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WMGAbby: How 's it like forming Rockit for the first time?

Justin from ROCKIT: It just felt right. The first time we played together, first with Martin and then Ben everything came naturally, completely natural chemistry. Rehearsing didn't feel like hard work because it was so enjoyable. When Chris joined the band, that's when I felt privileged to be a part of it.

WMG: Why the band name? What's the story behind it?

Justin: It's a bit silly really. We'd toyed around with loads of names and couldn't decide on one. I was just about to settle for Ben's suggestion "Chubby", when I thought about wanting a music related word with a double meaning. Then every time I came up with something rubbish I'd think 'f**k that...f**k it'...which evolved into ROCKIT. It turned out to be the first name everyone in the band could agree on.

WMG: What does your music sound like?

Justin: That's really for other people to say. Of course we're all influenced by a lot of great music, at the same time we each bring something to the stew! To me it sounds like the expression of what we want to put out there. Something that moves on different levels...different vibes and tempos. It's not all just rock, or folk or ballads or whatever. Then again, it does all sound like us playing and singing...which is better than the Mini Vanili alternative!

WMG: Who are your musical influences?

Justin: We each have our own ones. Have to admit I'm a giant Jimi Hendrix fan, he's my musical hero. Sure I listen to anything...lyrically I'm hugely influenced by Dylan and Cole Porter. I love a load of classical music like pretty much anything by Bach or Mozart, Beethoven was a dude. I love the blues, a load of jazz from Charlie parker to satchmo, and of course Gershwin and Billie Holiday... all the classic rock n roll from Little Richard to Chuck Berry and then later stuff like Brian Wilson, Led Zep, Beatles, Stones, The Band, The Faces and Small Faces, Sly Stone, Frank Zappa, Stax, Motown and a load of obscure Northern Soul and old rare groove. Big fan of Rotary Connection and Baby Huey. Lately though I've been getting more and more into trance and house, and the sound on our follow up album is already evolving. Hmmm...that's a lot of influences! Oh well...there's been a lot of magic music.

WMG: Where do you get your inspiration in writing your songs?

Justin: Well, I'm just an antenna...a conduit. I'm lucky to have that thing where music comes into me and out my mouth and hands. Until a few years ago I thought all song writers and performers could do that and just write a song there and then, but I've since discovered it's More unusual than I'd thought. All sorts of places influence though. Sometimes I literally just wake up in the middle of the night with almost a whole new song, words and melody all there. Sometimes I get a lyric influenced by an event or person...or start with some groovy music. It can be just about anything. I'm really open to being influenced by whatever I come into contact with through all senses. A lot of the writing starts with a stream of consciousness, which then evolves. Other times I'll think about one concept and a song will just materialize. For example, "Bag Lady" was a rant about a heart breaker that turned into a diatribe about the music business. All the words were written in about 5 or 6 minutes straight...with only minor changes down the line. That was unusual though, as sometimes a song will take months of subtle changes before the finished version is ready to record and perform. I'm a big fan of improv and making songs up on the spot, which I love doing in live shows, and thankfully everyone in the band is a good enough player and open to going along with each others' ideas.

WMG: Would you say that Rockit is another Brit band? What makes you different?

Justin: Well, Chris is American in fact, so in that respect no. But more than that, I don't think in terms of us being a Brit band, or different. It's more about the end result...the song and performance and the statement. If someone of any nationality, age or culture finds our music engaging and memorable and it moves them in some way...then that's what I care about. You don't need a passport or a green card to listen to us!

WMG: Is your upcoming debut, "Retro Boosters" almost finished? How would you rate it?

Justin: Yes, it's finally finished...Hurrah! We're just tying up some final touches to the artwork. I'd rate it as something I'm proud of. The songs stand up and it sounds like us. There are clearly a lot of influences from so much classic music, which is why it's called "Retro Boosters". As a debut I'm happy. We're already well into the 2nd album and that is a whole departure in terms of the songs and the style.

