Hey Bobbie! Thanks so much for joining us today, you do indeed dazzle but before we get to the glam rocking goodness of the present let's back track a little. So, where and when did rock n roll first grab you?
Bobbie Dazzle ; Thanks for inviting me to speak with you! Ever since I was a very little girl I used to flick through my mother’s record collection in her bedroom and I was drawn to the images on the front of them, these are some of my earliest memories and I remember being obsessed with the Led Zeppelin cover to the album “Physical Graffiti” and the Kate Bush cover to "Lionheart”. We didn’t even own a record player then so; I would just sit admiring the images on the front. When I was older and when You Tube was first around I ended up going down a Kate Bush rabbit hole of her back catalogue and music videos, so I was obsessed with this woman whose songs were genius, so bizarre and beautiful. My parents both had influence on me musically with my mother an obsessive Bowie fan and my father couldn’t get enough of the New York Dolls so at ten years of age I’d be sat in the car singing “Stranded in the jungle" with him and so, their musical youth became mine also. 
I’ve always been musical, I got my first guitar around age eleven and a keyboard the next year, then I decided to take flute lessons where I grew up just south of Birmingham. I was definitely a jack of all trades and master of none when it came to instruments, luckily singing came very naturally to me so I was always performing in school talent shows. When leaving school, I left music for a long time, I would play guitar at home, but I wasn’t creating with any aim. It wasn’t until I turned twenty-three / twenty-four I joined a Redditch based indie rock band called Bear Legs as a rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist that when I thought about being a part of a musical project. The lead singer of Bear Legs ended up leaving so I took her place, but the band only recorded a couple of tracks, and we never took it anywhere, it really wasn’t anything serious.
After that I auditioned for a stoner rock band called Alunah as a lead vocalist, they took me on board and Alunah really was my first venture into performing on a professional level. I gained experience from Alunah but, something had been lacking for me though and I needed to create something of my own. Something that was music I would listen to, music that I loved and so I decided (only in 2023) to go forward with my solo project and curated a new version of myself that embodied what I would consider the best most joyful parts of myself and that was Bobbie Dazzle!
OK, so you had done your homework, moved on with a band but, you kept an eye out for something else to trip your trigger. Then kaboom! New band! New vibe! Sain took and back seat and you spat forth the glitter and aplomb of Bobbie Dazzle to the unsuspecting world and here we are today! This all sounds easy. However take us into the first thought you had to move on as a totally different entity. Was it a lightning flash of what to be or was it more of a slow burn??
B . D ; I’ve always wanted to have my finger in many pies musically, but the dedication and time you need to really get things into motion is not something you take lightly. I knew I wanted to start a glam rock outfit a couple of years ago, so this meant I would have general conversations with people to see if they were interested, it meant writing songs at home to see what kind of sound I wanted but it also meant taking my time to know it was right so it wasn’t until the Summer of 2023 I ended up getting a band together in a room to play the songs I’d written.
OK, so you went it alone but with a clear vision. So, take us into the first song you wrote and what criteria it had to fill for your glam rock project.
B . D ; The first song I wrote is actually something that’s ending up on the album (which is quite rare because usually it takes a while to get to where you need to be musically) it really did just come naturally to me, it was enjoyable, I took inspiration unconsciously from bands like Sweet, Queen and ABBA and created a song which was pure joy to me, it tickled all the right bones in me and I must have finished it within a couple of hours, honestly. I didn’t set out to create something that HAD to sound exactly like another bands I loved, I just did whatever I felt like in the moment, and it was the catalyst for how the rest of the album turned out!
So this is a truly organic project music wise and can't wait to hear that. So, let's get into the image and what your thoughts were to get a glam rock outfit together. Now, for girls in Glam it is much harder to make that eye catching statement that so many of the guys do but hey let me tell you hit the nail on the head! You are going to be that pin up girl for Glam Rock for many years to come, I have no doubt. So, take us into your head space and the Glam ideals that led to you to your look because many can sound of Glam but not the of look Glam and vice versa but you do both with ease and style tell us how you do that....
