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Bass player Matt Montgomery (a.k.a. better known as Piggy D,) is no stranger to the music business. Piggy D made his debut as bassist for Rob Zombie replacing Rob "Blasko" Nicholson on the "Tonight Show" with Dave Letterman on May 24th, 2006.
Piggy D got an early start in music in his hometown of Houston, Texas. During his time in Texas, Piggy D played guitar with Spunk and the drag rock queen band The She Demons. After carefully developing his guitar style, Piggy decided it was time for a change.
In 2002, Piggy D relocated to Los Angeles to join the hardcore band Amen. After two years of constantly touring, Piggy D met Wednesday 13 of the Murderdolls, and toured in support of the Wednesday 13 debut album.
These days Piggy D has made the transition from playing guitar with Amen and Wednesday 13 to performing bass duties for Rob Zombie. In this Exclusive interview for GlamMetal.com, Piggy D discusses his solo project Piggy D and upcoming solo album,” The Evacuation Plan", what it is like working with the legendary Rob Zombie, how his Boston roots influenced his guitar style, and what it like to be performing with one of the top bands in music today, Rob Zombie.
Piggy, So good to hear from you. First of all, let's discuss your upcoming solo CD. Who is in the band?
PIGGY D: Hi Deb! I'm really excited about this record. It has been a long time coming, and is very special to me for many reasons. All the songs are taken from a diary I kept during and after Hurricane Katrina. I was living in New Orleans at the time, and everything in my life changed for me after that. I lost more than a place to live, let’s put it that way! Every song on this album is about someone, or something that happened to me during that time. There are songs about my sobriety, god, love, former enemies, you name it! haha! The album is called 'The Evacuation Plan' because I basically evacuated my entire life, including grudges, lovers, bad friends etc. I felt like I finally had something to say for myself as a writer during this time. I just wanted to share it with people.
As far as the band goes. I got some guys together last year to play
some songs live and test out the material before I went and recorded it. While I was doing that I joined Zombie, and that delayed the record because of all the touring we did.
So should I tour, it might be some of the same guys, but that remains to be seen. On the album Tommy Clufetos (Rob Zombie) played all the drums, I played most everything else. Dave Spreng my engineer/co-producer played some piano and helped with the orchestrations. Scott Gillman played some horns, and Calico Cooper sings on several tracks as well.
I heard your new song,” No One Knows you're Alive" on your my space page. It sounds very modern, and kind of reminds me of a lot of Social Distortion with melodic vocals and a driving beat. What does the rest of the album sound like? Does it follow in the Zombie or Wednesday 13 vein?
PIGGY D: The rest of the album is very different. These are some straight ahead rock stuff. You’ll hear my early metal and punk influence. There are a few big swooping over the top ballads, a couple of happy songs as well (Laughter) its not all a downer!!
I wrote 35 songs for this record. It was really hard picking the ones to record was pretty tough. I picked the ones that have some kind of common thread. Its still all over the place but still sounds like its coming from one guy.
And no, nothing sounds like any other band I have been in. If anyone ever wanted to know what I sound like, this is it.
Have you decided on an album title yet? How did you come up with the album concept?
Piggy D: Yes, 'The Evacuation Plan'. Hear is what it sounds like to start your life over! hahaha! I wanted a title that fit all the songs. A common theme...Strangely enough, the song "Evacuation Plan' got cut. Maybe I'll save it for part 2!
I know you are into painting and artwork. Did you design the album cover?
PIGGY D: Yes, I’m working on it now. I'm really into album design. It has become a lost art because everyone steals records these days. It has become so bad. I can’t blame people for stealing music. Most of it sucks, except for 'that one song' and the art is terrible. I'm trying to change that. I wanted to make an album that you can listen to and look at for hours and to get bored of. That’s my goal, we'll see if I can deliver!
Will you be performing at Sam Ash in Canga, Ca on June 2? Tell us about the show.
