Welcome back Mark, now a lot has happened in the world of Tremendous so let's pick up from the “Relentless” release and the shows that tied in with that album.
We're you happy how the album was received and how many people it reached? Also, any of the gigs you played for that release stick out for any reason good or bad?
Mark Dudzinski ; Hi Darren, yeah, it was received very well in online press and in print in some of the main rock magazines. Unfortunately it was released during a lockdown in 2020. I really wish I could tell you of any shows around that time to coincide with the release, but playing and rehearsing was just impossible.
However, just before it came out, there was a show at The Dublin Castle, Camden, and then Hard Rock Hell Fest in Sheffield just as we were coming out of it all, which both went down great. It feels so long ago now, almost like the lockdowns never happened.
I hear you bad times that now seem so long ago. OK so let's talk a little about your next release “Transcendence On The Cheap”. A great record! Before we talk a little about the tracks take us into your head space before and during the recording of it
M . D ; Well, the EP is a stripped-down acoustic affair. It's intended to massage rather than attack the ears. Unlike the Rock 'n' Roll assault that was the debut album "Relentless". I wanted something more intimate without any flashy production.
Yes a change is as good as rest and all that. OK let's talk about my two favourites on that release (everyone can check out the rest for themselves). First up “Innocent Soho”. Love this one. Tell us about the inspiration for this track
M . D ; Well, I guess it's my melancholic side coming out haha. I think it was me being nostalgic from when I was younger walking through Soho (London). It was a lot different then, way sleazier and no artisan coffee shops. It became more gentrified like most of London. I guess it's the same as anywhere else even Soho NYC. On a lighter note, I think the track may have come subconsciously from a scene in "Jaws" my favourite movie. When they are on the boat singing "Show me the Way to Go Home" by Irving King. Even the first line of the track is that. I wish I could have given more of a critical answer. I guess there's that storytelling feel in the vein of The Pogues, Ralph McTell in there too.
Cool great track my other fave is “Bird In A Cage”. I think may be a little autobiographical.
M . D ; It was just done in one take with the guitars and vocals, as I remember. Like most of the tracks, they were played right off the bat. You can hear the mistakes which I like. Anyone else would have just done another take, but I felt that maybe it would have made it sound clinical if the more takes were done. Yeah, autobiographical and quite a cathartic song to sing. My attempt at being Johnny Cash for three minutes in a tiny West London studio.
Haha a glam Johnny Cash who knew? Anyhow great track and the rawness of the whole album shines through. So, before we move on do you have any plans to release any physical product of both or either “Relentless” or “Transcendence On The Cheap” at all?
M . D ; Cheers Darren. Na not at the moment, I wouldn't rule it out for the future though. I guess I'm just always thinking of the next release.
O.K. So indeed let’s focus on the new, your latest track ( Classic Rock’s track of the week no less) “Slipping Away” . From a soft start it then blows out into full on rock n roll. Take us into this track
M . D ; Well, there's a bit of self-destruction in there on both parts. A loveless relationship that's gone way past its shelf life / sell by date. I also wanted to keep it simple lyrically. Very little guitar work or glossy studio techniques.
Yes it still has that rawness to it which can be lost these days with all the computer trickery that is around. So that was the last song tell us what's coming up for you, Firstly music wise please
M . D ; Just writing more songs I guess. I have a few more that aren't quite ready, but I'm hoping to have them recorded and released this year.
Any teasers of what to come and how about live shows? Merch? Etc...
M . D ; Nothing to be announced just yet for shows or merch but I will tell you I have three new tracks I'm looking forward to record. They are called "Scrapyard Of Your Heart" , "Mafia Bones" and “Bandages”.
Great titles! They sound a little deeper thought wise yeah? Is this your new direction or is your writing just as it happens?
M . D ; Thanks Darren. It's probably just me getting older being more reflective. Maybe I'm naturally starting to navigate that way. Not really a chosen direction.
I hear you. Glam is a many layered beast and as being such it has many options for its partakers. So, what about the band at the moment. Who played on the Classic Rock winning “Slipping Away”?
M . D ; Well winning Classic Rock Magazine's Track Of The Week came as a surprise as I didn't even know we'd been nominated. Winning was even more unbelievable as it was up against some of the biggest names in rock. I did most of “Slipping Away” myself due to the ever-changing line up, but I'm now going to be working with a new drummer, so I'm just in the middle of rebuilding Tremendous. Hopefully new tracks out and shows this year.
Yes Classic Rock still have a place for sure in this ever-changing musical landscape, so congrats once again. New drummer and new sounds? We have the titles of a few tracks but, is there an overriding vibe to the new record in your mind yet ?
M . D ; Thanks, yeah well new everything lol. Musically it's sort of the same but with more acoustics alongside the driving guitars. Lyrically I feel I'm getting more deeper into myself. I'm pulling out all sorts of strange thoughts and observations. Kinda dark in some parts. It's not intentional, but the last three or four songs seem to have this common thread. It's exciting as a songwriter and I will certainly embrace it. I've definitely matured and some of my vocal phrasing I believe has become a lot stronger.
Indeed, the only way is forward if you are a creative sort. OK we look forward to hearing your new songs and as ever we will share them first here. So, any parting words for your fans of old and all your soon to be new ones too?
M . D ; Yeah! Enough about me and have a look around Darren's website. Some interesting interviews to be had there X
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