By Nicholas Jason Lopez
TREMENDOUS – the glam rock trio of guitarist/vocalist Mark Dudzinski, bassist Ryan Jee and drummer Dave Lee – dropped their debut album ‘Relentless’ earlier this year to universal praise.
Dudzinksi dedicated ‘Relentless’ to his friend and original manager, the late Adrian Millar, known for his work with Black Sabbath and as manager of United Kingdom band The Babys.
It was recorded around various studios in London, Birmingham and Sweden with producers such as Gavin Monaghan (Kings Of Leon, Robert Plant, Grace Jones).
The Music Bugle had the chance to talk with Dudzinski about ‘Relentless’ and more.
Music Bugle – How would you describe the United Kingdom to someone who has never been before?
Mark Dudzinski – Here? Oh, it’s great. We have a huge musical heritage, which is one of our most famous exports. Unfortunately, I can’t speak as highly about our weather.
Music Bugle – What excites you the most about glam rock?
Mark Dudzinski – It’s visually explosive. There’s enough gloom and doom, especially now with Covid.
It’s what the world kinda needs to cheer us up. A bit of high vis goodness.
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now music wise?
Mark Dudzinski – I’ve been listening to a lot of Siouxsie & The Banshees recently and some of the later Billy Idol stuff. Not glam exactly, but still well within its orbit.
Music Bugle – What was it like making your debut album ‘Relentless’?
Mark Dudzinski – Well, it’s a bit of a Frankenstein’s monster the way it was put together. It was recorded at various studios here in the Midlands, London and Sweden. It was a lot of fun. I’m just looking forward to getting out there and playing them.
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Mark Dudzinski – No shows, I guess. That and hardly any rehearsals. We were in our second national lockdown before, but we’re out of it now. I’m just hoping for some better luck for us and for everyone else in the new year.
Music Bugle – Does social media make it easier or harder for a band to stand out these days?
Mark Dudzinski – I’d say both, really. The internet is awash with great bands and also terrible ones, but if you’re dynamite, then people can’t really ignore you.
Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Mark Dudzinski – “I am the greatest,” by Muhammad Ali. (Laughs) Just kidding. Probably, “It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it,” from Tom Hanks.
Music Bugle – Away from music, what’s something people might be surprised to know about the band?
Mark Dudzinski – We’re all big comedy fans. The name TREMENDOUS is actually taken from the catchphrase of Cuban-American comedian Joey Diaz.
Music Bugle – What’s something you wish happened more in today’s music industry?
Mark Dudzinski – It seems to take a lot longer to establish yourself. You’re always up against algorithms on social media. I just don’t feel parts of the industry have the upcoming struggling artist’s best interests in mind.
Music Bugle – How would you define the year 2020?
Mark Dudzinski – Netflix. (Laughs)
