'We just want to get out there and show off our music' (From Gazette & Herald)

'We just want to get out there and show off our music'

I went a met up with yet another of Ryedale's familiar faces in the rock scene this month, none other than HedCage's Sam Gilderdale.

Sam has been on the scene for a number of years, and has gigged with most of the bands in Ryedale in recent times. From Last to Leave and Johnny Moped, to My Friend Juliet and Unapproved, Sam has gigged with the lot. I asked Sam a few questions about life as a hugely charismatic front man in a rock and roll band.

Since the days of Fragile, you guys have changed a lot, how do you think you have changed as a band, and as musicians?

I think a lot has changed. Getting an extra member (Al) has changed us a lot, and given us a new dimension, but I think our biggest change has been a huge improvement in our ability to write songs and our attitude towards music. I think we have got a definite love for music in general and we enjoy the stuff we are creating too. I think that is really important. I like to think that with every gig or practice we improve our skills and songs. As far as our music itself, I think we have become a lot more focused and heavier, but at the same time I think we have got more mainstream and catchy.

You guys have been around for a lot longer than many bands survive. What do you think the key to that is?

I think you really have to be friends with your band. But its not just about getting on with your mates, I think it's about having fun. Everyone takes it too seriously, you've got to enjoy it.

I think it is safe to say that you are the most charismatic front man in the area, what are your views on that?

Like I said, you've just got to enjoy it. I just love being on stage, it feels natural, and I think it is an awesome way to express yourself and show who you are. If the band is on stage and is lifeless, it's hard for the fans to get involved, so I just try and get everyone involved in what we are doing.

HedCage has one of the most dedicated fan bases around. How important do you think that is with how far you guys have got as a band?

Every band owes everything to their fans, they make it happen. I always try and make an effort to talk to people at gigs, and reply to any messages left on our website (www.hedcage.tk) because I think there's something very special about someone connecting with you on something you feel passionate about. I'd like to say a huge thanks to anyone who has supported us at a show, I love you all and I'll buy you a drink sometime.

You are known as one of the most talented bassists in the area. When did you first decide to play bass and why?

I was watching Top of the Pops when I was about 12 and I saw what I thought was a 'big guitar' and decided I wanted to play it. It's just a plank of wood with strings on it, it's how you play it that counts!

Who has influenced your music and bass playing over the years?

I think that you should draw on influences from every area of your life, not just from bands you admire. I think my top influences would be Mexican cheese, Mexican beer, El Gs, Sam Meegan and James Gavigan, Guinness, The Bee Gees, Noel Edmonds, Rolf Harris, rock 'n' roll, and my beautiful girlfriend Laura. Simply because they have all affected my life, and I put my life into my music.

As we know, you have played a lot of gigs. Which was your favourite?

It is always hard to pick one show, because I enjoy every show, but if I had to highlight one it would be the Babylon Launch gig on April 22 at Pickering Rec Club.

There was an electric crowd, and it almost felt like a homecoming gig for us, because we had been away gigging in York for so long. The atmosphere on the night was amazing, and all the bands were fantastic, and really showed what Ryedale can produce.

So where do you see yourself and HedCage in the future? What are your ambitions?

I would love to be Prime Minister one day, that would be fun, but as far as HedCage, other than supporting the Cheeky Girls, a European Tour would be great. I think we all just want to get out there and show off our music to everybody!

How do you view the scene in Ryedale?

I don't think in a 200-mile radius there could be a closer and friendlier scene than Ryedale. All the bands play something different and put 110 per cent into their music. No one band is more promising than the next because we all make something unique to the area. I couldn't say who it will be, but I am positive that someone is going to make it.

Sam also wanted to add: "If anybody sees me around, just come say hi, and remember, rock 'til you die, you only live once."

Updated: 16:32 Thursday, October 27, 2005