Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
I'm Mat Morrisroe, drummer and co-producer of Massaoke's Club La La
How would you describe your show?
Part gig, part club night, all amazing singalong fun
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
This is our 4th year and for me Edinburgh Fringe is performers' Christmas. Just try and keep us away
What differentiates it from other festivals?
It's the sheer scale of it. So many thousands of performers combined with a huge number of punters from around the world, all completely up for it 7 days a week. We. Love. It.
Do you think the Fringe has changed over the years? If so, how? Are these changes positive or negative?
Well it's certainly getting more expensive to take shows up thanks to the ever increasing cost of property (I'm figuring this is a UK-wide problem for all industries however). But what I like about Fringe is the familiar, seeing all our friends again, hitting up our favourite restaurants and bars. It's a home from home for us
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
Music's been my vocation since I was at school, I didn't really have any choice. My inspirations are broad, from bands like Queen and Chic to authors like Iain Banks.
If you didn't have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
I'd still be in the music industry, I'd most likely be still working at a record company
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
Producer and Drummer of Massaoke but with more zeroes on the paycheques!
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
Playing an angel in the nativity play at my school, I was very angelic (and yes, it has gone very downhill since then!)
Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?
Quite the opposite, I think Massaoke is a place where people come to escape and let their hair down, leave the mad world at the door and go a bit La La!
Equally, do you think there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?
Well the world becoming darker and more dangerous hasn't really impacted on what we do, but it's certainly made making sure people have a great time feel more important than ever!
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Much fun, many miles travelled
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
Nile Rogers because he's amazing in every way or Freddie Mercury because that man knew how to get a crowd going
Why would a performer opt to do either a ticketed event or participate in the free fringe? What are the benefits and limitations of both?
We have quite a large crew which means there's high costs involved so for us, we have to have the guarantee people are paying. However, I think both models are great though and love that performers get the choice
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
Bring Berrocca, have a good breakfast every day, try not to ruin your voice in the first week and whatever budget you've set, you're probably going over it
When and where can people see your show?
Every Thurs-Sun 23.45 at the Spiegeltent Palais Du Variete in Assembly George Square Garden for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
Massaoke's Club La La is performing at Assembly George Square Gardens at 23:45 on 3rd – 27th every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For tickets and more information visit the Ed Fringe website.
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