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 ROCKIN’ STRAIGHT AHEADBat Racers are Memphis based quartet that have released ‘’Big Cash’’ piece, performed in classic rock mood and vibe that recalls some past times. Regarding the releasing of their CD, I contacted band for interview, and Bill Rennie (lead vocalist and band’s bassist) came out for the answers. Here are some answers that he gave it to me.
Hello to the Bat Racers crew, how things passing by with ‘’Big Cash’’, are you satisfied with responses from media and fans? I see a lot of divided opinions. The reviews have been generally good and the music well-received. Everyone has their own opinions. Many people have been surprised when you came out, mainly because the fact that much of details can’t be found about you (except some current happenings around your band) via net, and lot of them going like you’re were something that was dig out of seventies, even I personally was confused a little bit with your imagery…on the other side that’s good marketing trick. But, can you tell me in couple of words, how you get to such idea to take that retro imagery and is interesting to you how people react on your appearance? I don't know that we are retro as much as real. Four piece straight ahead rock--if that is retro so be it. What kind of bands did influenced you, I’ve noticed some elements close to The Who, Dobbie Brothers…but also, funk and soul elements can be heard in your music, especially in fields of rhythm section…what you can say about that? All sorts of influences--old stuff, new stuff (Foo Fighters), Memphis stuff--just no techno-pop or hip-hop. How process of composing in band goes, who is responsible for music and lyrics, and what kind of things inspiring you for lyrics? Also, do you go well as a band unit Mike Enright and Bill Rennie plead guilty. Production is much into the vibe of 70’s, who was the producer and are you satisfied with the final product BIll Pierce, Mike Enright and Bill Rennie were responsible. The band grows songs as we rehearse and input is from everyone. You have covered ZZ Top’s ‘’I Thank you’’ why that song? We did NOT cover Z.Z. Tops version of "I Thank You"--Our version is a nod to the ORIGINAL written by David Porter and Isaac Hayes and recorded at Stax in Memphis by Sam and Dave.--That's a tribute to those guys and our Memphis roots.  How you look upon today’s world rock scene, do you following recent happenings? It seems that days of straight rock music are coming back, much of the bands goes that classic way or sleaze/glam way…what you think Today's scene is a mess--too much "manufactured" music and not enough straight ahead Rock and Roll. With the digital and electronic enhancements available today, we have lost the "edge" that is the essence of rock and roll. Is it all bad? NO--But a lot of it isn't real either. ‘’Big Cash’’ is practically a mini album, why didn’t you gone for full length material We will. You did a video for ‘’She Might Be’’, are you satisfied with it, and tell me are real shows of Bat Racers in same vein like we can see you on that video? The video is just a recording of us in concert-- there was no production involved other than being on stage and playing live, we were opening act for Journey in this video. Talking about that video clip, it’s part of your upcoming DVD, do you have enough material for such thing? I think that some people would say that’s a little bit early for such move? Yes we do and no we don't. In personal, are you regret sometime about those 60’s/70’s days, when we haven’t been much into the technology stuff, and when people’s mind was much brighter and cleaner than these days…? Absolutely. Interview was done by Vladimir Petković |
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