Marcus Bonfanti Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Feb 16th 2010 5:00PM by Amanda N. Nanawa
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The 27-year-old singer, songwriter and self-taught guitarist Marcus Bonfanti was born and raised in London to an English mother and a "dangerously Italian" father. Playing trumpet in brass bands and orchestras throughout his school life, Marcus didn't own a guitar until he was 15. "From 15 till now, all I've done is sit there with a guitar," he says, reminiscing about playing Cat Stevens and Beatles tunes, Buddy Holly and Crosby, Stills & Nash. "When Mum was out, I could play Zeppelin. Soon as she came back in, I would put a Beatles CD back on." Bonfanti recently chatted with Spinner in anticipation of his stint at SXSW.

How would you describe your sound?

I think the sound is really like North London blues. I grew up in North London and I listened to a lot of American music, a lot of stuff coming out of the Delta blues scene. It's music from the heart.

How did your live band form?

They're friends of mine. I've actually known them for a long time. The drummer's name is Alex Reeves and the bass player is Scott Wiber. It's a three-piece. I've always liked Jimi Hendrix Experience, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, and Rory Gallagher's band, people like that -- that kind of quiet roar, but still a full sound from a three-piece.

What are your other musical influences?

I listen to a lot of music. It's all quite varied. I love Muddy Waters, Lead Belly and Rory Gallagher. Tony Joe White is another big musical influence. And Tom Waits, Van Morrison. It kinda ranges quite far across. Then I love people like Freddie King, well, all the Kings - Freddie, B.B. and Albert. Stevie Ray Vaughan was one of the first guys that I really got heavily into, blues-wise, because you hear him play and you've never heard anything like it, you know what mean? It's mind-blowing. The thing I love most about him is the fact that its so soulful. It just sounds like it's coming from his gut.

Do you happen to have a name for your guitar?

I don't. I don't like to personify my guitars 'cause I beat the hell 'outta them on stage [laughs]. I know that some people give them girls' names, but I feel bad knowing that my guitar was named after a girl that maybe meant quite a lot to me.

Beatles or Stones?

Ahhh, no! It's like asking which of your kids do you like better? Everyone's got a favorite child, I'm sure. Secretly, I would say the Beatles. My dad had both Beatles and Stones records but the ones I really liked when I was younger, and made him play more often, were the Beatles. I got into the Stones a lot later.

Do you have any musical guilty pleasures?

I like Steely Dan every now and then. And also I quite like listening to 'More Than Words' by Extreme, 'cause it kinda reminds me of being young and learning the guitar, trying to impress girls. And if you can play 'More Than Words' on the guitar, girls seem to flock around you at parties.

What is your biggest vice?

I'd have to say it's whiskey. I like Scottish whiskey from the Highlands. There's something about that whiskey that's just so tasty. With Irish whiskey, I can drink it all night and still feel fantastic.

What's in your festival survival kit?

A pair of Wellington boots for sure, 'cause last time I went to Glastonbury I lost my shoes. I'd say some whiskey as well, because the drinks at festivals are pretty expensive. And lots of candles, 'cause that's always good when the sun goes down. Also a guitar, 'cause you can never get bored when you got a guitar.

What was the last movie or TV show you watched?

'The Wrestler.' I was in tears by the end. I was destroyed. I did not expect it to be that heart-wrenching. Mickey Rourke was fantastic in that. He was just so tragic and beautiful.

Amanda N. Nanawa is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.