INTERVIEW MONSTRE: KYLE ROWLAND "Music is an audible projection of an individual's soul. "

Quel plaisir de rencontrer de jeunes bluesmen talentueux désireux de maintenir les racines traditionnelles du blues tout en y apportant une fraîcheur toute personnelle. Kyle Rowland est de ceux-là et il le fait avec beaucoup de talent. Il a accepté avec enthousiasme de répondre à nos questions. Un grand merci !

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Taste question: Which artists have influenced you the most, and what examples can you tell us about this influence? Who is the artist you dislike and why will he/she never influence you?

I've been influenced by a number of different musicians from a variety of different genres. Traditional Delta & Chicago blues, country music from the 1930s-1960’s, soul and funk from the 1960’s-1970’s, all have contributed to the music I write. 

Music is an audible projection of an individual's soul. I don’t necessarily dislike a person’s creation; however, music that projects violence or division is not something I choose to listen to. 

Intellectual question: Which non-musical artist (filmmaker, writer, painter...) played an important role in the way you evolved…

I'm currently in school pursuing a Master's degree in Divinity, so I've been reading quite a lot of theological books and biblical commentaries. I also enjoy reading United States Supreme Court case opinions on various constitutional matters. I believe my passion for studying interpretations of the Bible and the rule of law provides insight on how we interact with each other in positive and effective ways.

History question: Can you sum up the life of your career?

I began performing at festivals, nightclubs, and casinos across California at the age of 10. With the advice and friendship of many of those I grew up listening to, I have found success in music through being content traveling to different places and performing from my heart. 

 

 

Selfish question: Why did you prefer a solo career than being in a band?

I'm grateful to have some of the best blues musicians on the West Coast of the United States join me on the bandstand. Our band is called Rowland & Tumblin’, and they are featured on the record along with other guest artists, including Anson Funderburgh, Kid Andersen, Johnny Bergin, Bob Welsh, and Kenny Marchese. I decided to release the record under my own name due to its clarity and simplicity. 
 

Buddy question: Who has helped you most in your adventure and without whom you wouldn't have had the same evolution? 

Early on in my career, a local Sacramento harmonica player and radio disc jockey, Mick Martin, took me under his wing. Mick taught me some things on the harmonica, produced my first CD, and gave me a spot on his stage with his band for 6 years. Around the age of 16, I started my own band. Rick Estrin (Little Charlie & The Nightcats) began to help me evolve into the musician I am today, and continues to do so. James Cotton and Lazy Lester became mentors in my early 20’s, teaching me a variety of lessons on and off the bandstand.

 

 

 Spinal Tap question: What's the most stupid thing that's ever happened to you?

I’ve made some stupid decisions in my life, but I try my best not to reminisce on these things. I try to continue to strive for the best I can be and learn from these circumstances. 
 

Question Happy Few: What's the biggest benefit you've derived from your career, and can you tell us about it?

I’ve had the honor of learning from and befriending some of the original blues greats such as James Cotton, Lazy Lester, Henry Gray, Hubert Sumlin, and Matt Guitar Murphy. These guys and others taught me more than just musical lessons. I knew these musicians when I was in high school, facing challenges every high school young man faces; these guys became my Uncles, guiding me through my formative years, sharing the lessons and mistakes they learned in their prime.

 

 Art question: What book, film, record and current band do you really like?

- Film: Anything from the mind of Stephen King
- Book: The Klan Whisperer by Dr. Daryl Davis 
- Record: Lafayette Soul Show 
- Current Band/Artist: Leon Bridges, Charlie Crockett, The Teskey Brothers, D.K Harrell, Dom “The American Songster” Flemons, Marcus “Dirty Laundry” Velez, Nic Clark.  

Funny question. What's the funniest thing that's ever happened to you?
 
Life. 

 Camembert question: What's France to you, apart from the land of wine and cheese? (you're allowed to Google it, the theme is rock and underground culture).

In the United States, the word unique is often overused or misrepresented. When I think of the French rock and underground culture, I believe it represents every part of the term. It's truly unique.

Sponsorship question: Who can you sponsor for Les Monstres Sacrés, and how can you convince us to talk about them?

Marcus Velez, also known as Dirty Laundry The Band, is a contemporary musician specializing in 1920s and 1930s ragtime and pre-war blues guitar. Marcus is the real deal, playing music that is not often heard. He deserves to be heard by more people. He is set to represent the Sacramento Blues Society at the 2026 International Blues Challenge in January.

 

Patriotic question: Make the list (between 5 & 10) of the top records made par artists of our country.

1. Django Reinhardt- Paris 1945 (I know he is technically from Belgium)
2. Jean Claude Pelletier Et Son Orchestre- STREAKING! (1974)
3. Nancy Holloway in Paris 
4. Erick Bamy- Avant Que L’Été Ne Soit Terminé

 

5. Edith Piaf- Le Tour de Chant d’Édith Piaf a l’Olympia- No. 1

Patriotic question 2 : Make the list (between 5 & 10) of the top records made by artists of your country.
Chicago Blues Today Vol. 2
Lafayette Soul Show 
The Soul Stirrers- Jesus Gave Me Water
James Carr- The Essential James Carr
Paul Oscher- Down in the Delta 
Percy Mayfield Poet of the Blues 
Nick Curran and the Lowlifes- Reform School Girl

 

Left Frizzell- The Texas Tornado 
Muddy Waters- Folk Singer