Interview Blues Caravan 2012

Next year, the Blues Caravan 2012 "More Girls with Guitars" from Ruf Records will go on tour with Samantha Fish (22, USA), Dani Wild (25 UK) and Victoria Smith (25, UK).

Vincent Abbate talked to the three young girls about music, being on the road and touring with the Blues Caravan.

Dani, you and Samantha played about 100 shows together on the 2011 "Girls With Guitars" tour. Were there any bumps along the way?

Dani: There were a few musical disagreements from time to time. But those differences in opinion were also what made it work so well. We both have our own unique sounds within the blues genre, and by combining these ideas and sounds, we made a whole new sound and a band we were really proud to be a part of.

Samantha, last year’s Blues Caravan was your first time touring internationally. How did it feel to go from a local hero in Kansas City to getting worldwide attention?

Samantha: It was quite a whirlwind. It was incredible getting to see all these new places and getting to meet new fans. I felt very humbled and excited to introduce my own brand of blues.

What can we expect from you on the "More Girls With Guitars" tour?

Samantha: I think audiences will get a better look into what I do with my 'Samantha Fish' shows. I'll be expanding on my most recent album, "Runaway". Audiences will get to hear a lot of the songs we didn't play on the 2011 tour. I'll also be introducing some brand new material throughout the tour. Expect some of the same things though! Lots of energy, lots of soul, and lots of guitar solos!

Dani, your new Album "Juice Me Up" will be out in February. Will you be performing a lot of that material on the Blues Caravan?

Dani: Yes, definitely. Because Samantha and I are the only lead vocalists on this year's tour, it means we'll get to play a lot more of our songs than we did last year, splitting it three ways. I'll be playing mainly new stuff, but also bringing out one or two favorite songs from my previous records.

You invited Victoria Smith to audition to play bass in the band. What can we expect from her?

Dani: Vicky is a Pro. She's a no-drama, no-ego kind of girl, who seems so down to earth and cool, and then she rips it up on bass. She's definitely not just good for a girl. I don't know many men who could compete with her.

Victoria, you and Dani both come from Brighton, England. Have you played together in the past?

Victoria: It's funny how things have turned out. Dani and I have known each other for about 6 years. We went to university together and lived in the same student house. We now live about 5 minutes away from one another. Despite all these coincidences, we've never worked together until now!

What draws you to the blues?

Victoria: What I like about blues is that it has influenced so many other types and styles of music. It doesn't have to be complicated. It just has to be played with feel.

You're a member of a popular Ramones cover band, The Ramonas. Do you think you can let your rock'n'roll side show through on the Blues Caravan?

Victoria: I've played for quite a few rock and punk bands. I enjoy it from the live performance side of things, but those bands have been restricting for my playing style. I think the Blues Caravan will allow me to step back to where I began with bass, which I'm really excited about. It'll be an eclectic mix of blues, soul, Motown and a blues-rock edge. 2012 is gonna be great!