BAND BASICS
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What’s your name and what do you play in The Resignators?
I’m Dan and I play the trombone
How long have you been with the band?
I joined in early 2020, just in time for COVID to kick us all in the arse
How did you first get involved with The Resignators?
They saw me playing somewhere and I guess they liked what they saw. Can’t blame them really -the trombone is an instrument of pure seduction.
MUSICAL INFLUENCES & FAVORITES
What was the first album you ever bought?
It was a tape not a record, and it was a compilation, but if that still counts then the answer is Summer Hits 1988. Pretty sure it had a hair band on the cover. Definitely got Rick-rolled somewhere in the middle of Side A.
Who are your top three musical influences?
I’m all about the gritty trombone players who bring attitude and presence. That’s what I try to channel in my own playing. Grew up listening to a lot of Latin and Caribbean music, everything from Rico Rodriguez through to Willie Colon. More recently, Jimmy Bosch
What’s your favorite Resignators song to play live and why?
Taco Burrito. Cheesy, cutting, political satire at its best.
7. If you could collaborate with any artist (living or dead), who would it be?
Zappa, no question.
ON TOUR
What’s the best gig you’ve ever played?
Gershwin room at the Espy with the Resignators. Not necessarily the biggest gig, but as a kid I grew up seeing my mum and her friends play in bands here, so it was cool to relive that.
Funniest or weirdest thing that’s happened on tour?
Omeo Rodeo, way out the back of country Victoria. 800 drunk bogans on a hot afternoon, after three days getting pumped up at the rodeo. They were not ready for the Resignators. Beer bottles flying at the stage – real Blues Brothers territory. Steve managed to draw them in by switching over to a few Johnny Cash numbers. He was so smooth, like a magician. Had them eating out of our hands after that.
What’s your go-to snack or drink on the road?
Coffee. I think I’m at about 10% coffee in the bloodstream at any given time.
Any pre-show rituals or superstitions?
I’ve been doing the same set of orchestral bone warmups since I was a student. Really out of context for a ska band, but I can’t get settled to play without them.
PERSONAL VIBES
When you’re not making music, what are you into?
I love to cook. I also love to eat. It’s a good combination.
What's a fun fact about you that fans might not know?
I’ve got a PhD, spent 15 years researching music and cultural sustainability on Easter Island.
If you weren’t in a band, what would you be doing?
I’d be looking for a band to be in, or starting up a new one. Music is life.
Describe your perfect day off.
Sleep in. Lazy breakfast with the wife, listen to my daughter working away on her guitar licks while just getting some time in the garden tending to the vegies and the chickens. Country life is pretty good.
FAN CONNECTION
What’s one message you want to give to Resignators fans?
Thanks for staying the distance: the band’s been going 20 years, but there’s still so much more in the tank.
What’s been the most memorable fan interaction you’ve had?
Every so often, someone gets really excited by seeing a trombone on stage. Maybe they played a bit in high school, or maybe they’ve not really seen one up close, but the slide action and the grunt of the instrument gets fans going, plenty of miming in the pit. Mostly dudes, but not always…
JUST FOR FUN
Pineapple on pizza: yes or no?
Hard yes. Haters gonna hate.
Zombie apocalypse – who in the band survives the longest and why?
Stacey. She’s so chill, the zombies wouldn’t clock her as she just slides through.
If The Resignators had a theme song (other than your own), what would it be?
I’d say the Resignators already have a theme song – My Pal by G.O.D.
Dan Says: