FIRE IN THE DAM: We have an in-depth chat with Soul & Fire and review their debut EP!

 

PART 1 - "THE REVIEW"

 

So, Soul & Fire, the latest folk/blues/rock band on the scene. What sets them apart though? Well, the answer to this question is there as-of-yet unreleased debut EP, which is due on October 12th. A date for the diaries. The EP shows why the band list Creedence Clearwater Revival as one of their main influences, as they take a more contemporary take on John Fogerty's original rootsy sound and mix it up with some jazzy drums. The first track "Fire in the Dam" makes for a strong opener and sets the tone for the rest of the EP. The band quickly race into a shuffling song called "Freedom" which is more danceable and even more impressive. The band remain on top form through the remaining three tracks - "Toot", "Flower" and "Wishing You Well". In the words of the band themselves, "on every track you can feel both the soul and the fire". A superb effort and from here Soul & Fire can only get bigger and better.

 

PART 2 - "THE INTERVIEW"

 

1 - What was your earliest musical memory and what inspired you towards pursuing a career in music?

 

Paolo: "I've always been, since thirteen years old, a fan of classical and jazz music thanks to my grandfather, greatest music listener in my entire family. From Giuseppe Verdi, Pavarotti, Placido and Domingo to the jazz of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman and I fell in love with jazz drums."

 

Dave: "I come from a musical family. My dad is an established musician, and all my brothers play, it's just what we do. I was inspired by my parents music collection, they were always playing vinyl's ranging from Beatles and 70's music to much more. I just remember the whole house filled with music, and music seemed a way of life."

 

2 - Had you been involved with any other bands prior to Soul & Fire?

 

Paolo: "Dozens of bands from fourteen years but only a few concrete ones."

 

Dave: "I've always played with my brothers in pubs as a covers band. 'The Mitchell Brothers'. I've jammed with lots of different people but nothing really took off. I had a brief spell with Suicide Party but have been a solo singer/songwriter for a couple of years."

 

3 - How did Soul & Fire?

 

Dave: "It all began in Sicily where we met. We jammed and bonded over Creedence Clearwater Revival and realised each others passion for music."

 

Paolo: "Yes, it was a nice coincidence of life. Join an Englishman and Sicilian both with great love and passion for music."

 

4 - Where did the name Soul & Fire come from?

 

  Dave: "Soul & Fire was one of my songs from my solo days, but we never got to grips with it as a duo. Then when we came around to renaming the band we racked our brains for weeks. Then Paolo phoned me half drunk and said..."

 

Paolo: "SOUL & FIRE. It also translates really nicely in Italian, 'anima e fuoco'."

 

5 - How would you describe the sound of Soul & Fire?

 

Dave: "We have a very raw sound. Bluesy rock and roll mixed with Sicilian percussion."

 

Paolo: "The Mafia (also known as Cosa Nostra, in English "Our Thing") ahahahahaha."

 

6 - Your debut EP is due in October. Can you tell us anything about it?

 

Paolo: "Great party."

 

Dave: "Haha, the launch party will be a great night. In regards to the EP itself, we wanted to produce the songs as close as we could to our live sound, so the EP is recorded live and retains our stage energy. It's a good mix of our different styles.

 

7 - Who would be your dream collaboration?

 

Paolo: "If they were all still alive Led Zeppelin...or Queen."

 

Dave: "Many bands spring to mind, but a realistic dream is that it would be cool to get back with my bros one day - with Paolo smashing out a full drum kit."

 

8 - Any new songs in the pipeline?

 

Dave: "We're always working on new material so you can expect new songs to appear in our live shows in the coming months."

 

9 - When can fans be expecting a new single, EP or album?

 

Dave: "Well the EP is released on 12th October. With regards to a single, we have made a video for our song "Wishing You Well" which will grace your screens very soon. We already have hours worth of material so an album is certainty possible...maybe in the new year."

 

10 - Any live dates coming up?

 

Dave: "We are happy to be involved in Music In The City in Southampton on October 5th at Weigh House but our big night will be the 12th."

 

11 - Who would be in your dream supergroup?

 

Paolo: "Freddy Mercury - voice, John Bonham - drums, Jaco Pastorius - bass, Dave Mitchell - guitar and Paolo Precoraro - percussion."

 

Dave: "Haha, that sounds good, maybe you could ass a bit of Morrison doing some crazy poetry interlude."

 

PART 3 - "THE QUICKFIRE ROUND"

 

1 - Favourite Beatle?

 

Paolo: "Ringo Starr."

 

Dave: "John Lennon."

 

2 - Favourite band?

 

Paolo: "So difficult! No favourite at all...I love the music that gives me emotion and makes me feel good."

 

Dave: "It changes all the time but most consistently The Doors and Pink Floyd."

 

3 - Favourite new band?

 

Paolo: "My favourite new bands are The Temperance Movement and Mamas Lips."

 

Dave: "Me too, but also loving Dead Rabbits new album."

 

4 - Favourite song?

 

Paolo: " O Sole Mio (Pavarotti)."

 

Dave: "No favourite song but currently "I Sat By The Ocean", Queens Of The Stone Age."

 

5 - Favourite album?

 

Dave: "L.A. Woman - The Doors."

 

Paolo: "Led Zeppelin II (1969)."

 

6 - Vinyl, CD or download?

 

Paolo: "CD."

 

Dave: "Vinyl."

 

7 - Style icon?

 

Paolo: "Johnny Depp (film) and Jamiroquai (music)."

 

8 - Favourite clothing brand?

 

Paolo: "I don't care, it is important that I am comfortable."

 

Dave: "Nothing really, I have a pair of Next boxers on, does that count?"

 

9 - Favourite film?

 

Paolo: "Maybe...The Goonies."

 

Dave: "Blow - Ted Demme."

 

10 - Favourite TV show?

 

Paolo: "I have not watched TV for more than one year!"

 

Dave: "Throw Away Your Television - Red Hot Chili Peppers."

 

11 - Who would play you in a film of your life?

 

Paolo: "Jim Morrison."

 

Dave: "Johnny Depp, everyone always says we look alike."

 

12 - Favourite food?

 

Paolo: "PASTAAAAA."

 

Dave: "English breakfast."

 

13 - Football team?

 

Paolo: "Palermo!"

 

Dave: "None."

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on Soul & Fire! Check out our previous feature on Callahan!

 

Check out Soul & Fire here - https://www.facebook.com/soulandfireuk?directed_target_id=0

 

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