Interview: Damian Young Breaks Down the History and Sound of Mo Bigsley

One of the many great aspects of the Warped Tour is being able to find out about great, new, unsigned bands. The group Mo Bigsley fills all these criteria. Mo Bigsley is a Long Beach based band that has been together off and on for thirteen years. Their sound is a mix of rock, rap and funk. They have opened for some of the best bands the early 90's had to offer including Incubus, Lit and No Doubt. On this day, the band found themselves bringing their sound to the skate ramp stage at the Warped Tour. After their set, bassist Damian Young talked to me about the past, present and future of Mo Bigsley.

Associated Content: How did the band land a gig on the last day of Warped tour?

Damian Young: We did it on our own! Everything this band has achieved so far has been done without a lot of outside help. I sent out a few e-mails to the right people. I have booked the shows for this band in the past so it was easy to do...we do a lot of stuff on our own without having a publicist or a manager.

AC: The band took a seven year "break". What caused the band to go on hiatus for so long?

DY: I was basically burnt out...I was not only playing bass but I was booking the shows and promoting the band also...it all just took its toll on me.

AC: Talk to me about your sound. Is this a true mix of your influences?

DY: We never really fell into a certain category or style. We do have a mix of rock, hip-hop and funk...there's a little Chili Peppers in there, but we never really set out to be one thing. It just is what it is.

AC: Your older brother Adrian plays drums in the band and is also the drummer for No Doubt. How has Adrian helped the band?

DY: The main way Adrian has helped us out has been in producing our disc. He has been in the studio with us really helping us find our sound. For right now this cd is a demo quality disc, nothing too professional. Once again, this is something we are doing all on our own and with the exception of Adrian; we aren't very experienced when it comes to recording. The main things that Adrian brings to the recording process are experience and his ears. He knows what we are looking for which is good but he also retains his own opinions and ideas and that helps us through the process.

AC: Is it fun playing alongside your older brother? Have you two always done music together?

DY: Mo Bigsley is pretty much the only time Adrian and I play or have played together. As far as playing with him goes its great...He knows what we're looking for in a drummer as far as feel, plus he always has his separate ideas that are ideas we would never think of so really it's a no lose situation. Not to mention, he is just a great drummer, rocks it live and is incredibly humble and easy to get along with. You couldn't ask for more! At some point we will have to look for someone permanent but he is my first choice!

AC: What's on deck for Mo Bigsley?

DY: We are gonna finish our disc and then we will be looking for management and for someone to really help us promote the band. We will also be rehearsing and playing out live as much as possible