Born Ruffians Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Mar 15th 2010 8:48PM by Kelly Rose
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The musical trio known as the Born Ruffians appeared on the music scene in 2006 with their self titled release. Another album soon followed in addition to a long and grueling tour. After taking a breather for the past year, the Born Ruffians are about to release another album entitled "Say It." Spinner recently talked with the Born Ruffians's bass player, Mitch DeRosier.

Describe your sound in your own words.

That's always difficult for a band to describe their own sound. We're a band that didn't set out with a goal to sound like anything in particular. We just started playing and it sounded like it did and we got better writing at songs. I guess we're probably like indie-pop-rock.

How did your band form?

We all went to high school together. We were started playing together in the 11th grade. I've know Luke my whole life since we're cousins. We were all in music class and that's when we started playing together and going to Steve's house and jamming in his basement.

What are your musical influences?

The Band, and especially Rick Danko since he was their bass player. The Akron/Family. I hope they're playing (at SXSW this year) it would be cool to hear them.

How did you pick your band name?

We originally started playing under Luke's dad's band's name but felt like we needed to get our own name. When we moved to Toronto we decided to change it to Born Ruffians. Luke and his sister came up with the name. We all threw around band names and couldn't find one we all liked. Then Luke and Jess came up with the Born Ruffians. It's a tongue and cheek name since we're not actual ruffians.

Beatles or Stones?

Well since I'm looking at my Beatles posters that my aunt and uncle gave me, I choose Beatles. But I'd like to go on the record as saying that I am also a Stones fan. Can anyone just choose one? Is there anyone who loves The Beatles but hates The Stones?

What's your biggest vice?

Professional wrestling. I have a whole rack of WWE DVD's. I won't shy away from it.

What's in your festival survival kit?

Earplugs. I wonder if anyone knows of a good hangover remedy?

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

My girlfriend is a big Justin Bieber fan. But I think if you like it, I don't think you should worry about what anyone else thinks.

What's the craziest thing you've seen while performing?

We were playing in the U.K. and we were on our second to last song. We were trying to get it started but all of these girls started rushing the stage. Luke (the singer) couldn't get to his microphone. The look on his face during this whole episode was priceless.

What's up next?

We're heading to the U.K. in April and May. Then in June our next record comes out and we'll be touring in North America.

Kelly Rose is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.