B . D ; I mean if you look at the guys from the '70s who were glam pioneers they’re basically just dressed like women anyway, so I’m copying them copying women in a way! All you’ve really got to do is throw on a catsuit and a pair of platform boots and you’re halfway there, bringing the rock & roll energy and definitely not taking yourself too seriously is the other fifty per cent.
Haha yes art repeating itself I guess but hey, you have to fill the catsuit with the attitude it deserves and yes you do it so well. OK let's get into your single. Before we discuss the tracks was it clear these tracks were going to be the single from the get go?
B . D ; I’d previously recorded “Flowers on Mars” as a demo and that’s the track I took to the label to introduce myself to them, so because that was already out in the world in some capacity it was an easy decision to keep it as the B-side. “Back To The City” was a choice that happened when I asked the opinion of the musicians playing for Bobbie Dazzle and which song they would think would be best as a debut single, I trust their opinions and value them highly so that’s what we ended up going with!
Yes so onto “Back To The City”. What's not to love! It's all in there! What we all love but it also has a freshness to it. Take us into the germ of the song and how it got to the state of perfection that is on the single
B . D ; “Back To The City” is a song written in my bedroom which came together in about thirty minutes, it was so easy to write, just one of those songs that flows out of you. I made a little demo of it on my laptop before I even had a band. It was one of the first Bobbie Dazzle songs written and will hold a special place in my heart.
Cool and as such it made sense in many ways to be the lead single and from the bedroom to the world....no mean feat....Killer track! OK next “Flowers On Mars” I really love this track. A very glam subject matter this one... tell us about the track
B . D ; “Flowers On Mars” was also a pretty speedily written tune, it probably took a bit longer to piece some of the sections together, music was done before melody and the vibe I got from it was Glam Rock band who live in space! I think that connected with the audience too, people seem to dig that track!
For sure it It's a keeper definitely, love it. OK you released these two tracks as your single which was on black glitter and purple vinyl versions and it sold out in a week! So next a double header question. Tell us about your deal how it came about, and the terms of the deal. I.e. was it just for a single or was it is for both the single and the album too? Then how did you feel when it sold out so quick? Blessed yeah?
B . D ; I recorded a demo of “Flowers On Mars” and I’d taken it to one label who passed on it and the second label I took it to was Rise Above Records, who have been a label I’ve loved and respected for many years, and I never actually thought I’d stand a chance with them. I just thought, “Oh sod it!” I have nothing to lose let’s give it a go! Lee Dorian who owns the label got back to me and absolutely loved what he heard (clearly a man of great taste) so my debut single came out and yes it sold out in less than a week, which would never have happened if I’d have self-released, so I have the labels following to thank for that!
Cool you got to aim for the stars to see what happens and in essence that is kind of what glam rock was and is. You have to have the audacity to dream, and you did and here we.
Is the band that plays in the studio the same one that plays live with you? Tell us a little about them and how far they are going to go on this project.
B . D ; My live band consists of some of the best musicians around including ;
Chris Dando on keys, Eddy Geach on Drums and Leon Smith on bass.
They all played on the record, as did Tadhg Bean Bradley (guitars) but, I also had a couple of extra musicians involved on the album, Adam Barker guitar on “April Showers”, “Revolution” and vocals and guitar on “Antique Time Machine”
On Hammond organ on the record is Aaron Bolli-Thompson who also joins us live on occasions.
They are extremely gifted guys and I’m lucky to have been able to and continue to play shows and record with them!
Cool so that is all the background set now, take us into the album of 2024
B . D ; So, the album is called “Fandabidozi”. I wanted something utterly ridiculous, and it just fell out of my head one day in the very early stages of writing. I had originally named one of the songs ”Fandabidozi” as a place holder name (all of my songs get random place holder names before I’ve done lyrics to them, and I know what they’re about) but even though I didn’t use it for this particular tune I wanted to use it still and it just felt right for the album. It’s silly, it’s me, it describes the album in one word and no it’s not an homage to the Krankies.
