This interview with Francisco De Borja, better known as Bigott, was conducted minutes after his band’s appearance at the “Sounds From Spain” showcase presented at the 2012 South by Southwest Music and Film Festival in Austin, TX.
The following Tuesday, I had the great pleasure of catching the band at the Eastside Luv Wine and Queso Bar in East L.A. Although there wasn’t a big crowd present at the dive bar event, those of us who were there were treated to an amazing night of kick ass rock & roll in a very pleasing, intimate setting. There, Bigott played its heart out not worrying that they were playing for a much smaller crowd than the one they played just days earlier at SXSW.
My interview with De Borja minutes after he left the “Sounds From Spain” stage went a little like this…
Angel: How did the show go and what was the reaction of the Austin audience?
Bigott: There were a good number of Spaniards in the audience and the show went well. People danced and had a good time, but with only a 20-minute set it’s not enough to really show all we can do. After the show, people from Kentucky and different states came up to us and said that we should play in their hometowns.
Is performing in the Midwest or in the southern states something you would consider doing?
I would be more than happy to play anywhere we can promote the band. I enjoy traveling outside of my hometown and get to know other places.
What’s your take on the “Sounds From Spain” project, which showcases talent from your hometown?
I think it is a great way to introduce new music to new audiences, and as an artist it is a great place to meet other musicians. And as a person, it is always nice to be able to travel and see new places.
The name Bigott, how did it come about?
About 15 years ago I began to grow a mustache. And after frequenting a local bar in Zaragoza trying to get a playing gig, the owner began calling me “bigot”, which was short for “bigote” (Spanish for mustache) and I liked the way it sounded so I began to use it as a stage name… and it stuck.
All of your albums so far have been sung in English, have you or do you plan to sing in Spanish?
No. Ever since I started writing, it all came out in English and I feel so at ease with it that I get lazy just thinking about writing in Spanish.
Have you ever had a negative reaction from Spanish speaking audiences?
Of course! Many times. But it’s part of life. There are people who like the music and those who don’t. If everyone liked the same thing, it would be very boring. The most important thing is the music because the language doesn’t matter as long as it’s good music.
Speaking of the music, yours has been compared to Johnny Cash and Tom Waits. Where do you get your inspiration?
The important thing is to listen to all kinds of music: good, bad, even horrible music. Once you do that, you have to take it all. Eventually, those influences will sink into you and at the time of composing, all of them will guide you in composing.
“Cannibal Dinner” performed at Eastside Luv Bar
