Edward Rogers is set to release his new album TV Generation, on 9th June following the release of his latest song Glass Marbles
Born in Birmingham, England where he spent the first 12 years of his life, Rogers moved to New York City just as the British Invasion began in the States. He started his career behind the drumkit, which he played in several garage bands. When a subway accident in October 1985 left him without his right arm and right leg below the knee, he turned to songwriting. As he developed his writing talents, Edward found he enjoyed singing and writing more rewarding than playing drums.
TV Generation is Edward’s seventh solo release and it explores several life changing moments in Edward’s recent life – including the passing of David Bowie and other heroes of his. Additionally, he was joined in the studio by several talented musicians that have been well established in their genre for decades, including the album’s producer Don Piper (Syd Straw), James Mastro (Ian Hunter), Sal Maida (Roxy Music, Cracker), Dennis Diken (Smithereens), Geoff Blythe (Dexys, Black 47), Jane Scarpantoni (Lou Reed) and more! Check out Glass Marbles below!
We managed to catch up with Rogers as he talked about the upcoming album, latest song and more!
So how pumped are you for the release of TV Generation?
I went into a really rigid writing and demoing routine producing 40 songs. And, then went to my producer and he and I selected the best songs for TV Generation. For the most part, they were recorded without the band having prior rehearsals, and I think the spontaneity is captured on this record. Now that it’s completed, I can’t wait to get out and play the songs live and hopefully get a good response. I’m totally psyched and want everyone to hear these songs.
How well has Glass Marbles gone so far?
Glass Marbles was a total satisfying musical adventure. I felt we took a lot of chances on that album and won over many new friends. Financially, if you can break even and make a little money, then what more can you ask for? Artistically, I got to write, record and release a double album of songs that I enjoyed writing, and my musical aspirations became a reality.
Tell us a little bit about the album?
TV Generation was written and recorded quickly. It was my observations of how we are so influenced by social media these days. News is instantly received, and so most of the songs reflect that theme. We all grew up as part of the TV Generation and seems like there was never a time without it. These songs are like snapshots of real time life situations I’ve observed.
If you could work with any band in the world on new music, who would it be and why?
Oh, my goodness, that’s a difficult question as I’m such a fan of many bands out there. Can I be bold and name a few? Here goes.
Scott Walker – would love him to record one or two of my songs in a more melodic mode than he is currently known for, so more like his earlier recordings. Why? Because he’s one of my all-time favorite singers!
I’d love the work with Tame Impala. They seem to be one of the bands that are leading the musical path. Why? They have elements of the old mixed with a cutting edge approach which makes them unique.
Of course there are so many other artists and bands I love: Colin Blunstone, Foxygen (new album), Roy Wood, Vinny Peculiar and Simon Love (check them out!) and the list goes on and changes hourly!
What’s the music scene like in New York City, is it different to the UK?
My entire musical career has been in New York, although I have performed in the UK in recent years.
The current music scene in England right now seems to be electronica-based. I don’t really see a rock band on the that’s going to influence music. That said, it could all change tomorrow (as it often does in the UK). In New York, there is diversity. For instance, downtown Manhattan is totally different from what you see/hear in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. So many styles from psych to rock to electronica seem to be welcome and are given the time to develop.
What was your first ever gig you attended?
Good question! I was just a kid in England and was taken to an outdoor afternoon concert on Winston Churchill’s estate. The line up consisted of PP Arnold & The Nice featuring Keith Emerson; Simon Dupree & The Big Sound (that’s one for you psych fans); the third performance of The Jeff Beck Group, featuring Rod Stewart and the headliner was Manfred Mann, who played all the pop hits of the time. Not bad for a Sunday summer afternoon.
Do you find it different being solo rather than a band?
Yes. You have so much more independence and the decisions are all yours without compromise. That said, I’ve been working with the same group of musicians for several years and Don Piper, my producer, and I work very closely together.
Will there be a tour at all this year?
Actually, I leave on May 8 for several dates in the UK and Ireland (all on my website), including dates in London, Liverpool and Dublin, among others. In addition, I just booked a record release show in Manhattan on Tuesday June 20 at The Cutting Room.
I’m currently looking at other options.
What’s it like when you see fans listen to your music?
Wow, another good question. When you get some positive response, it’s an amazing feeling that comes over you and you think ‘this was so worth it.’ Also, having had the opportunity to open for such artists as Colin Blunstone of The Zombies, Dave Davies of The Kinks, Ian Hunter and Terry Reid, it’s especially rewarding when their audiences respond positively to my set.