WMG: How did you come up with the great music of your single, "Stray 2 The Point"?

Justin: Ha...that one's funny...I'd just seen the Cole Porter musical "Anything Goes" and fell in love with the songs. I wanted to try and capture some of the feel and mood of those classic lyrics. I had the basics...but the Chorus wasn't really cutting it. Then I got together with Ben and we hit upon the 'take your time and make it last' lyric and melody. The music just came naturally from there. We did try a few styles...and it became a free for all, with all of us singing harmonies and ending with a prog rock outro.

WMG: I see a lot of upcoming musicians going the same path as yours, what can you offer that will differ you from those other artists?

Justin: Flipineck! What a question! Well...we sound different and a good word to describe us is erudite. I don't think any other bands are calling themselves erudite, and if they are...they got it from us right here and now. We have a lot to offer in terms of sheer output and diversity. Each of our songs tells a small story. Live we don't get hung up…its more, come and join the party, have a good time. That's it really...listening to ROCKIT isn't going to make you richer, sexier, loose weight, or more intelligent! Wait wait...what am I saying! Listening to ROCKIT will make you more intelligent, sexy, good looking, rich and all your dreams will come true. You are feeeling sleepy.....sleeepy....sleeepy....you're under! <snap!>

WMG: How would you deal if you were criticized as another British Rock Band?

Justin: Not another f**king rock critic. I'd say thanks for listening...the cheque's in the post! Really, it's not a bad thing...there's been a load of great British rock music, to be regarded as part of that is a huge compliment.

WMG: Any particular favorite from all the songs you wrote?

Justin: My favourite is "2nd Class Post". I really love playing it and I think it speaks to different people on different levels. It wasn't written with that in mind...so that's just amazing to me.

WMG: Any gigs going on?

Justin: Always...we're planning to play until our fingers bleed to bring music to peoples ears. And then we'll bandage them up and keep playing...even when the fret boards get all coagulated and stuff. These days with everyone sailing the Peerate Ship Bit-Torrent...live is where it's at!

WMG: Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

Justin: 10 Years wiser...10 years more material to play and choose from. And people asking why we haven't done another interview since the one we did with Abby on Wikimusic 10 years ago?

WMG: Ok, let's get to the lighter part of this interview:

Justin: Yes please let's...because frankly these deep questions are making my head hurt!

WMG: Favorite food?

Justin: Fresh fruit, anything Asian...Sushi, Indian, Chinese, Thai.......then again....CHOCOLATE!!!!

WMG: Interests/hobbies?

Justin: All of us have different ones. I play a lot of backgammon and an obscure sport called Real Tennis...which is the precursor to lawn tennis. Martin is a massive Doctor Who fan.

WMG: Favorite book?

Justin: Tolken's "Lord of the Rings", but also love Robertson Davies' "The Deptford Trilogy", and William Goldman's "The Princess Bride".

WMG: Favorite movie?

Justin: "Casablanca" closely followed by "The Blues Brothers" and "Sin City".

WMG: LIkes/Dislikes (about anything)

Justin: Love light and peace, people with kind hearts and who care for one another. Dislike liars, bad smells and those who create misery or suffering.

WMG: Any favorite songs? From your album and of other artists?

Justin: Waaaay too many...but since you ask: Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone", Jimi Hendrix's "Ezy Rider", Cole Porter's "Anything Goes", Brian Wilson’s "God only knows" and "Sloop John B".

WMG: Most favorite artist? How about CD?

Justin: Beatles "Abbey Road" and "White Album" ...no wait..even more, Jimi Hendrix's "Electric Ladyland". It's rare to have an album I can just keep on listening to over so many years, and each time I come back to it there's a little something new...oh I never noticed that before. So ahead of its time it still sounds fresh to me.

WMG: Any last messages to you fans?

Justin: We do what we do for you too. You have a perfect right to be here. Be yourself. Treat others as you'd like to be treated.

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