Omar (Omar & the Stringpoppers) Interview

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Masters – Omar (Omar & the Stringpoppers) Interview

This entry is part 11 of 12 in the series Masters

Masters

Masters – Stax Interview Masters – Roberto Carlos (LP Review) Masters – July Interview Masters – Arthur Brown Interview PT1 Masters – The Trashmen Interview Masters – Don Fardon (The Sorrows) Interview (2) Masters – Don Fardon (The Sorrows) Interview Masters – The Poets Interview Masters – The Action (Roger Powell) Masters – Tjinder Singh (Cornershop) Interview Masters – Omar (Omar & the Stringpoppers) Interview Masters – Ian O’Sullivan (the Aardvarks) Interview Watching Omar on stage is like watching a tornado unleash. The StringPoppers live show never disappoints, setting records for encores at all of the major Rockabilly festivals. Omar’s talents extend beyond the stage as he is the Head Sound Engineer and session musician for Wild. Don’t miss a rare chance to see one of thee WILDEST Rock n Roll acts of the 21st century here in London this Easter at LBB9. DR: Omar, When did you first come to Europe to play? O: I believe it was 2003, we did a series of gigs starting in Germany then England, Switzerland, Holland and Spain. DR: How much do you think you have changed as a musician since then? O: It has changed me a lot. It has showed me that there is a massive world out there that loves music. Different kinds of it too, which keeps it very interesting for us all. DR: What are your biggest influences and inspirations in the style of music you play? O: Well, Hayden Thompson and Jimmy Wages are my favourites on Sun Records, but I also really look up to Bob Luman along with Marty Robbins and the very talented Jerry Reed. DR: We know you’re a huge Sun Records fan, who are your favourite artists on the label and why? O: Like I said, Hayden Thompson because of his very cool, suave flamboyant style, Jimmy Wages ’cause he’s a nut-case, and Charlie Rich, ‘cause he has the voice of an angel. DR: Who did you listen to as a kid and has your musical taste changed much over the years? O: A lot of different artists. My dad was a fan of surf and the Beatles so heard a lot of that. I myself am not a fan of the Beatles, but I am a fan of my dad having a good time, so I listened to the records with him. It was around the age of 14 that I heard proper Rockabilly from my lifelong friend Victor Arreguin. My musical taste is so varied that some people think that I’m not a “true Rockabilly”. DR: At what age did you first pick up and guitar and learn to play? O: When I was eight. My dad showed me a few chords and I’m still trying to perfect them. DR: You were the first artist on Wild Records, what impact has it had on your musical career? O: Actually Luis Arriaga was the first, I just jumped on board. It has made me fulfil my little dreams of working with music in many, many levels. DR: Do you prefer to play live or record bands at the ‘Wild’ studio? O: It all depends on my mood, but I actually love doing both. DR: Which artists are you most fond of today? O: Funny enough, my friend/label mate Alex Vargas and also Rusty Pinto, Big Sandy and Barrington Levy. DR: How many releases have you had on Wild Records and do you have favourite? O: I have four in total. I really dig the song we covered on my 45rpm ‘Shake the hand’. DR: What other styles of music do you listen to apart from rockabilly? O: Reggae/ska/rocksteady, soul, blues, country, house and some old hip hop and a lot of indie due to where I live. DR: Is there any particular country in the world you most like playing and why? O: Every country I’ve played so far is special in its own way, they all seem to have friends of mine there that make it fun and special. DR: What about the future? O: I’m not sure, but I hope I can keep people happy and still have them enjoying my music and shows. DR: And finally. Elvis or Gene Vincent? O: Elvis! Cool hair, cool style and a lot of ladies! Music Recording Academy LAMA.edu/LosAngeles Los Angeles Music Producer Program. Recording at Its Best - Free Guide

Cosmic Keith - Long time collector and owner of the small independent record label ‘Boparama’ since 1992 and the ‘head honcho’ in London's Metro & Boston Arms Rockabilly clubs . More Posts - Website - Twitter - Facebook

February 5, 2013 By : Keith Charlie Category : Articles,Front Page,Interviews,Music Tags:Dr Robert, Omar, Stringpoppers 0 Comment Print