and I later met inside the nice and air conditioned lounge area for a little chat about the origin of the band and its name; the band’s experience during the current tour, including the difference between Canada and America; the unbearable sun and heat in Florida; the band’s songwriting process and classic rock influences; analysis of certain songs from the new EP; and the story behind the ballad “I’m Not Laughing Now” (hint** it involves a bathtub and a cereal box). Very funny and interesting stuff!
Members: Taylor Perkins (vocals), Cole Perkins (guitar, vocals), Mike Van Dyk (bass), and Chris Dimas (drums); Home town: Orillia, Ontario, Canada; Genre: hard rock, blues-rock, alt rock.
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Rock At Night’s theme song is “Get On Down If You Feel Up To It” by Billy “Bass” Alford
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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