Matthew Collister
Sue Hickling (SH) Interview With Matthew Collister (MC) of I Am President - June 2010
MC: This is a tough one. There has been a few. I would first of all say Rory Gallagher. I have really studied this man and listened to his music religiously. His songs combine a no nonsense blues rock with a hint of Celtic ( some of his guitar licks even sound Irish) His song writing really grabs me though. Million Miles Away is one of the most haunting songs I have ever heard.
Another one would have to be Eric Clapton , I think most Blues Rock guitarists are influenced by him. My dad took me to see him in 2008 at Hyde Park and he really blew me away. Even though he is mostly known for putting out great guitar solos , I thought the best song he did that night was "Driftin Blues" . Just him and the guitar , and 80 000 people listening.
From a guitar players point of view I really like Rory's and Eric's approach with their set-up. - Guitar to amp with minimal effects. I like the idea of playing without effects. I prefer to keep it simple and not end up tap dancing throughout a gig.
There are really too many guitarists to mention here but here's a few others I have drawn influence from... Peter Green , Jimmy Page , Mark Knopfler , Robert Johnson , Freddy King , Buddy Guy , Robert Cray , Joe Bonamassa , Chuck Berry , Stevie Ray Vaughan , Jimi Hendrix , Joe Satriani , Brian Setzer , Angus Young , Billy Gibbons , BB King , Albert King , Andy Summers , Neil Young , Freddie King , Robben Ford , Jeff Beck , Dave Knowles , Gary Moore , David Gilmour, Albert lee...and of course..I can't forget the local guitarists here on the Isle of Man who really encouraged me and helped me get going as they are my biggest heroes.. Dave Rourke , Barry Nelson , Liam Kilby , Dickie Best , John Barker and Dave Lang.
SH: Who inspired you to pick up the guitar and how long have you been playing? Do you play any other instrument?
MC: I first picked up guitar after hearing Eric Clapton's version of "Crossroads" on the radio when I was 14. Shortly after that I borrowed my Dad's 12 string acoustic guitar for a few months before buying my own guitar. I have been playing for the last 5 years and I have hardly put the guitar down.
I've been playing piano since I was very young , I took lessons for about a year but gave up on the theory stuff in the end and just stuck to playing for the fun of it..
SH: Do you think that schools and colleges do enough to educate young people about music and blues in particular? Do they offer adequate support for students embarking on a music career?
MC: I think a lot of schools can be very narrow minded when it comes to contemporary music and blues , however I have noticed a huge difference and improvement in the last three years. When it comes to embarking on a music career I think this can really depend on what part of the music industry you want to get involved in. If your a performer like myself I think you have to be extremely self motivated and do most of the work and research yourself. There are some great courses and Universities out there for music.
SH: Which Blues artists have influenced you and who’s playing style do you think yours most resembles? What other styles of music have you drawn inspiration from?
SH: You live on The Isle of Man, what is the music scene like on the island?
MC: The Music scene on the Isle Of Man is amazing and I can say first hand that the talent over here is amazing , it's extremely diverse. As a musician I'm very luck to be able to play live every single week. For me it's very important to play live as much as I can as I feel it develops me as a musician every gig I do.
SH: If you could play with any blues legend alive or dead who would it be?
MC: I really can't decide...but Rory Gallagher or Jimi Hendrix...could you imagine!!!
SH: Is I Am President your first band and how did the band come together?
MC: I have been in a few bands from the age of 15. Mostly cover bands and playing with blues bands with people older then myself. I learnt a lot from everyone I have ever worked with. Early 2009 I wanted to do my own thing so set about getting a traditional Blues band together. In the end we turned out a bit more like a Rock band but I think now we have got the balance right!
SH: Do you plan to play anywhere in the UK?
MC: Indeed we do , at the moment we are talking to promoters across (in the UK) and saving our pennies! We are hoping to get across later this year!
Thank you Matthew.
Sue Hickling
Nottingham Blues Society
SH: Do you think that being based on The Isle Of Man is a disadvantage when it comes to introducing a new band to the UK Blues Scene?
MC: Yes....BUT Being in a small community has helped me get amongst some great players and really make friends with people and learn off them. It's been *easier* to get my band established over here. However it will cost a lot of money to go on tour and that is what we are really preparing for...even getting to the mainland will cost an arm and a leg.
SH: You have just released an EP. Tell us about it, and will there be an album to follow?
MC: The EP is a short CD of a few songs we have been playing live and testing out. I wrote the songs and they were arranged with I am President. I recorded and mixed it in a studio I have at my school...it was done on a budget lets say but it sounds good enough for people to learn our lyrics and get a feel for what the band is about!!
SH: What are your aims for the future and what do you hope to achieve within the Blues?
MC: I really want to make a living out of playing live music. That has always been my goal. I'd love to go on a full length tour in doing so. I have so much fun and have a real passion playing live music. Of course I really want to develop as a musician too and with that there is a never ending journey.
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