Mojo Rising
They’re the cross border band going places in a hurry. On a cold day in Clontarf Mojo Gogo talk about the North-West musical scene, their burgeoning far east fanbase – and the extremes some fans will go to express their devotion.
Craig Fitzpatrick, 29 Sep 2011
One of the most promising Northern bands to emerge in years have a simple message for the nation. “We’ll play anywhere,” says frontman Niki Pollock. “We’ll take anything that’s going.”
He’s not joking. We meet Mojo Gogo in a windswept Clontarf, as they finish one of their first major photoshoots. Part Donegal, part Derry band, they’re now claimed by both towns (a sure sign they’ve got what it takes). Showing plenty of ambition, they’re well prepared to venture away from the local scene. But that brings the harsh logistics of travelling. When we finish up, they’re immediately Derry-bound.
“We’ve spent January through June living on Bus Éireann buses,” Niki confesses. “Travelling up and down the country a couple of times a week. A couple of times a day on some occasions!” As is their wont, the other lads are quick to chime in. Straight-talking lead guitarist Paul Rodgers (another good rock name) sums up the tough existence of a new band in 2011. “We’re spending more money than we’re making,” he sighs. Niki agrees. “That’s it. The dole in one hand, a Bus Éireann ticket in the other. But we’re not complaining. We really believe you get what you put in.”
They ended up sleeping outside Busáras one night. “Apparently, there was a homeless guy trying to lie down beside me for heat,” Niki laughs. “I don’t remember that at all, the boys told me the day after.” Such is the glamorous life of a rising indie band. Living the dream. Still, even a short chat with the lads confirms that they have serious drive. The long-term hopes lie on a grander scale.
Niki: “The Playboy Mansion will be my house! We want that whole lifestyle! (laughs). I was reading a rock magazine with this big story about David Lee Roth partying for three days at the Playboy Mansion. He invited Keith Moon along, as well as a photographer. They just partied whilst the photographer was standing there taking pictures of it all. They called it Project Mojo Gogo.”
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