aaamusic | On 14, Apr 2015

Who are you and where are you from?

We’re Triggerfinger, a Belgian band from out of Antwerp. We started at the end of 1998, all coming from different Belgian bands where we worked as session players. Ruben (singer) started it and asked me to join for a few shows but after 16 Years we’re still playing together. Paul joined us 12 years ago; he had a studio where we wanted to record our first album and at that time our bass player had just left the band. He’s a great guitar player but we asked him to play bass and he said yes.

What inspired you to get into music?

I was six when I started to play drums. I just wanted to play drums the whole time. Ruben was 19 when he started playing guitar, Paul was 15, and all three of us kind of started for the same reason. We like music, and like to play and make records. Always have. Inspiration comes from so many very different eras, from blues to hip hop to metal, but mainly our songwriting is inspired by old blues, country or roots. Howlin’ Wolf, George Jones, Jimi Hendrix, ZZ Top, Slayer, Wu Tang Clan, etc…

What have you done?

I’m proud of everything we achieved so far. We’ve made four studio albums and two live albums. We tour through Europe a lot. We had a big hit with a cover version of Lykke Li’s ‘I Follow Rivers’ and because of that we needed to tour a lot.

What are you like live?

Live music is something we really like. Touring is therefore very important for the band – this way you can catch the band’s energy live.

We’ve done tours on our own but also supported Thin Lizzy, Boss Hoss (German band) – we’re supporting Therapy in Brighton and London in March and April. Played with the Rolling Stones in Hyde Park two years ago as well last year in Belgium. Check out our website and Facebook for live dates.

What makes you different?

I think it’s the guitar sound that makes it different. Ruben’s sound is one of those I’ve never heard before. Again, the same with his voice. The music is not always riff-minded, but a lot of times it is, yet his singing on it makes it more melodic. The heavy riffing stuff kicks together with the energy so nicely. The bass sounds more like a tractor, but generates energy and connects great with the guitar. Paul has also his own sound. Drums are groovy and sometimes very hectic, but together it all blends nicely.

Physical vs Downloading vs Streaming…How do you listen to music?

We go both ways. We buy vinyl but also CDs and download stuff. If you can have it all, why not use it all.

What have you been listening to?

Noel Gallagher, Nick Cave, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and George Harrison.

What are your aspirations for the future?

This year will be touring ’till September. From October onwards we start writing a new album.

Questions answered by: Mario (drums) of Triggerfinger…