INTERVIEW: Scum of the Earth
The new project by Rob Zombie guitarist Riggs
By: Mike SOS
Scum of the Earth is the new project by Rob Zombie guitarist Riggs, a man that is no stranger to the rigors of being in a successful rock band. When we caught up with Riggs via email, we found out a little bit about his early days, as well as his expectations and goals for his latest album, Blah, Blah, Blah... Love Songs for the New Millennium, on Eclipse Records.Mike SOS (for In Music We Trust): Where did you grow up and how did you break into the band scene?
Riggs: In Arkansas... I left Arkansas.
Mike SOS: What were some of your influences growing up?
Riggs: I didn't have any: I lived in the middle of Nowhere, Arkansas with my grandparents and had no way of hearing music. I learned how to play guitar before I even heard any bands I liked. When I was a little older, my uncle was listening to Frank Zappa, Alice Cooper, Nazareth's "Hair of the Dog"--I liked that.
Mike SOS: How did you start this band? Were there any musicians you wanted to ask to join who weren't able to?
Riggs: I had a bunch of songs sitting around in my computer wasting away, and this chick Kimberly Rowhedder called me up one day. She asked what I was doing, and got me a record deal by sending out some e-mails. I called a longtime friend of mine Clay and asked if he would be interested (and he was) and had no idea who else to get.
Mike SOS: How did the collaborations with John from System and the Tempesta brothers come about?
Riggs: I had no idea who to get for the band, so that's how they came about playing on the record. I have been friends with those guys for a long time and they were nice enough to help me out a bit making this record.
Mike SOS: What makes this project different from any of your previous musical endeavors?
Riggs: I don't know...Different people.
Mike SOS: What is your favorite song off of Blah Blah Blah? Toughest song to record?
Riggs:"Murder Song". The toughest one was the acoustic stuff. I had a hard time tuning down that low without destroying the guitars.
Mike SOS: What does Rob Zombie think of the band?
Riggs: I don't know.
Mike SOS: What kind of touring are you planning for this release?
Riggs: As much as we can get away with.
Mike SOS: What will you be doing for Halloween this year?
Riggs: Playing a show somewhere, can't remember.
Mike SOS: Are you thinking about SOTE's second album and if so, what can we expect?
Riggs: If it does all right, you can expect a second one. Hopefully, better than the first.
Mike SOS: What other musical projects are you involved in?
Riggs: None, I think.
Mike SOS: When I'm not playing, I'm...?
Riggs: BUSY!
Mike SOS: Who are some of your favorite bands on the scene today?
Riggs: B.L.S, Korn, Mudvayne, Slayer, a lot more
Mike SOS: How does playing with Rob Zombie compare with fronting your own band?
Riggs: A lot harder to get shit done.
Mike SOS: What advice can you give to aspiring musicians?
Riggs: Do your motha-fuckin' thing.
Mike SOS: What would you like to say to the fans?
Riggs: If we have any, I'd like to say thanks and see ya soon.
