SMASH FASHION are bringing back 60s/70s dandyism in the L.A. scene. We knew that former QUIREBOYS member Nigel Mogg used to be in the band, and that former members of SMACK and ROCK CITY ANGELS are also part of the gang, but we wanted to know a bit more about SMASH FASHION. Roger Deering (vocals/guitar) answered our questions…

Can you tell us about Smash Fashion’s history?

Smash Fashion was formed around 10 years ago as a reaction to the boring local music scene that we were seeing. We wanted to have a show band that had great songs bring back the entertainment factor that seem to be missing. We were a bit more psychedelic and 60s obsessed in the beginning although we always had a yen for power pop and glam rock, 70s glam rock. The original lineup had Bruce Duff on-base Jamie Patrick on guitar and Mark contento on drums …this lineup lasted about three years. This was also the lineup that recorded our first album “A Gentleman’s Guide to Sophisticated Savagery.”

There are strong British rock ‘n roll influences in your music, do you think ex-Quireboys’ Nigel Mogg played a big role in that, or was it just natural for you to write such songs?

As much as I love Nigel he’s got absolutely zero influence on me as far as my songwriting. This band had been around for quite a while before Nigel came aboard. Although it was natural for him to fit in as he likes to same kind of music we do and yes there is a big English rock influence on what we are doing and what I write. Beatles, Who, Stones, Queen, Zeppelin Thin Lizzy , Sex Pistols, The Damned, The Buzzcocks all huge influences on my songwriting in my approach to music …and The Clash of course! Then again The Velvet Underground, Cheap Trick, Alice Cooper, Mc5, Jane’s Addiction …there’s plenty of American rock ‘n roll what we do also.

How have the reactions to your album “Big Cat Love” been so far in the US and abroad? where did you record it, and how much time did it take?

The response to this record has been overwhelmingly great. We’ve been getting rave reviews from all over the world! Japan, Sweden, Brazil, Italy, UK. We recorded it here in Los Angeles at three different studios in three different sessions so it took a little while as it was recorded over over a longer time span. We are quite happy with the song selection as well as the actual sound of the record but the best is yet to come from us!

Is the album out on vinyl?

Not yet, but we do hope to have it out on vinyl soon. We are also considering having a different song selection as there are quite a few really good outtakes that were left off the CD version.

What bands have you opened for? Have you played in Europe yet?

We’ve done shows with a lot of great and legendary artists. Ian Hunter quite a few times. Arthur Lee and Love. Who in my opinion is one of the greatest rock stars of all time. The Psychedelic Furs. Cheap Trick. The Alarm ..Missing Persons… Jet..The Zombies…Electric Prunes..We were in the UK 2 years ago playing shows…hope to get to Europe in the next year.

Five of your favorite albums?

It really depends on the mood and then but I guess I do have some favorites that I’ve never turn my back on. The Damned “Machine Gun Etiquette” is definitely one. Led Zeppelin “Physical Graffiti”‘s definitely another. Cheap trick’s first album is also a constant in my world. Alice Cooper “School’s Out” is another. I also like a lot of newer stuff I’m not stuck in the past I really loved The Libertines “Up The Bracket” record.

Last book you read?

The Devil All The Time by Donald Ray Pollock… A powerful and disturbing book highly recommended.

Last movie you’ve seen?

How about last good movie I’ve seen? Which was Beasts of the Southern Wild, loved it and yes I cried.

Favorite places to buy clothes?

Thrift shops!

Favor clubs and places to hang out in LA?

I like a lot of the usual old-time places like The Troubadour, The Whiskey, The Rainbow, but I also love the Redwood bar and Grill, but I don’t hang out that much I’m more about hanging out with my two dogs and playing guitar. I’m a bit of a loner that way and I’m totally fine with it.

What’s next for Smash Fashion?

Well we’ve got shows booked for August and like I said earlier in the interview we are trying to get over to Europe to do some touring there … And in my humble opinion we have yet to make the definitive Smash Fashion record so stay tuned!

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