INTERVIEW: Beach Riot — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Beach Riot

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MY quest for superb band-made music…

takes me to the shores of Beach Riot. I have been talking to Rory (Guitars/Vocals) about their latest pearl, Serial Scruff, and what the heck it is all about. He talks about their formation and how they have developed since their start – I ask whether new material is planned for the coming months.

Rory tell me what it is like having the support of Daniel P. Carter; the artists the band are influenced by; what their gig schedule is looking like; who they would support if they had the chance (and a dream rider to go with it); the albums that mean the most to them – Rory selects some new artists to get our gnashers around!

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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

Hey! Pretty damn good, thank you. Nice to finally not feel like we live in the tundra, eh!?

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?

I’m Rory (Guitar/Vocals) and we have Cami (Guitar/Vocals), Jim (Bass/Vocals) and Jonny (Drums).

Serial Scruff is your latest track. What is the story behind it?

I (Rory) was watching a documentary on this serial killer in America, and the psychology behind him, and it just got me thinking about what goes through someone’s mind. For some reason, lyrics just started pouring out of me - which they usually don’t...

Obviously; I could never actually know someone’s thoughts, so it’s all very hypothetical and, basically, more of a story. But, it suited the feeling of the song I’d just written: kinda bleak and anthemic.

The video, shot in the woods in black-and-white, looks like it was cool to shoot. Who came up with the concept? What was it like filming it?!

It was definitely cool: it was February and feckin’ freezing! But, super-fun to do. It was all the amazing mind and vision of Jim, our bassist. It’s kinda open to interpretation: we didn’t want to go too much into a literal story, but it’s got some nice cult-like Blair Witch-kinda-vibes going on.

Daniel P. Carter has played the song! What is it like having kudos from a D.J. like that?!

Unbelievably mind-blowing, to be honest! I considered packing up and retiring to some distant island after that (laughs).

How do you think you have developed since She’s a Hurricane. You sound more confident in your new song. Would that be a fair assessment?

That’s nice to hear! I think that first single was perfect for us because it really laid the foundation for what we are: a super-sweaty, energetic live band (hopefully, with a catchy chorus or two thrown in). This latest single is a bit more of a song if that makes sense.

But, it still has our fuzz-fest trademark all over it - although, our next single is gonna have a slightly different feeling to it…so, stay tuned (smiles).

Might we see a Beach Riot E.P. coming soon?

You, 100%, definitely might…

You have had a busy past few months! What are the things you have learnt about music and the band during that time?

We’ve learnt that it’s really important to be nice to people, to support your fellow bands and friends and, most importantly, to (just) do what you do best and have loads of fun doing it. Don’t look elsewhere and try to predict/copy everyone else. Be the people down the front singing along to your fellow bands; not at the back with your arms folded.

WE’RE ALL IN IT TOGETHER!

How did Beach Riot form? When did you all find one another?

So, I was playing bass in another band, but I had just had written a few absolute fuzz-monsters that I had to exorcise from my body...so, I went to the perfect duo of Jimmy and Jonny to get some demos done. They sounded so good and I had so much fun - that I just knew I needed to do something proper with them. A mutual friend sent me the way of Cami and, luckily, she felt the same about the songs...

We never really practised, to be honest: we just learnt the songs and got gigging. This band is built on just having fun and not labouring too much on all the details. So, I took the plunge and left my last band - and I haven’t looked back.

Who are the musicians you count as heroes and idols?

Jim, my bassist, is, basically, my main music idol. I love everything that boy does. He’s the most talented, humble and incredible musician I know. I wish I could write songs like he does. After that, I can’t ignore the obvious Kurt Cobain inspiration. He taught me that you don’t need to have complicated chords or songs, or clever lyrics: it’s about the hooks and the feeling and the passion.

Mr. Josh Homme has also got a big part to play in the sound, as have an old English band called Cable. Finally, all the killer female-influenced bands I’ve grown up loving: The Breeders, Sleater Kinney; The Passions, Courtney Love…to name a few.

I know the rest of the band would say similar names. One massive one for Cami and Jim is the legend that is PJ Harvey.

Do you guys have any gigs lined up? Where are you heading?

We have a tonne of shows booked! We’re headlining The Lock Tavern in London on 28th April and, before that, we’re headlining The Prince Albert in Brighton on the 19th. May is gonna have us play at (at) least two Alternative Escape shows on Friday 18th - with a warm-up show the night before at The Social. There’s a few more dotted about, too.

Basically, we gig non-stop (smiles).

If you had to select a dream artist to support, and a perfect rider, what would that include?

Hands down, Demob Happy.

We all love that band and they’ve recently come to a few of our shows and moshed - which is, basically, a dream come true. Awesome guys as well. Our rider would probably be red wine and four rounds of Sobs’ mozzarella sticks (Sobs is this dive of a late night takeaway in Brighton. It’s glorious).

If you each had to select the one album that means the most; which would they be and why?

I’m not with the others, so I’m gonna have to selfishly answer this one alone. I wish I could say something cool and interesting, but, I think if I had to pick one, it has to be Nevermind. It’s no exaggeration to say that, hearing that when I was twelve/thirteen, literally, changed my life.

What do you all hope to achieve in 2018?

I think we’d love to get out and tour proper and if we can get some festivals in, too. We’d be pretty chuffed with that.

Have you each got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

Again, just me (Rory). Sorry. I think my favourite memory is actually a very recent one. We played a show for Bitch Craft in Brighton that was packed out and rammed at, like, 1 A.M. or something and people were moshing, crowd-surfing and singing along. Going from writing these songs in my room and imagining people doing that to actually having it happen in front of you...I mean; that’s what it’s all about right!? Dream...

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Do what you love, not what you think other people will love. Get involved in your local scene, support your local amazing promoters and bands. Be part of something not on the edge of something. Know when to stick up for your band...

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Not sure how new they count now, because they are KILLING IT, but our pals, Calva Louise, are cosmic.

Also: Two Tribes, Cutting Ties; Skinny Milk and many, many more…

IN THIS PHOTO: Two Tribes/PHOTO CREDIT: Natasha Rukavishnikova

Do you guys get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

Wine, Sobs; nice British ale, stories about how amazing the wine and food is in Argentina; cats, barge holidays; coffee, Japanese food – and, probably, more wine.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Freeze the Atlantic by Cable