For the second in our Baker's Dozen feature we are pleased to welcome all three members of The Goat Roper Rodeo Band who kindly gave up their time for a chat about all manner of things. So if you ever wondered how Scandinavian flat pack furniture might have played a part in the band's story then The Baker's Dozen is essential reading.

1. What is your earliest musical memory?

My dad is a songwriter so me and my brother Tom grew up with his songs, as kids my first memories are him singing about a monster under our beds whilst we're all hiding under our quilts, the other is me and Tom desperate to go with him to IKEA (for the big trolleys, we used to ride around on them pushing each other until we inevitably crashed or embarrassed our shopping party enough to cause an intervention. We didn't have snapping up some cheap furniture in mind) and he busts out his “No kids in IKEA” song, to which Tom sings back “Except for Thomas and James, playing some games... Innnnnnn IIIIIIKEA” haha! That was probably Toms first attempt at writing too. …....Jim.......

2. Do you remember the name of your first band?

Haha as always with these it's a case of thinking we were being much, much cleverer than we actually were back then! My first band was called 'Hot Wood' (Warm Timber as we were often nicknamed) other awful suggestions included 'Hunting for Ecuador' (???) and 'The Charlies' ….Sam.....

3. Which current artist do you hear and just go Wow?

CW Stoneking is amazing! If you're not aware of this guy then check him out, we saw him live at Red Rooster Festival a few years back. We were lucky enough to watch from the side of the stage, having played in the afternoon we were in full party mode when CW hit the stage..... and so was he! blew our minds...

4. Do you sit down to write songs or do you wait until your mojo comes to get you?

It's usually a pretty natural thing to be honest, we don't tend to sit down with the specific task of writing a song, as it ends up being a forced exercise more often than not! Sometimes I can wake up in the morning with a little tune in my head or an urge to play and take it from there! ...Tom.....

5. Big venue or small venue - what's your favourite to play?

Small venue,... Jim.....

6. Who is the one artist you wish you could share a stage with (past or present)?

I think we're believers in not meeting your idols (breaks the veil) but if it had to be anyone Kris Kristofferson, without a doubt the coolest cat on this whole planet! ...Sam...

7. Bowie, Prince, Sinatra, Elvis which departed great means the most to you?

I mean they're all supremely talented and picking one seems unfair, but for us I think Bowie and Elvis stand out, we listen to Hunky Dory all the time, it's a Goat Roper favourite! I think if I had to choose one though Elvis and his music takes it, from the look to the moves to the songs, he had it all! Long live The King. ….Sam...

8. Is a saxophone solo ever ok?

Errrr yes! That's a terrible thing to ask!!!! bad question. ….Jim.....

9. Should music be free?

Errrrrrrrrrrrr...... NOOOOOO!! That's a really really bad question. ….Jim.....

10. Can you remember the first record you bought and what have you bought recently?

The first record I ever knowingly purchased was Edwyn Collins' 'A Girl Like You', I still love that tune to this day, great guitar riff! Recently we've picked up Pokey Lafarge's new record 'Manic Revelations', a couple of Judie Sill albums and Leon Russell’s self-titled release, we sure do love that Cosmic Country!!! ...Sam...

11. What was the last song that made you cry actual tears?

“Casey’s Last Ride” - Kris Kristofferson ...Tom...

12. Do you binge watch Netflix / Amazon / DVD box sets (any recommendations)? Do you have a guilty pleasure in Film or TV you’ll admit to watching and loving?

“Game of Thrones” …. Tom...

13. What is the most important thing to you that you can see from where you are right now?

My guitar!!! …. Jim...

Thanks again to the guys.

https://www.goatroperrodeoband.co.uk/