Ahead of a Headline show in London, that in the past with his band Role Models has sold out RPM caught up with Rags who was under his duvet sucking on some Honey and Lemons throwing off Manflu before Friday nights showdown with More Kicks, The Speedways and The Spangles. Friday night in London Town is always a special show and this one looks set to sell out again and with that line up its going to be memorable (Tickets Here

So Rags first things first – Friday night.  what a fantastic lineup. It must be great to get the support of some really excellent bands for what will be one hell of a nights entertainment right? I know! And the best thing is that all those bands sharing the stage with us are also really close pals! It’s gonna be a crazy party!

Who’s playing in the band Friday?  Is it the same line up that appeared on the recordings?  It’ll be the full lineup on Friday. While it is the kinda band that can play in various incarnations, acoustic duo, piano and vocals and all the way to full volume and huge sounding, we are trying to do as many as we can with all of us.

You recently shot a video for one of the tracks.  Care to elaborate on that for us? When can we see it?
 It’s for the song “Your Distance” and it’s in the editing stages right now. Shot by our good pal Craig Temple. What I’ve seen looks great so far! Can’t wait to share it! I don’t even look like a goblin in it! Loook out!
The BBC has aired a few tracks off the album as well which must be great. Finally, the word is spreading?  what have they had to say about the tracks? Now if Radio two or six would like to jump on board that would be good right?  Yes! It really is a thrill to hear your song on the radio! They have been playing “Your Distance” and “That World”. The latter was the “Track Of The Week” last week as well! There is also really cool news concerning the BBC that I’m afraid I will have to wait on, but I can say we are super excited about it!
What else is planned for The Digressions with Rich Ragany? how about some TV? more live dates?  More live dates and we are working on our second album. I have pretty much written it and the band is putting their incredible touches on it as we speak. Having said that, I think we are gonna let the ideas breathe a bit and not rush. I have done four full-lengths in 4 years now, and, while proud of the accomplishment, I feel I have jumped quick, not letting the previous release have a chance, ya know. But don’t worry! I can’t sit still. And the band is firing on all cylinders creatively.
Do you approach this band the same as Role Models?  I know its a different lineup and different feel to the songs but they share the same DNA and a lot of the personnel is the same will there be any of your other songs played in the set?  I’ll leave that for a surprise.
I’m really excited to hear the full band play the songs off ‘…Like We’ll Never Make It…’  those guys seem to have such a positive energy about them it must be a lot of fun to be around those very talented guys it must be said.  Yes! The chemistry is so wonderful. Nothing like making music with people ya love! I bet it is showing through. I am pretty lucky to be in two situations where the members are family! We are gonna tear it up!
Will you be looking for dates around the UK and maybe some festival dates this coming summer?  Yes sir! Like I said more live dates and chances to drink other bands under the table! I love that our band has this open, jangly positive sound, yet, and this is pretty common knowledge, we are a bit more nuts than most hahahahaha! All good clean fun kids. Leave it to the pros!
 
The Black Heart is sort of your home turf with some pretty memorable shows there with Role Models what are people going to get on the night? They are gonna get us playing and singin’ our hearts out and smilin’ and shots and jokes and tears and… You get it!
You must be stoked with the feedback for the album so far.  The press and bloggers and websites have loved it and really jumped on board with the music which must be pleasing? I am very pleased. A lot of people say reviews and such don’t matter, but I think they do. Especially when they’re coming from a wide cross-section of the media. Blogs and online magazines to print mags from the United States to Europe to the UK. The fact the songs have been received warmly, and have had people that far and wide champion it, means a whole lot to me. To us.
Well, there you have it folks, Rich Ragany & The Digressions live on Friday the 25th January  @ The Black Heart Camden Town London. See you down the front
Buy Rich Ragany & The Digressions and Role Models Here