Dmitry Fedotov

Dmitry Fedotov from Pilgrim

Tell us a little bit about the history of Pilgrim…
I started Pilgrim in 1983 in Riga, Latvia. Within the first two years the band established itself in Riga and started to expand further afield. Pilgrim had a busy tour schedule across former USSR until the end of 1990 when I moved to England. 

What made you decide to start-up Pilgrim again?
Although Pilgrim was well established in the underground music scene, we never had  the chance to professionally record any of the early material due to lack of facilities available in USSR.  I did some DIY recordings made in the rehearsal room, but lost the tapes, probably due to relocating to England. Around 2010 somebody sent me MP3 versions of these old songs. I listened to them and it brought up some good memories. I felt very sorry for these songs that never been treated to a quality recording - like the job was not completed.

The response to the first gig that was put on at Rescue Rooms was overwhelmingly positive. Were you surprised to have such a huge turnout for a relatively unknown band?
I was a bit surprised. The turnout was big for unknown band. Everyone in our team had done a great job in advertising the event.

You are the sole survivor of the original band. What process did you use to vet new members?
The process was straightforward. I had thirty years experience of working with many musicians, which helped. I asked musicians who are enthusiastic, reliable and have technical ability and stamina to participate in this project and they kindly agreed to do it.  There were no auditions.

The difference between Muha and Pilgrim is stark. Do you find it difficult switching between the two styles of playing?
Not really. During my music career I participated in many bands and musical projects covering many different genres. Switching between different styles is a normal thing for me. Music is a tool for expressing myself – playing in different genres enriches this experience. 

It seems as though rock music is having a renewal in Nottingham at the moment. As a music teacher at NCN have you felt this shift?
What I’ve noticed during my seventeen years of teaching is that there are more and more young musicians with flexible approach to what style they prefer to play. I’ve also noticed the shift towards fusion of different genres.

Do you find it easy to balance your musical life with your teaching life?
No it is not easy, both require a lot of time, energy and dedication. I have to give a hundred percent to everything I’m doing. I can’t do otherwise.

Have you met any famous rock stars while playing?
I played in a band in the mid-nineties, we supported Saxon and Girlschool, but I didn’t talk to their band members. I’ve never been interested in meeting celebrities. I just like playing.

You were recently photographed by famous rock photographer Brian Griffin, how did that come and about and what did you think to the process?
Brian is an amazing artist. It was great working with him. The process took half a day and was quite tiring, but it was worth it. 

Who are your musical idols/influences?
I think my influences were Gentle Giant, Magma, Black Sabbath, King Crimson, Deep Purple, Yes, Led Zeppelin, John McLaughlin. 

Do you think musicians deserve to get paid or do you think there is sometimes an unrealistic attitude towards this?
Of course musicians deserve to get paid, but money is not always available. One should have a realistic attitude towards this.  If you are offered an unpaid gig, you have two choices – One, accept it; two, not to play.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to make a career of being a musician?
My advice would be to check the reality. It is a hard work with very little chance of financial return. Being a musician is mainly for those who are addicted to it and can't sustain without playing/writing music.

Pilgrim, Friday 15 August, 8pm, £4, The Maze, Mansfield Road.

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