Great title and something ridiculous does throw the listener off a little to what greatness lies in wait for them on the record, talking of which “Lighting Fantasy” starts the record of in truly fine flying form and then some. STORMING playing and off the scale vocals just a perfect way to start the record and it really shows you and your band mean business and this ain't no light weight comedy glam nonsense, this is the real deal. Take us into this track
B . D ; There is actually an extremely special story behind this song. I started Bobbie Dazzle in 2023 whilst my sister was extremely unwell with Cancer, unfortunately it was a battle she didn’t win, and she passed away in March 2023. Whilst I was clearing out her house I came across our Father's record collection which I’d never seen before (my dad passed away twenty years ago now) he was a massive punk & glam rock fan, also a big Bob Dylan fan by the contents of his record collection. As I opened up a Bob Dylan record when I was looking through them and all of these pieces of paper fell out and it was lyric sheets my father had written in the ‘70s when he was a teenager. It was really overwhelming to find but it felt like a sign from my father and my sister saying to me, "we’re proud, go for this". So, Lightning Fantasy’s lyrics are actually my late fathers, and I’ve dedicated this album to him in his memory.
So, so poignant and we are sorry for your losses. I think it is testament to you and your art that when you found those lyrics you turned them into something so positive and truly great. Positivity in dire times can be so uplifting for the ones suffering and in turn that positivity you exude is infectious to your audience. As I say great, great song and with the back story even more uplifting, great work and thank you. Next up “Merry Go Round”. There is a totally different vibe second song in but again so catchy and hooky. Take us into this track....
B . D ; I think it’s really important to remember and embrace the positivity and joy in the world and that’s what this album was. “Merry Go Round” was very much inspired after I’d been listening to a lot of ABBA. It’s also got a few progressive rock elements in there and I just wanted to have fun with this track, the psychedelic mid-section, the vocal stacking, of course my flute! It’s definitely an ear worm this one
Ah yes the flute. Totally not what you would expect on a glam rock record and as such is a great addition. Before the next track take us on your flute journey......
B . D ; I really enjoy ‘70s Glam but I also love prog rock. So, I got into listening to all the brilliant flautists who have inspired me, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Thijs Van Leer and of course Ian Anderson, so they’ve inspired my style when it comes to playing.
Right on. Music is one big melting pot and as such anything and everything should be on offer and is! OK next up “Revolution”. This ticks all the boxes especially for all of us glam rockers for sure Inc the nod of the hat to the Glitter / Leander guitar hooks but also on another level as glam as it is I still hear a little heaviness in the riff almost “Masters Of Reality” era Black Sabbath to my ears anyway. Take us into the “Revolution”
B . D ; “Revolution” is a great stomp track, to perform it live is great fun and really gets the crowd moving. I think as a whole the album even though it’s glam is quite gritty and influences have seeped in from many different bands. Definitely the heavier side of glam rock. Lyrically this one is related to what England’s political system has been going through and basically just saying if you don’t like the situation you’re in join together to change it. After many years of austerity in the country we finally have a new government and hope so it’s definitely reflective of that.
Right on a great track and great vibe can't wait to see that live. OK next up us “Magic Of Music” again another different track however with the lyrics like " I'm no space cadet I want to be the commander" and "you think this could be a disaster well brother I don't care" shows the attitude you need when doing a glam record. Sometimes people think glam is throwaway and lighthearted which we know is not the case so to put it to them like that is a very cool way to do it and again nothing but positivity, which is infectious so, tell us about this one
B . D ; “Magic Of Music” is totally about being free and wild, appreciating the joy and queerness in all that glam embodies. I thought back to the times of judgment on the androgyny in the scene and how all of those men who were seen as weird and how they didn’t give a rat’s ass and were fully themselves no matter what. It’s about how we who choose to live as our true selves because we all just know the people who are conforming aren’t truly happy and they wish they could live as freely without fear of judgement
It's funny how rock n roll is meant to be free and wild but, especially back in denim clad early ‘70s glam was made fun of and ridiculed however, what we see today is those things that the majority choked on are the gems that keep popping up and inspiring future generations and hey that's why we are here. “Talent will out” as Freddie once said. OK next up is “Back To The City” this was the single and we spoke before about this was this a remix or different take to the single?
