Marking 25 Years of The Bodega, Pip Blom hit the stage at our place on the 29th November so we got to know ’em!
Hey Pip Blom, buzzing to have you here at The Bodega to celebrate the big 25th birthday, how are you feeling about your string of UK dates?
Thanks a lot for having us! We are really looking forward to it! It’s been a while since we did a clubtour and after a festival summer it’s always a really nice change! We like both, but its good to switch things up now and then.
We’ve seen so many bands pass through our venue over the years, are there any notable venues you can pinpoint that helped you cut your teeth as an artist navigating the music scene for the first time?
Good question, I’m not sure there was a specific venue that helped us cut our teeth but there were a lot of venues that made us feel like we definitely wanted to go back. Sticky Mikes Frog Bar in Brighton was one of them (unfortunately they have closed down). But also Broadcast, The Shacklewell Arms, and a bigger venue but one that for sure deserves and honorable mention is Brudenell social club.
You recently released an album of remixes featuring tracks from your album ‘Bobbie’, can you tell us a bit more about how that came about?
The first time we have ever done remixes from our songs was with the second album Welcome Break. Both our publisher (cloud 9) and label (heavenly) suggested doing a couple to see what would happen and when we received the results I was super enthusiastic. I think it’s so cool how people manage to grab bits from our songs and turn it into a complete new song. So there was no hesitation to do it with Bobbie again. A couple more, Tender and Darek (the guitar player and bass player) made a remix too, really nice!
Whilst you’re on the road are you writing music still or do you tend to just focus on the set?
When I’m on the road I find it really difficult to do anything other than being on the road. So I usually read when we are in the van, or just look around me to see what’s happening. I make music when I’m at home, but I have to be honest: there need to be the right circumstances to do it so I don’t make music that often. Usually only when we need new material.
Can we expect to hear any new tunes when you hit the stage?
I’m not sure, I don’t think so. I’ve just started writing again since we have been away from home a lot. Maybe if I write a banger in a heartbeat. But usually it takes a bit longer for me to do it 🙂
Festival season looked great for you guys and the snaps from Sziget were amazing, is it nice to have the balance of the bigger festival stages and the more intimate venue shows?
Yes, for sure. I think to me it’s always been really nice that every half year of being an artist is so different. First half of the year is spent mostly in clubs, second half of the year at festivals and then the next half year is spent in the studio for example. I really like how it’s never the same, it keeps things fresh. Even after eight years!
Lastly, what’s one piece of gear from your live set up that you’d never get rid of?
I think my guitar, although Bobbie is a bit different compared to the other two records – a bit more produced and electronic. I still really really love my guitar. But never say never: I do also want to keep reinventing myself as an artist and musician and maybe in five years time I feel like it’s time to get rid of all instruments altogether. Who knows.
Pip Blom play The Bodega on the 29th November. Tickets on sale now.
