RIOT KINGS
Questions asked by Jon Wilde, added to Rock Realms 9th November 2011.
I last interviewed Riot Kings in May 2010. Since then a another album "You Only Live Twice" has hit the shelves, so now seemed like the perfect time to catch up with the guys.
Kent And Keith answer questions...
Hi Guys, thanks for taking a moment to answer these questions. Hope you are well?
Kent: Hello Jon, Great to speak with you again!
I originally interviewed you in the middle of last year around the time of your first album’s release. How did your self-titled debut perform in terms of airplay, reviews and sales?
Keith: The debut CD did well. We sold a good amount of units, mostly at our live shows but also through the internet via itunes and CDBaby. Reviews were very positive as well. Our music was also featured in a horror movie called "The Demon of Castlebury". Our songs play during some strip club scenes, which is very cool!
Is there anything you’d have done differently with it looking back, or is it a good snapshot of Riot Kings at that moment in time?
Kent: I think it is a good representation of where we were as a band at that time. We were newly formed and were really eager to write and record. On that first record we grouped together several different styles and influences and it showed in the differences from track to track. The new songs flow a bit better on this album. I think our sound is more defined now.
Your new album “You Only Live Twice” is out very soon. How did the writing and recording process compare to first time round? Was this an easier or harder album to create?
Keith: I think we put an increased amount of effort into this record. We really scrutinized the songwriting as well as the performances and the mixing.
Kent: The first time around a lot of the music was written first and then the lyrics were added later. On this album it was either the other way around or it all came together at the same time which was exciting. We all worked together to make the track exactly how we wanted it.
Why the James Bond reference in the title?
Keith: I saw that Bond film on cable tv one afternoon and I thought it would be a really cool name for our album. Several of the new songs deal with murder, suicide and gunplay so the title really fits well.
Kent: I think that Sean Connery was the most badass James Bond of all! You can't go wrong using the title from a Bond film that he starred in!
How do you think the new one compares to the debut in terms of style and quality? Is this evolution or revolution?
Keith: I think the new album is definitely stronger than the first one. The recording quality and production is much better on this record. It really sounds great when you crank it up on your stereo!!
Which songs particularly stand out for you? Are there any good stories behind the birth of any of the tracks?
Kent: For me, my favourite new song is "Blood Diamond." From the moment I heard that guitar riff I knew it was going to be a badass song ! I had just written some lyrics at home after watching a documentary about the diamond trade in Africa. The next day at band practice Bones played that riff and it fitted perfectly with my lyrics. We ended up with a kick ass song that practically wrote itself!
Are you recording a video this time round for any of the tracks?
Keith: We just made a video for "Blood Diamond" that is on YouTube right now! The video includes some cool footage from Africa as well as performance footage of the band. The performance footage was filmed at a bar that was also used to film scenes with Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino and Donie Wahlberg for the movie " Righteous Kill."
What are your current touring plans?
Kent: We have dates scheduled in the northeast through early 2012.
Any question you love being asked that I’ve missed? If so, what’s the answer?
Keith: You have done a great job asking questions! You are a pro!
What are you up to once you’ve finished answering these questions?
Kent: Hopefully have a few drinks with some cool hot chicks!
Anything else you would like to mention?
Keith: The new CD is available at itunes, CDBaby and for sale at our live shows. We also have two music video's on youtube. We strongly encourage people to see us perform live. We really kick ass on stage!!
Thanks again to Keith and Kent for their time.
http://www.myspace.com/riotkingsrock
