Rochelle Rochelle is the buzz name in the San Diego rock scene right now. Recently, they were named by the San Diego Music Awards “”Best New Artist 2001.”” In this interview with the Guardian, lead singer and guitarist Erik Berg shows Rochelle Rochelle’s true colors and gives some advice to aspiring San Diego area Musicians.
Q: In a San Diego market flooded with young rock bands, what do you think gave Rochelle Rochelle the “”New Artist of the year”” award at the San Diego Music Awards?
A: I think it was a combination of a few things: One, I think our live show is definitely something that sells us. We really work off the energy of the crowd, and I think the crowd feels that. Two, our music is different and good. It stands out amongst other local bands. And three, we worked really hard at making people notice us in this town. We did interviews with all the local radio stations, music magazines, played Street Scene … we tried to make more noise than any other local band. I think we did a pretty good job at that.
Q: Describe a little bit of your songwriting process.
A: Ninety percent of the time, I will come in to practice with a song that is finished. Sometimes I’ll even record a demo of it at my house with all the instruments finished and bring it to practice to play for the guys. Then I show them how to play it.
The other 10 percent of the time I’ll come in with a song that is almost finished, but I might not have a bridge yet, or I’m not sure how to end it or how many times to repeat this part or that part, and then we’ll kind of finish it together. It’s definitely not much of a collaborative songwriting process in this band, but it works for us that way. We’ve tried to write as a group from jamming and stuff, but it just doesn’t work out. We don’t have the patience for that.
Q: Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians in San Diego?
A: Play lots of shows with lots of different types of bands. Play to different crowds. Make a demo, send it to all the local music radio shows — they will eventually play it. Just play your music to as many people as possible.
For more information on Rochelle Rochelle and free mp3s go to http://www.rochelle-rochelle.com.
Look to the Hiatus Calendar for information on their show with Convoy.
