Brixton Electric: Dave Barbarossa
Interview with Dave Barbarossa
1. Where are you from?
I’m from Hackney, London.
2. What do you do?
I play the drums. I’ve written a novel: ‘Mud Sharks’.
3. In what way did music first arrive into your life?
As a small child, listening to my dad’s Latin American music, cha cha cha, mambo etc. the rhythm stayed with me.
4. You were the drummer for Republica back in the mid 90’s. I’m a big fan and have photographed them a lot. Tell us about life back then?
It was a great gig. They wrote classic pop songs. A lot of work in The States. Classic road life: relentless, show after show. It was my first professional gig playing to a click track. The majority of gigs I do are to click, these days.
5. What is the key motivation that has made you continue to live a life in music?
It’s what I do…I’m a shit carpenter. I’d starve to death.
6. Best piece of advise you can give to anyone?
‘Audre est facere’
Brixton Electric: Dave Barbarossa
7. A life in music can often bring difficulties with one’s personal life due to the rock’n’roll nature of the game. How has this affected your own personal journey and what are your thoughts on this?
It has made me the man I am. I’d be lost without the drums and the brilliant musicians I’ve played with. I think ‘personal difficulties’ occur in every walk of life.
8. Highlight in your career so far?
Being the drummer in Adam and The Ants (Dirk Wears White Sox album) and Bow Wow Wow are obvious highlights, but all the bands I’ve been in have had their moments.
9. What are you working on at the moment?
I’m currently playing the drums for Roland Gift (Fine Young Cannibals). A real pleasure to play for him. I’ve a number of ‘drum centric’ projects that, like the daffodils, will be out in the Spring. There’s the occasional bash with your mate Youth. That gig I did for ‘Yellosphere‘ at The Ministry Of Sound… there’s always something going on.
I’m also writing my second novel – which is nearly finished. Very excited about that.
10. You are now teaching drumming lessons. This is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to learn or brush up their skills! Where are you doing this?
Yeah, I love teaching. Gives me a real buzz. I teach all over London, to all sorts of people.
11. Plans for the future?
To play better, make more music, finish this book and go under nine seconds for the hundred meters.
12. Who has influenced your career the most?
I suppose two giants: Adam Ant and Malcolm MacLaren, real father figures, big brains/ big ideas. But we can all be influenced and encouraged by the world around us at any time.
13. What track is your guilty pleasure of the moment?
I do not feel guilt when taking pleasure.
Thank you Dave Barbarossa! It’s been a pleasure talking to you.
An absolute delight, Gem.
Check out Dave’s new book “Mud Sharks” available on Amazon by clicking HERE.
To book a drumming session with Dave, see his details below.