PIGGY D: No, this clinic/demonstration for a really cool ZOOM product called the H4. It’s basically a 4 track that is the size of an IPOD. It’s so cool, and easy to use I wanted to get behind it and tell people about it. It's really important to me to let people, or young musicians know that they can make music without a bunch of expensive gear or a studio. It’s a lot of fun to use. The clinics have been a blast so far.
Piggy, Will you be putting the album out on your own label?
PIGGY D: For now yes. I'm putting it out through 'Black Victory' That is the name of a clothing/design/photography/production company I run. Why not make it label too? (Laughter)
Piggy, you have such an extensive career in music. First of all, let me congratulate you on joining Rob Zombie. How did you get the gig with Rob?
PIGGY D: Thanks! I knew Rz a little bit, and I knew Tommy pretty well. I was also a friend with Blasko, the bass player I replaced. He left to join Ozzy, and I got the call. No audition, no nothing. Just friends calling each other. Very simple.
I recently saw you perform with Rob Zombie on the "American Witch" tour? Did you enjoy the tour? What were some of the highlights?
PIGGY D: The tour was such a blast. We had way too much fun. It was like summer camp for big kids. All the shows were incredible. We never wanted to get off the stage. We would play until we couldn't play anymore. I cannot wait to do it again!
Will Rob Zombie be touring at all this year? I know he is working on his movie?
PIGGY D: I think the movie is done. We'll have to wait and see about a tour. I sure hope so!
Actually, Rob is the Shock Rock Horror king. Are you a big Horror flick fan? It was cool, how the video showed clips of all of the horror flicks, as part of the stage show on the "American Witch" tour.
PIGGY D: Horror films are my second love. It's what I know best other than music. The clips on stage are such a great tie in with the music. It’s a complete visual experience. It's kind of like being in a movie for an hour! I love it, and notice something different every night.
What do you enjoy most working with Rob Zombie?
PIGGY D: The guys in the band. They are such pros, and so much fun to be around. I really enjoy their company, and it just makes the show that much better. I have NEVER had more fun!
Prior to joining Rob Zombie, you toured with Wednesday 13. What happened? Why did you leave Wednesday 13?
PIGGY D: I didn't leave. He wanted a new band, and he got it. It’s all-good.
Piggy, tell me about your time in Amen. You spent two years constantly on tour with them? What happened?
PIGGY D: Amen was my favorite band before I joined. I still love the music a lot. I learned a lot, got out alive and sober. I'm just grateful for that. The shows were living in car crash every night. I still have scars! haha! I wouldn't trade that experience for the world.
Was it hard making the transition from guitar to playing bass with Rob Zombie?
PIGGY D: It was actually. They asked me if I could play bass and I really thought I had it down. Playing it in that kind of show was a different story! haha! It took rehearsing everyday, all day for weeks before my first tour with them. I got it down now, but it was way more work than I expected. I actually love playing bass on stage more than I like playing guitar. Weird I know!
The guys in Rob Zombie are phenomenal musicians. I recently interviewed John 5 and Tommy Clufetos. How does it feel to be part of the Rob Zombie family?
PIGGY D: Amazing. It feels like home. I've been playing music for 15 years, and finally came home. I'm so lucky and grateful.
I was surprised to hear, that in 1999, you actually relocated to Boston. What bands were you in Bean town?
PIGGY D: I love Boston! I love the Northeast in general. I played a few solo acoustic gigs. What a nightmare that was! I played in a band called Woody for minute, great songs! And I put a band together called VENA that never played a gig. The whole time is kind of a blur...way to much beer!
Boston is a great musical city. Did Aerosmith influence you at all?
PIGGY D: Totally! I Iove Aerosmith so much! So many great bands came out of there. The Pixies too, Jesus, what amazing music they made!
Actually, the scene is starting to come alive again with new music. I also heard you performed in Buffalo with the band Woody. Tell be about that experience?
