The Wombats’ Dan Haggis & Matthew Murphy – HuffPost 6.1.11
Mike Ragogna (to Dan): Yee-haw. So Dan, what advice do you have a new artists?
Dan Haggis: That’s a tricky question, isn’t it. There are no steadfast rules in the industry at all. I was actually back in Liverpool recently and had lunch with some of my friends who are in bands as well, and the problem is that you wish that you could help people out, but unless a load of people get excited about your music, it’s so hard. So, my advice would be to just enjoy making the music and performing in whatever venue, that has to be the reason you’re doing it. The rest of it might never happen. When we started, we loved it so much that we toured for about three years before we got signed. I mean, there were a few times where it felt like we were banging our heads against a wall. But as long as you love the performance side of it and making the songs, you’ll be fine.
MR: Many in the States are getting trying to get into music professionally with an American Idol mentality–you know, how do I become a pop star in a few weeks or less.
DH: It’s the same in the UK, you know. Young kids are watching X-Factor and they think that it’s as simple as going on a TV show and everything turns out great. The reality for most bands and musicians is obviously completely different.
MR (to Matthew): I know that you guys are basically a new band yourselves, but do you have any advice for newer artists trying to make it?
MM: Well, I guess write as many songs as you possibly can and never rest on your laurels. Just keep working, and I think touring is the most important thing for bands at the moment because that’s how you gain fans–you have to be touring a lot. Even if you only make four fans a night, it all adds up…the word of mouth adds up. Then, you’re in a stronger position before you sign to a record label if, indeed, you decide to sign to one. It’s not easy starting off at the moment, especially with the state of the industry, and I think you need to develop a really strong name for yourself through a live touring circuit, and constantly be writing.
MR: And that’s what you’re doing, isn’t it?
MM: Yeah. Well, that’s how we got to where we are over here, and I guess that’s essentially what we’re about to do in the US. We’ve got a truckload of work to do over there. (laughs)