Blacktop Deluxe

Story

Blacktop Deluxe formed in March 2013. This British, Blues Rock / Hard Rock Trio released a 5 Track EP ‘Dark Horses’ within their first 2 months together to wide acclaim. The EP showcased their very own ‘Signature Brand’ of Guitar driven, ‘Power House’ Rockin’ Blues with original songs ranging from the Bluesy ‘Money in my pocket’ through to the Rocky ‘Puttin Out Fire’ via the atmospheric ‘slide’ number ‘The Wine. Having shared stages with Joe Bonamassa, Robin Trower, Martin Barre, Focus & Walter Trout to name but a few, their eagerly awaited debut 11 Track CD ‘Turn Up, Be Nice, Play Hard’ was pleased to wide acclaim in Spring 2014. This was followed by their second Album ‘Presence & Gain’ in the summer of 2015. Which again gained many 5 Star reviews. Following a short hiatus in 2017 followed by the enforced break suffered by many due to Covid, the Band reformed in July 2022 are now back on the road and touring. Two new singles ( Different Story’ and ‘Boneyard Blues’ ) have also been self released to promote their forthcoming gigs and were made available in late August 2022. Their influences are many and varied, Joe Bonamassa, Walter Trout and Rory Gallagher to name a few, but pulling in the best of Rock and Blues from its seminal beginning right up to tomorrow.  Their live performances have already been compared to many of their hero’s including Cream, Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Taste & Johnny Winter. A recent review described their music as “Take some early ZZ Top ,before they became commercial, add in some Sizzlin' Slide Guitar, Mix in some Dire Straits (but with a more modern edge to it) and you'll start to get an idea of their unique and irresistible Blues/Rock sound". Consequently, the Bands original material is standing alongside the best of the best and regularly gains airplay worldwide.  Despite this the Band remain Un Signed. For more information please visit https://www.keithhowemusic.com

Profile

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What is music to you? What does it give you?

As a Band we are dedicated musicians with a very wide appreciation of most musical Genres. Making and Playing Music for us is the ultimate expression of emotion, freedom and togetherness.

What is your music dream?

To share our Music with as many people as possible.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

Re education of people to not always put themselves first and before others (including the animals we share this planet with).

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

Gamblin' Blues - Rory Gallagher

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Some of our influences and favourites include :- Joe Bonamassa, Free, Eric Clapton, Rory Gallagher, Jeff Healey, Peter Green.

What inspires you to make music?

The expression of communication.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

Share, Enjoy, live in the moment and transcend all boundaries.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Alive. The ultimate experience.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

Its always wonderful to see just how many Artists there are making such extraordinary music. Fare Pay for them from the industry that they support would be the first improvement.

What do you think of Drooble?

Its a wonderful platform for Artists that want to share their music and equally a great vehicle for the listener too - Win/Win. Its an easy to use, Artist friendly and Musc driven platform. A breath fo fresh air for the Industry and the Public alike.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

Industry driven 'Genre' boxes which requires you to pigeon hole your music and restricts/directs the listeners experience.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

By attending as many local gigs as possible plus using local acts as support/guest artists at shows.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

Extreme resilience, savvy understanding of E Marketing and as always, 'bottomless pockets'.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

Kris Barras, Virgil McMahon, Laurence Jones.