In today’s A-Z challenge, we wanted to find out more about Into The Unknown.
Bassist Rupert told us more by taking on our 26 question interview!
A song that made you want to make music?
Strangely enough, it was probably Assassing by Marillion, and we have recorded a version of it on this new album – although I wasn’t the one that suggested it!
Best rider you’ve had?
The best riders are usually in Europe, or in venues that are family run! I have to say, one of the best was in Italy! The food was great, certainly not the standard KFC or pizza that you get offered in a lot of places.
Craziest moment you’ve had in the band?
Probably playing an outdoor acoustic gig, in front of 2,000 people, it was freezing and both Ryan and myself were having issues moving our fingers on the fretboards!
Deepest lyric one of your songs features?
Deep, I’m not sure. “We Are One” from our first album was written after the Bataclan terrorist attack and was about the fact that we should all stand together and condemn things like that.
Easiest song you wrote?
Not sure it would class as the easiest, but the one that came together quickest (probably) was “Breaking My Heart”. It was written when we were a three piece band and was one of the only times that we were all in the studio together, and writing together.
Favourite song in your set?
For me, possibly the song we have as an opener, “Are You Ready”, or “Monsters”.
Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?
Oh, so many! I’d love to have someone like Floor Jansen on the record, or Bob Catley. I’ve worked with a lot of people over the years and actually any one of them would be amazing.
Hardest thing about being in a band?
Getting everyone in the same place at the same time!
Interesting fact about one of your members?
I was once the bass player in a later iteration of Thunderclap Newman.
Jokes you have in the band?
What are the strongest days of the week? Saturday and Sunday, as the others are week days!
Key to writing a song?
Enjoying the process!
Longest distance you’ve travelled to play a show?
I’m based the UK, but have been to the USA to do sound for a show, does that count? I ended up doing sound for a metal band in LA, and there was a slight earthquake, but I didn’t notice!
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
I worked with Jan Kuehnemund for a long time, and miss her a lot, so I will say that she still inspires me!
New band you’d recommend?
Not sure how new you mean, but a fairly recent band that I love is Dark Side of the Moon.
Opening for this band would be ideal?
Obviously would have to be Nightwish or Within Temptation.
Place you’d most like to tour?
I’ve been to Japan a few times but never on tour, or playing, so that would be great.
Quote you’d like to pass on to our readers?
Music is the lifeblood of civilisation.
Reason for the title of your recent/forthcoming release?
When we were a three piece band, we were unable to rehearse, so we had started recording covers before we recorded our original songs as a sort of warm up. We then realised that we had enough songs for a mini album, and released it as “The Other Side of the Wall”. With our current full band, and especially our new singer Natalie, we just thought that it would be good to continue the tradition and do another digital only album of covers, whilst we were also recording our new album. Whilst this one was fully planned from the beginning, we felt that it tied the two eras of the band together, so we decided to call the new one “The Other Side of the wall, Part 2”.
See us live at?
Really not sure at the moment. Due to various things going on with everyone, and the fact that we are recording the last bits of the new album, we won’t be doing any shows for the rest of this year. We will be going out in the UK in 2025 though, keep an eye on the websites. www.intotheunknown.uk
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
Yes and no … I enjoyed touring years ago, and a lot of the music was great, but currently there are some great bands coming through now. Some of the problems though with the current music scene are the fact that although its easier to get your music out there, there are too many people that abuse this, and rip of the fans. You know what I mean, high ticket prices, low streaming royalties, and worse, bands that are ‘crowdfunding’ just to fleece their fans.
Unusual merchandise?
We don’t have anything unusual yet, just the normal CDs and T Shirts … we’re open to ideas though!
Variations you’d like to do on any of your songs?
Actually we did try a new variation on “Breaking my Heart” in rehearsal recently and so its likely to end up in the set. The original song is acoustic, but we played it with the band, adding drums, keys and distortion and it worked well! We are also working on going the other way, and working out some of the songs in a stripped down, acoustic version.
What do your fans mean to you?
Everything. Without fans listening to the songs, we wouldn’t be able to do most of what we do. We write and record our songs and still find it humbling that other people want to listen to them.
X-rays or any treatments needed for band related injuries?
Nothing that major, but I play finger style on the bass, not with a pick, and I have been known to end up playing without having practiced before hand, and therefore shredded the tips of my fingers, built up and burst blisters … that can end up causing no end of trouble for a few days after!
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
Sat nav, traffic, flight delays … I’m sure we can find some scape goat!
Zoo animal that next describes the personality of your band?
Maybe a lion… being able to sleep all day and still look like your in full control of everything.