Hi, how are things going, have you still managed to be creative during the lockdown?
Things are good thanks, yes I’ve been very busy during the lockdown. Loving it!! Really don’t want to go back to work!! Lol…
I have my 12year old daughter stay with me from Saturday through to Tuesday evenings, so between homeschooling, I’ve been doing a life-size portrait of her in clay and playing really nice live sessions every so often, which have been sooo much fun. Connection with friends and family and meeting new people through music has truly been a lifeline during lockdown!
For those people that haven’t heard of you before could you tell us a bit about yourself your story?
I came to London from Wild West Wales in 2001 I think?….. I’d previously been playing all around England and Wales with ‘Louder Powder’ doing the university circuit and radio festivals supporting Leo Sayer, Bob Geldof, Genoa Washington, Big Country and Republica on occasion.
On arrival to the big city, I was homeless for the first couple of years and found it very difficult to find my feet.
I ended up in a few bluegrass bands which was great! Inevitably, I had to find a job and when my daughter came along it was more and more difficult to find the time to commit to a full-time band and work. Which is a shame as there’s nothing more I enjoyed than being in a full-on band!!!
Now I’m playing solo.
London’s rat race has swallowed me up ! … but I’m now finding the time to get back to my roots. At least in a solo capacity for now!
Who inspired you to get on stage and perform?
I can’t actually remember who inspired me actually get on stage. There were a few bands around Carmarthenshire in the early nineties, Raindance, Ultimate Cool…. The Extras…… there was a lot of unemployment so getting a band together seemed the only option really !
Are there any particular artists that have influenced your musical style?
I’ve had many influences. From Metallica, Frank Zappa, Misfits, Dead Kennedy’s…. Ali Farka Touré, Lady Smith and Black Mombasa, Toumani Diabaté, Taj Mahal, Ry Coder …..all the greats, and everything in between.
If it’s played with heart it resonates.
Could you tell us a bit about the writing/recording of the ReverbNation winning track River Runs?
River Runs was written while I was living in a little bedsit in Greenwich. It was one of those tunes that once I started, it seemed to write itself with very little effort or time involved.
Once I showed my band at the time( Lickyback Frog) it really took it’s full shape with double bass, fiddle, banjo, dobro and 4part harmony…… after the band dispanded I continued to play with the fabulous Rik O’Connor on fiddle, as a duo.
What has been your most memorable performance so far?
As far as memorable performances go, it’s very difficult to pinpoint any particular one. While performing with Louder Powder we played for over 20000 supporting Leo Sayer and Big Country and Bob Geldof. It was something special to have our dressing room with our name on the trailer between all the above-mentioned artists and to be warming up before going on stage with these guys sitting around listening.
To play To that many people. A sea of bodies As far and as wide as your eye can see.
That said. To play the 12 Bar Club, The 100 Club, The Comedy Store… Water Rats…Madam Jojose….all iconic venues in London. Some unfortunately not with uS anymore.
Here at Artistic Echoes, we are always on the lookout for new artists do you have anyone to recommend?
Keep your eyes open for Jaimee Roach! A fabulous solo performer with the voice of an angel! Also, a great band called Seven Spies. Both really unique and captivating! Plus Shaun O’Reilly, Joe Riverchild and Tom Bright.
It’s a little difficult to plan things at the moment but do you have anything coming up that you would like to let people know about?
There were gigs lined up but they are all on hold at the moment. I’ll be making an announcement soon as to when and where they will be. Until then keep checking up on my Facebook page and Instagram page for live intimate performances….. always a lot of fun to get up close and personal with everyone!! X
Find out more:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaiHerbs/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dai_herbs/
ReverbNation: https://www.reverbnation.com/daiherbertsoloact
