Merseyside rockers Rival Bones are set to release their self-titled EP on May 5th. The duo are for fans of Audioslave, Black Stone Cherry, Royal Blood and Foo Fighters and have created a pretty awesome rock sound. We asked them to take on our A-Z challenge.
A song that made you want to make music?
In Bloom by Nirvana!
Best rider you’ve ever had?
It was literally the other day when we supported Mallory Knox and Fort Hope in Keele. We had 7 different types of crisps, more than your 5 a day of fruit and enough beer to intoxicate a 5 piece band never mind a 2 piece!
Craziest moment you’ve experienced in the band?
We’re pretty normal guys so nothing really mental happens to us (as of yet!). I’d say so far when we played a home town show in Liverpool and one of our songs we started and the whole crowd sang it. That was crazy!
Deepest lyric one of your songs features?
There’s a few. James likes to write deep stuff but one of my favourites is from a song called ‘The Great Divide’ and it’s a repeated line of ‘You’ll fall in love with me as I’m breaking into you’.
Easiest song you wrote?
Our very first single from 2015 ‘You Know Who You Are’. That song was written in the first practice between us and was finished within a few hours.
Favourite song in your set?
This changes all the time but currently my favourite is a song off the upcoming EP called ‘Running’. For ages it wasn’t one of my favourites but I think as we’ve perfected it over time we’ve really nailed it and I love it now.
Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?
Jesse F. Keeler. That guy is the busiest bass player known to man and makes it look easy.
Hardest thing about being in a band?
There’s nothing particularly hard in my opinion. We do it because we love playing shows, writing music, travelling and meeting new people. I think it has high points and low points definitely but I’m just always grateful that I have a passion that I’m pursuing.
Interesting fact about one of your members?
James is from South Africa!
Jokes you have in the band?
We have loads of jokes we’re probably more of a comedy duo than a band. ‘How many sound tech’s does it take to change a light bulb? One, Two, One, Two’
Key to writing a song?
Find someone great to write with. We constantly bounce ideas off each other for everything. If James is having a creative block I might just throw out a riff and it’ll inspire him or vice versa with a drum beat.
Longest distance you’ve travelled to play a show?
Round trip? 430 miles!
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
There’s so many.
New band you’d recommend?
There’s a few! God Damn, The Hyena Kill & Glasshouse to name a few.
Opening for this band would be ideal?
Them Crooked Vultures.
Place you’d most like to tour?
Europe!
Quote you’d like to pass on to our readers?
A nice quote from Mr. Alex Baker at Kerrang “Their music sounds like it was forged in the fires of a sex party between QOTSA, Mastodon and Audioslave”.
See us live at?
The Blossoms – Stockport – 12th May
81 Renshaw St – Liverpool – 18th May
Kingsfest – Llanidloes – 27th May
The Greyhound – Nottingham – 3rd June
Sonder Fest – Manchester – 1st July
Amplified Fest – Gloucester – 21st July
Woolpack Live – Doncaster – 12th August
Iron Road – Evesham – 6th October
Fire & Forge – Trowbridge – 7th October
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
I agree that it was easier for bands to get big and signed back in the old days. There was less technology, less competition, more appetite for live shows. BUT the current days of music have their advantages too! It’s so easy to get your music out there to people and it’s easier to engage with fans which is crucial.
Unusual merchandise?
Nothing as of yet. We’d love a RIVAL BONES novelty Antler Hat though? Maybe a Christmas special?
Variations you’d like to do on any of your songs?
Nothing springs to mind. Maybe a Jazz x Dubstep version of Hives. That would be fun to hear but probably awful.
What do your fans mean to you?
Our fans are genuinely everything to us they’re amazing. It still shocks me now. We had a guy drive 2 hours to one of our shows and he bought a t shirt, CD the lot. I felt really bad and wanted to give him the T Shirt for making the journey but he wouldn’t have it. The generosity and support you get from fans makes it all possible so yeah they’re THE most important thing.
X-rays or any other treatments needed for band injuries?
Not as of yet but have you really had a successful tour if you haven’t broken anything………
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
I’d say James. He’d say me. The beauty of being in a 2 piece!
Zoo animal that best describes the personality of your band?
A Honey Badger. They’re aggressive as shit!