Snarky Puppy is a jazz ensemble led by bassist, composer, and producer Michael League.
League describes Snarky Puppy as ‘a pop band that improvises a lot, without vocals’. Snarky Puppy’s bandleader Michael League takes five minutes to share with us some of the artists and songs that have shaped his life.
What is the one song that reminds you of growing up and why?
Rocky Racoon by The Beatles. It was one of the first songs I learned to play on the guitar. It was also the song my best friend and I used to sing at every high-school party.
What is the song that gets you up on the dancefloor every time?
No Diggity by Blackstreet. My guilty pleasure.
What is the song that’s always busted out when no-one is around; why?
There aren’t a lot of songs I’m ashamed to listen to, but maybe Toxic by Britney Spears. I love that song.
What is the song on high rotation in your car at the moment?
I don’t have a car, but the song I’m listening to the most right now at home is a song called Dying Star from Maz’s Idealist record. He’s actually a member of Snarky Puppy, but he has a vocal project as well and a beautiful record out 14 October.
What was your wedding song (or what would it be)?
I definitely haven’t thought about a wedding song, or a wedding for that matter, but Maybe I’m Amazed. Maybe I’m Amazed is an amazing song, by Paul McCartney of course.
Your favourite song to cover at the moment?
We don’t really do cover songs, but we did just play Phenomenal Women with Laura Mvula in Italy and it was so much fun.
If you could sing a duet with anyone dead or alive who would it be and what would be the song?
If I could sing a duet with anyone it has to be Tom Petty, and I would want to sing It’s Good To Be King.
Your all-time blues hero is… and why?
My all-time blues hero would have to be Albert King. He was the first blues guy I ever heard, and I learned so many of his solos when I was just learning to play the guitar in high school. It was an education in expression and communication with so little. No frills, just straight soul. Amazing; definitely my favourite.
Snarky Puppy play at Bluesfest this Easter.
For tickets and program info go to www.bluesfest.com.au.
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