The Dirty Mojos are a Hertfordshire-based band with an uplifting blues vibe. The band is made up of Caine Brodie, 32, Phil Clarke, 32, Nicolas Cornu or Nick as most people call him, 34, Billy Farrington, 29, and Jonnie Harrison, 34. We caught up with drummer Phil to find out a bit more about who they are ahead of their performance at The Horns.

When did you get together?

We all been friends for years, having played in various outfits on the local scene. The Dirty Mojos stemmed from us wanting to do our own thing without being shackled to another persons’ direction. What you hear in our songs is the collaborative vision on 5 musicians.

What instruments do each of you play?

Our standard line-up is Caine on vocals/guitar, Nick on lead guitar, Billy on bass guitar, Jonnie on keys and I’m on the drums and percussion. We also love to get special guests to play with us on various instruments ranging from sax, violin, blues harp and various guests vocalists.

Do you write your songs? If so, how - does it start from sound or an emotion?

The writing process is a team effort - it usually stems from an idea, a cool riff or a phrase which is brought to the table and fleshed out into a song. More often than not Caine will bring the idea to the table and Nick works his magic to craft it into something special.

Is there a musician who inspired you all to become musicians?

A shared love of blues and rock is what connects us. Caine’s spirit animal is Johnny Cash and I named his dog Hendrix. But within the band are lovers of classical, jazz, '90s alternative and country.

What have you learnt most about being a musicians?

You’re always poor, it’s a lot of work for no money, your diet is terrible, and you have no spare time to spend with your significant others. But if we didn’t do it we’d all be depressed so it’s all worthwhile.

Do you guys have other jobs?

Caine is an ex-pro boxer who actually fought at the Watford Colosseum. He’s now a personal trainer. Nick and Jonnie are both working musicians who have played with some big acts. Nick has recently finished recording a song with Ellie Goulding. I work for the NHS as a music therapist and Billy works various jobs in hospitality.

Can you tell me some background information about yourselves – what’s your hometown like that you grew up in?

We’re from all over. Caine is from Bretton in Peterborough, but has lived in Essex, Cambridge, Surrey, North Yorkshire and was in Afghanistan in the army too. He now lives in Neasden, in northwest London.

Billy is from a suburb in Queensland, Australia. He got out of there soon as he could and travelled around Australia and Asia for a while before settling in Kilburn, London.

Nick is from Belgium, who now lives in Willesden Green and Jonnie is a proper West London boy.

I’m a Hertfordshire lad. The country vibe is the perfect place for me and my dog and there’s nowhere else I’d want to be. I’m originally from Harpenden but have lived in Berkhamsted, Redbourn Barnet and now I live in St Albans.

Where do you like to “hang out” where you live now and why?

We all found each other in Kilburn, London, drawn there by the great music scene in the area. It’s where we like to hang out.

What music did your parents listen to when you were growing up and has this affected your style or inspired your music?

For Billy, his Dad was a real rock’n’roller with a massive record collection, which has a massive influence on him. His Mum liked Simply Red but did not care one bit about him and his Dad’s various insults, but I think in a way that was just as much an influence as his Dad’s record collection.

I know Caine’s parent’s music tastes definitely inspired him - country, rock’n’roll, blues and motown were all staples of his upbringing My parents were into classical music but Dad had a secret stash of rock music vinyl that Mum hated. I loved it.

Who were your music teachers and did they have any influence on your style?

We’re mostly all self taught. I come from a jazz/rock background and went to Guildhall School of Music and was taught individually by Ralph Salmins from Van Morison/Waterboys, BBC concert orchestra. He has played previously with Babyshambles and has supported bands such as Supergrass, Morcheeba.

Nick has been a session musician for top acts such as Ellie Goulding. Jonnie has always been around music in the family as his dad was the founding member of the Bootleg Beatles. Billy has played in various bands in Australia and Caine had been playing solo.

The Dirty Mojos will be playing at The Horns, Hempstead Road, Watford, March 7, 8.30pm. Details: 01923 225020, thehornswatford.co.uk