Tommy Angel and The Gold Diggers- Band & Musicians Interview

Edition Seventeen- Week Seventeen; Unit 2:

Written by: Mercedes Barreto

What inspired the beginning of this band and music? Why and how so?

“TA: Our band isn’t just about music; it’s an immersive experience born from a thriller novel I’m currently writing. Every aspect of our aesthetic—from our band’s imagery and stage costumes to the props we use—is ripped directly from the pages of this book, making its world tangible for our audience. This 20-chapter novel is a work in progress, but our ultimate goal is to publish it and market it alongside the band as a chronicle of our “hijinks and mayhem” on the road.

Musically, we deliver a powerful mix of original compositions and covers spanning classic rock, outlaw country, and the ’80s and ’90s. We don’t just play these loved and often forgotten tunes; we infuse them with our signature sound through exciting new arrangements, giving listeners a fresh, often unexpected, take on these old favorites. Adding another layer to our performances, each band member assumes a unique role, deepening our connection with our fanbase. Bartholomew, our bassist, channels his real-life passion for plants and horticulture into his character. Raven, our drummer, embodies a true story of resilience, hailing from a foreign land ravaged by war. These personal narratives are intricately woven into the fabric of our band, creating a profound bond with our fans. We envision our fans being able to download or purchase a hard copy of the novel, experiencing the stories firsthand. For those who’ve seen us live, it’s been a truly refreshing experience to witness these tales come to life on stage, harmonized with the very music they inspired. The bottom line here is: it’s clear to our audience that we’re having fun, and it nudges them to have fun with us!”

Where did the band get its start? What are the members’ roots, musically?

“TA: My personal musical journey began in New Jersey, where I first picked up the trumpet at age 9. That quickly changed with the introduction to classic rock by a cool cousin. The trumpet was shelved, and an acoustic guitar, found at a garage sale by my mom, became my new focus. That’s what I truly wanted to do. A lifetime later, after moving to Rockland County, New York, in 2022, I started performing locally as a troubadour. Many shows, and a couple of years later, I began to yearn for playing in a band again after a long hiatus. Eventually I connected with Raven, our drummer, and we began collaborating on songs from my solo sets. We had an immediate connection, and after months of practicing and playing showcases locally, we found and welcomed Bartholomew, our bass player. As a three-piece unit of raw, passionate performers, we’re now an active part of the music scene in the Hudson Valley, Rockland, and Orange Counties in New York, and Bergen County in New Jersey.
Raven has a fascinating musical background. She endured years of classical piano training at her parents’ insistence, despite secretly disliking it. It wasn’t until adulthood that she discovered her true calling in drums and percussion. Since then, she’s been an unwavering force behind the kit. Raven is often my practical voice of reason, offering honest insights.

Bartholomew, whom we affectionately call “The Bartonist,” spent years playing guitar and dabbling in vocals for various bands, gaining experience through these collaborations. But then destiny struck! He too, like Raven and myself, was completely smitten by a new instrument…the bass, and plunged headfirst into it. He’s been absolutely dedicated to it ever since!

Where has the band played, and where would they be honored to do so?

“TA: Our instruments have seen their share of highways and backroads, leading us to some truly memorable local spots. We’ve become regulars at establishments like the always-buzzing New Reggie Bar in Tuxedo and the bustling 1611 Kings Highway in Chester. You’ll often find us lighting up the stage at The Dog House Saloon in Washington Twp, bringing our sound to the sophisticated Growler And Gill Gastropub in Nanuet, adding our rhythm to the historic ambiance of The Pearl River Hotel and the unique Round Table Brewery in Garnerville. Our travels extend beyond the typical venues too; we’ve been proud participants in vibrant community gatherings such as the Greenwood Lake Street Fair in New York State, and we’ve lost count of the enchanting backyard outdoor parties where we’ve played the evening away, creating perfect musical backdrops under glittering stars. We’re truly at home on any stage in this region.”

Where would we be honored to play next?

“TA: YOUR place. Red Rocks Amphitheater is a close second.”

If the band could work with any one industry executive in the music industry globally, who are they calling?

“TA: Let’s be clear: Susan Silver is nothing short of brilliant. In an industry teeming with executives, she’s a phenomenal talent who’s often unrightfully overshadowed. She was absolutely instrumental (see what I did there?) in igniting the Seattle grunge explosion of the ’90s, serving as the unwavering manager for some of the decade’s most celebrated groups: Alice in Chains (a partnership that endures to this day), Soundgarden, Nirvana, and The Screaming Trees. Her astute guidance was crucial for Nirvana, helping them adeptly steer through the challenging currents of the music business during their formative years with Sub Pop records, before they ultimately landed a massive contract with a major label. She’s a force to be reckoned with.”

What is a song that the band feels is most resonant with the listening audience? Why so?

“TA: When we play Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Have You Ever Seen The Rain”, something truly special happens in the room. It’s more than just a cover; it’s a shared experience. You can feel the wave of recognition wash over the audience as they start to sing along, sometimes even falling into spontaneous harmony. It’s really something to witness—to see how a single song can resonate so deeply, bringing people back to a specific feeling, a memory, or a time in their lives that means something profound. No matter if we’re in a tiny small-town venue or a bustling city club, that song has an incredible power. It’s like it taps into a universal truth, offering a unique personal meaning to everyone who hears it. For us, playing it is like watching everyone in the room find their way home, together. That’s the magic of music, and it’s something we cherish every single time.”

Where can we hear more of your music, and why should we? Why is the band iconic for its time?

“TA: You can hear us, see us, and follow us through our website: http://tommyangelandthegolddiggers.bandzoogle.com/. There are full videos of live performances, still photos, our calendar of events and upcoming performances, and our bio.. We are also on Instagram @tommyangel71, as well as Facebook: facebook.com/TAngelandtheDiggers

We invite you to experience a band that redefines what live performance can be. While our dedication to powerful music is paramount, we offer our audience an enriched, multi-sensory encounter. We actively engage, sharing intriguing, sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant stories that chronicle our travels and the band’s unfolding narrative. This is powerfully amplified by our dynamic stage presence, striking costumes, and carefully crafted personas. In an industry often focused solely on sound, we intentionally carve our own path. Our ability to differentiate ourselves through our unique sound, compelling visual presentation, and unmatched professionalism truly sets us apart from any other traveling act you’ll encounter both from a fan or venue management perspective.”

Anything to add here?

“Just to keep an eye out for us coming to a venue near you!”

Questions For The Photographer-

What made this photo session special in some interesting or musical ways?

“This shoot was like digital magic lol. I shot it at the rehearsal space for the band. They had put up some curtains behind and next to the drummer. I had to position each player to maximize the view of the background, and the same for the video, I had to put markers on the floor for the bass player saying don’t go past these marks … I was pleased with how it all turned out.”

Do you recommend?

“These guys are a very energetic and musically competent band. I enjoyed working with them and feel any venue that likes to showcase country music (sonic rock and roll experience) should think about hiring this trio.”