B . D ; “Back To The City” & “Flowers On Mars” are the same mix and master as on the vinyl single that came out and what’s available to currently stream online
Right, now we have touched on this before that this is a gritty and very glam ROCK album not so much the lightweight junk shop glam but much heavier, more “Sweet Fanny Adams” than “Dynamite” or “Tiger Feet”. Talking of which the next track “It's Electric” is certainly one of the more rocker moments on the record. Killer playing again and killer vocal and it is all about that magical spark you get when you meet that someone.....takes us into the track
B . D ; This track was more of a punk glam inspired track when it comes to the instrumentals, a fast paced rock out. Lyrically it’s actually about my partner, who actually also plays Hammond organ on the album. I won’t give away too much about the lyrics here, people will have to go and have a listen to hear what it’s about! But this is definitely an extremely fun track
Dive in readers....O.K, this next track, if you are a fan of rock a fan of glam a fan of music full stop if this does not stop you right in your tracks and makes you question "haven't I heard these cats before?" and "why is this not the best thing I have heard in years and no one else is doing it to this standard?"... You kinda get how I feel about “Antique Time Machine”. Jesus a full blown boda fida glam classic! Get INVOLVED people!!!! OK love rant over, take us into this track and also the guests you have on there.....
B . D ; This track was co-written by a brilliant musician called Adam Barker, so he plays guitar and sings vocals on this track. Inspired by Queen and The Sweet full of vocal stacking, hard rocking and intensely fun. This has been a particularly popular track when people have heard the record. The name of the track is what it’s about! A story of where you can go in a Time Machine!
Right on a time machine? Do what you want and take what you need...haha!
OK next up is “Lady's On Fire”. Now this is a great guttural sleazy rocking track with a very addictive groove to it. Is this a track about your character Bobbie or are you just projecting 🤩
B . D ; This question made me laugh out loud because this song is actually about a lady of the night and a man going to her to explore his taboo fantasies, definitely not about myself! The lyrics here are very tongue in cheek and totally over the line
Hahha we aim to entertain hahaha. OK next up “April Showers”. Again, nothing but a positive energy through this and some killer wording. Talk a little about this one
B . D ; "April Showers" was partially influenced by Slade’s “Far Far Away”, but it leans towards of more being a prog track. This is definitely one of the darker tracks on the album, flute section bringing it to be a bit gloomier and then back up with a classic rock key change. Lyrically about feeling stuck in an unhappy situation and trying to ignore how bad it is but ultimately contemplating how to leave it which is something we have all been through I’m sure!
Yes dark but very optimistic (if you read it that way too) and as ever any song can mean a million different things to a million different people. Also, I think with all the tracks you have a narrative in mind however, it can still be left open to the listener to interpret any way they like and that is a major talent! So, the last track “Flowers On Mars” we have spoken about so right there is the album of 2024 all wrapped up! Before we get into the release of said record was there any tracks that didn't make the cut, or you weren't happy with at all?
B . D ; There’s always nuggets of ideas for other songs but when I finished all the tracks for the album I felt very comfortable with my choices, and it just means the unfinished songs can be used for album number two!
Cool, so we can already look forward to album number two, excellent! However, before we get to album number two there is a whole wide world waiting to get their glamorous mitts on this album so tell us the release date, formats, limited editions you and your label have planned.....
B . D ; “Fandabidozi” was out October 4th on Rise Above records. There was a limited edition clear vinyl lp (that sold out in a week!) and a limited black vinyl lp and CDs are also available plus there is going to be a re press lp on purple sparkle vinyl! Shipping is worldwide so available to all!
OK Bobbie It's been a cosmic blast from the stars to chat with you and we wish you nothing but the best for your future , we know it is going to be so bright you are going to have to were shades (mirrored natch.). Do you have any last words for your fans of past, present and future....
B . D ; Thank you to everyone who’s supported me so far and all I really want is to be able to spread some joy around the world in some not so light times, so anyone who needs a pick me up is welcome to come along for the ride. I can’t wait for you all to hear the album!
There you go glamsters jump onboard and hey let us all ride it to the end where it all falls apart! GROOVE ON BOBBIE!
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