When most people graduate from college they are met with daunting task of attempting to locate gainful employment underneath the ominous shadow of student loans. Initially started as an experiment spawned in the basements of Syracuse house parties, Ra Ra Riot garnered critical acclaim at a rapidity that made becoming a touring band the most viable, and even sensible career option.
Two years later and Ra Ra Riot have developed legions of fawning critics to coincide with their rabid fanbase. Their debut self titled EP was a breathtaking combination of insightful lyrics and invigorating string arrangements, a sound that translates perfectly to their astounding live show. They have since wrapped production on their debut EP which will noisily announce the arrival of an incredibly talented band.
We caught up with the band’s drummer Cameron Wischon to discuss the band’s new album and their breathtaking live performances.
Grooveshark: I saw you guys at SXSW a couple times. I think a couple times…that whole week is kind of hazy. How was that experience for you guys?
Ra Ra Riot: Really awesome. We did seven shows over four days. We had a pretty busy schedule, but we also managed to see a ton of bands we really love.
Grooveshark: Who’d you get to see?
Ra Ra Riot: One of my favorites was The Dodos, who were really awesome. It’s hard to remember after seeing so much.
Grooveshark: You guys tend to play a lot of festivals, right?
Ra Ra Riot: Yeah. Well, the band played a bunch of them in the UK. I just joined the band six months ago, so I played with them at the SXSW.
Grooveshark: Is there something specific you guys really like about the festival experience?
Ra Ra Riot: Yeah, it’s awesome getting in front of a ton of people and also getting to run around to see the other bands that are playing.
Grooveshark: I read an interview with Wes(singer), I think, about a week ago when you guys were talking about a record. You guys are sitting on an album title?
Ra Ra Riot: Yeah, we’re still in the works.
Grooveshark: How does the new record sound?
Ra Ra Riot: It’s great. We’re all really happy with it. We recorded Seattle and worked with Ryan Hadlock who also works with Blonde Redhead.
Grooveshark: How was the recording process for it?
Ra Ra Riot: It took a lot of time. The studio is basically like an old barn that they turned into a studio and has always been in the family. So you’re kind of just out in the woods. So we were basically, when we weren’t recording we were just enjoying the whole time. We have a lot of time to write or relax or hang out when we’re not recording.
Grooveshark: With such a big band, how do songs typically get written? Is it all a diplomatic thing or someone comes up with an idea and you all flesh it out?
Ra Ra Riot: Yeah, usually someone brings up an idea and we kind of play around with it a little bit and everyone adds their part. It kind of just everyone brings their ideas together and the songs come together. It’s a very collaborative process.
Grooveshark: I know you guys have been on the receiving end of a lot of positive press from music blogs and other news outlets. Does that affect the way you guys write music or approach a live show?
Ra Ra Riot: Yeah, I guess – it’s great when we get a lot of positive feedback. I don’t know. We don’t read everything that goes out there. We just go around having as much fun as we can. I don’t know if it affects us that much.
Grooveshark: Do you think file sharing has helped or hurt you guys?
Ra Ra Riot: I’d say it has probably helped us. So much music is dispensed through internet so fast.
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