Alex Cole And The Bigrough Interview
Classic rock seems to become more repetitive as the years go by but Alex Cole has been called “The Italian Ted Nugent” and is carving a new path for his band through almost abandoned territory. Alex Cole And The Bigrough are part of a select few bands who sprout originality thorough the classic rock style. Their influences may have been AC/DC, and Van Halen, but his latest single “Bad Wild and Rough” is full of blaring guitar solos, power chords and vocals that seem to be plucked straight out of the 80’s. All these elements seem to come together without causing the track to sound dated. As Alex Cole And The Bigrough prepare for their next release By the Barricade reached out to front man Alex Cole to see just what makes him tick. Check out the full interview transcripts below
Alex, you started working on your project Alex Cole And The Bigrough in 2010. If you could give each of the five years since then a title, like an album, what would they be called?
Alex Cole: 2010: Hang on Tight
2011: Born To Fight
2012: Thunder Guts
2013: Wild and Rough
2014: Whisky A GoGo!
2015: Rockin’ in the USA
I noticed you recently moved to Southern California. How does the California scene compare to your Italian hometown?
Alex Cole: While I enjoy playing in Italy, it’s no comparison to playing Rock n Roll in the USA. My music reminds people of classic rock music from the 1980’s; Ted Nugent, AC/DC, and Van Halen. Americans know and love this style of music. In Italy they call me “The Italian Ted Nugent” because of the way I attack the stage and send my energy and wild guitar riffs into the crowd. I wish more people in Italy could come and see my shows. They can go to my Youtube channel and watch live performances from the USA.
Was there ever a show that completely defied your expectations positively or negatively?
Alex Cole: Recently I played at a festival in Los Angeles where I was excited to see people of all ages enjoying my music. I have photo with a fan in her 70’s, a family with kids and another photo with me and the great blues player, Jerry Jemmott and his family. People who grew up with classic rock love my music and when I play at festivals they bring their families to see my show.
In an interview with Metalshockfinland.com you reference True Spirit of rock and how it’s not what you see in the music scene today. What are modern imitators missing nowadays?
Alex Cole: It’s not that they’re missing anything, they’re just playing a different style of music. Indie music is one thing and people do it well, heavy metal is another thing, but there’s really no one doing what I’m doing with music. I create ORIGINAL MUSIC that reminds people of the classic rock n roll music from the 1980’s. And I’m young. That’s very different from older musicians playing classic rock cover hits. Nobody’s doing what I’m doing with music.
I’ve seen a lot of posts about radio DJs across the country playing your new single lately. Do you think this is the best way to give bands without commercial finding a chance to be heard?
Alex Cole: At this point in my career I can’t travel all over the world, but I’d sure like to do that one day. I’d love to take my music to Texas, Nashville, Japan and other countries. When I have a sponsor or record label who can promote a larger tour, I’ll do that, but in the meantime my music can be heard all over the world from the 100+ radio stations.
Other than radio stations, what are some other ways for unsigned bands to get their name out there?
I do at all. I keep in contact with our fans. I do everything to make it easy for fans to find us and enjoy our music. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
Alex Cole And The Big Rough are one of the only bands in recent memory that stays true to classic rock sound. If you could bring a famous musician back from the dead to perform with the band, who would it be, and why?
Since people say I’m the young Ted Nugent of Italy, when Ted Nugent dies let’s bring him back, we’ll jam together. Of course if he wants to play with me while he is alive that’s fine too. Ted played couple of months before me at the Canyon Club and he is great. It would be an honor to play with him. But if it really has to be someone who died, I’d like to play with Jason Bonham. He was an awesome drummer!
You also mention how your music was created to be onstage. How did you transfer the onstage energy into 2011’s Hang on tight?
My sound and music changed when I started recording in Los Angeles. Here’s where Producers, Engineers and Musicians know and understand my style of music. I can’t get the same sound recording in Italy. I’m working with musicians and engineers who played with classic rock n roll bands. My engineer is associated with acts such as; Alice Cooper, Meatloaf, Kiss and other famous classic rock bands. In Los Angeles I’m recording with the people who know how to get my live sound and energy onto my music tracks.
In what ways have you changed the process of writing and recording for your new album?
I’m writing songs by myself and I’m working on the final touches in the studio with these engineers and musicians. In the last three months I’ve written an entire new CD. I’m recording it now. I also have some companies interested in placing my music into commercials, movies, T.V and other product placement.
Is there anything else you would like to say to the readers of By the Barricade?
I’m very connected with my fans. I’d like the readers of By the Barricade to reach out to me and connect with me on my social media sites. I’m always interested in what they like and what they think about my music. And for them to share the news about Alex Cole And The Bigrough. Record labels, large clubs, festivals and sponsors look to see how many fans you have, so spread the word. You can find out more about Alex Cole And The Bigrough at their offical site. Thanks so much!
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