PIGGY D: Well first of all, one my favorite bands are from Buffalo. The Goo Goo Dolls. Those guys were my favorite punk band in Jr. High. It has been nice watching them progress over the years. I'm still a huge fan. Woody was great we played a biker bar called the Mohawk, and also the Continental. Great music and good food in Buffalo. It's just a little too depressing there!
What inspired you to first pick up the guitar? Who are some of your guitar influences?
PIGGY D: Oh, Johnny Cash, and my family. My parents used to play as band. My mom played guitar. My dad played bass, and my brother played drums. All this before I was born. I grew up listening to Cash in the living room, and Kiss in my brother’s room. I was very confused, I still am!
The first time I saw Dave Mustaine play guitar I knew that’s what I wanted to do. He was such, and still is a bad ass. Such a talented guy. But, I have to say; Johnny Ramone was the coolest guitar player to ever walk the earth. If I could write songs like Paul Westerberg, play guitar like Johnny, I would rule the earth!
What advice did you give to guitarists at your recent signing at NAMM this year?
PIGGY D; Yeah, play what ya want. Learn the notes on the guitar, and learn what makes your favorite songs sound the way they do. Figure out musically why you like them. And most importantly, find your own voice. Following trends, and biting off your influences is fine when you get started, but eventually you must try something new. Just be yourself, be original. Anyone that tells you otherwise is a prick.
What products did you endorse at NAMM?
PIGGY D: I was there to help promote ZOOM and SAMSON. I use their wireless systems, reference speakers for recording, and of course the H4.
How has the music scene changed since you first began touring in Texas?
PIGGY D: Nope it sucked then, and it sucks now. At least it’s consistent.
You also lived in New Orleans for a while. How has the music scene changed since Hurricane Katrina hit? Is it flourishing again down in New Orleans yet?
PIGGY D: It has been rough for those folks. From what I hear, bands are starting to come back and play there again. The saddest part of it all though was all the old greats that got displaced and lost their homes during the Hurricane. Our company Black Victory donates money from our clothing sales to the Musicians Village. They help build housing for all the displaced musicians. I hope to see everybody back there and rocking soon.
Do you feel The Internet has helped bands take charge of their career, and not be so controlled by record labels?
PIGGY D: It has helped those who are smart enough to learn how to use it. Labels can still be a lot of help to certain kinds of bands. For anyone who is marching to their own beat, and not trying to fit into the mainstream, the Internet is your best friend. Think about it. Any kid with a four track and my space page can be an artist. Not a rock star, but an artist. You can get your music out there to millions of people without ever leaving your house. Pretty amazing times we live in. One thing that cannot be replaced is badass band on stage, and the energy you get from that, on either side of the fence. The Internet won't take that away anytime soon!
What kind of music do you enjoy listening to? Were you influenced by The Sex Pistols, and the punk generation at all?
PIGGY D: Yes! I love the Ramones, The Dead Kennedys, Black Flag, The Pistols, Dead Boys, The Adverts, and The Clash. All of those bands taught me that it doesn't matter what you play, or how well you play it, as long as you play it with some conviction and passion.
How challenging as a musician, was it hard to go from playing with Amen, to Wednesday 13, and now performing with Rob Zombie? All of these bands have a different musical style.
PIGGY D: Its not challenging if you play stuff you like. If it's not fun, you shouldn't do it. Why cheat the audience and yourself out of a good time? Life is too short!
What about your clothing company, Black Victory? What do you feature in your line?
PIGGY D: We take old clothes that people don’t wear anymore and bring them back to life. We specialize in any kind of rebirth. It was founded in New Orleans, and we try to mirror the idea that what was once destroyed can be rebuild and be better than ever. Everything we make is 100% by hand. Its dirty, fun rock n' roll clothes. We have a blast doing It.
What does the future hold for Piggy D?
PIGGY D: I'll continue to make music, and continue to share it as long as people want to hear it. I love being on stage and playing for people. I'm an entertainer first, that part will never die. I'll be around for a long time, somewhere doing my thing. I just hope I can still look cool doing it! (Laughter)
www.myspace.com/piggydofficialpage www.piggyd.com
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