Get ready to turn up the volume as we dive into the world of Boogie Rockafella, the two-piece rock sensation delivering big riffs, raw energy, and a heavy dose of foot-stomping boogie. Hailing from Melbourne, this duo channels the gritty sounds of The Black Keys, Bon Scott-era AC/DC, and even a touch of Delta blues, creating a sound that’s as electrifying as it is addictive. With Liam Hopkins on guitar and vocals and Alex Gooding on drums and vocals, Boogie Rockafella strips rock and roll back to its core with infectious riffs and driving beats. As they prepare to release their debut EP early next year, we’re sitting down with the band to chat about their influences, their journey so far, and what fans can expect from their explosive new music. This is a paid collaboration with 'Boogie Rockafella'
TRACK REVIEW
Dare I say it — this track feels like The Beatles meeting The Black Keys in a gritty back alley jam. “See Right Through Me” grabs you from the start with an infectious riff, leading you down a Beatles-esque melodic path while injecting raw, bluesy swagger. The tempo and rhythm changes keep you on your toes, delivering a sound far bigger than you’d expect from a two-piece. I can picture this blasting through the speakers at a massive festival, pulling you straight to the front row of the chaos. It’s pure, unfiltered rock ‘n’ roll mayhem.
Your sound is described as a mix of rock and roll, boogie, and blues, with influences from bands like The Black Keys and AC/DC. How did you develop this unique blend of genres, and what drew you to this particular style?
I just like rock and roll that has a groove to it. Bands like AC/DC are the epitome of classic rock but they always have a swagger and a groove to their rhythm. The drums always swing just in the right spot and there’s always a little boogie to their sound especially the Bon Scott records.
As a two-piece band, how do you manage to create such a big sound with just guitar, drums, and vocals? What’s your approach to making each instrument stand out?
I certainly have adapted my approach to guitar playing to work towards a more filled-out sound. I’ll do a lot of fingerpicking stuff so I can get those bass notes in there to give the music some more bottom-end. Having harmonies where we can always adds another layer to the overall sound. Also just turn up the volume and hit harder.
You’ve mentioned the influence of glam rock and Delta Blues in your music. How do these genres fit into the rock and roll collage that defines Boogie Rockafella’s sound?
Anything that’s truly rock and roll has to have a blues influence in my opinion. If you look at a classic T. Rex riff its just blues but a little funkier. Boogie Rockafella will always lean towards the heavier rock side of things but always stemming from blues-based riffs.
Your debut EP is set to be released at the start of next year. Can you give us a sneak peek into what fans can expect from this release? Are there any key themes or stories you’re excited to share?
EP should be out in January. Most of the lyrical content/stories were inspired by or conceived in the pub I live next door to. A lot of vague lyrics about indulging too much. I would say it’s a very “music first” record.
How has your time playing in Wesley Fuller's live band shaped the way you approach your music as Boogie Rockafella? What did you take away from that experience?
Wesley Fuller is a psych-pop rock songwriting genius. He’s also the best dressed man going around town. I love Wes. We did a tour of Europe in 2018 and that made me realise playing rock and roll is fun.
The riff-driven nature of your music is such a big part of your identity. How do you go about crafting those infectious riffs that drive your sound?
If a song comes on shuffle when I’m driving and makes me speed then I will save it, go home, learn it, then change it enough so it is now a Boogie Rockafella riff.
As a two-piece, there’s an undeniable focus on the energy between the two of you during performances. How do you maintain that connection live, and how do you keep things exciting for both yourselves and the audience?
Most of the time during band rehearsal myself and Alex are consuming Banh Mis and trying out new comedy bits so by the time the gig comes around it feels like we’re playing most of the songs for the first time.
With influences like Bon Scott-era AC/DC, how important is the rawness of early rock and roll to your sound, and how do you keep that spirit alive while still creating something fresh and new?
I love early AC/DC so there’s always that influence but like most people I’ll go in and out of musical phases so there’s always going to be a different angle to it. I grew up on The Beatles and Van Morrison but also have a love for Funk and soul so it’s throwing all that in there and seeing what comes out.
Rock and roll is often about connecting with audiences on a visceral level. What do you hope fans take away from a Boogie Rockafella show, and how does the energy of live performance feed into your creative process?
We always try and have a stomp to our songs. Catchy rocking riffs that you can stomp your feet to. Something that sharpies could dance to. We also have a lot of breakdowns in our songs and depending how much the audience is getting into it, that can determine how long the song goes for so there is always a bit of back and forth with the listener and the band.
With the EP release on the horizon, what’s next for Boogie Rockafella in terms of touring and promoting your new music? Any exciting plans for the coming year?
We’re just gonna keep on keepin’ on.
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