Interviews: Ruled By Raptors

In this new occassion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Post-Hardcore/Alternative Rock band Ruled By Raptors from the UK. Check out the interview and follow the band on their  FACEBOOK PAGE. 

1.Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that? 

We sort of planned it, we spent a long time sat in a room trying different names but nothing stuck. We eventually got onto the theme of monarchy and Will blurted the name out and we thought it had a bit of a David Icke vibe to it which gave us all a chuckle.

2.Why did you want to play this genre? 

We want to play the music that excites us, regardless of genre. We come from a background of post-hardcore, alt rock and emo, so that factors heavily into what we do, but we will not limit ourselves to one of those categories, sometimes even changing lanes mid-song. If it works and if it ignites a spark, we'll go with it.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed? 

Yeah, we all knew each other to varying amounts. Chris and Will have known each other for years through family, and nick and Matt went to the same school but managed to never meet until Nick joined the band and we put a player wanted ad out which Matt responded to.

4. Each band member favourite band? 

Chris: it's a tough one, Jimmy Eat World or Rueben.

Matt: It has to be Enter Shikari

Nick: System of a down, no doubt about it

Will: Four year strong, they're such a high energy band live.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs? 

We cant think of anything else we'd rather do, for some of us it's a form of therapy during hard times, for others it's a complete passion and always has been.

6. Where was your last gig? 

Our last gig was in Bristol as part of our Tour with MC Lars!

7. Where would you like to play? 

We're playing some of our check list venues this tour (the joiners in Southampton, Key club in Leeds, and the 02 academy in Newcastle).

But I suppose the dream would be St. James Park with it being the home of Newcastle United.

8. Who would you like to support? 

We're already supporting MC Lars which has been something we have wanted to do for years, but we would love to support Enter Shikari, as a band we all love their stage show and their talent is undeniable.

9. Who not? 

There isn't anyone we would categorically not want to support, we've learned to take any opportunity that comes our way, within reason.

A tour with 3 rap artists isn't where you would expect to see us but it's great and we're loving every second of it.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that? 

Absolutely, firstly don't get smashed it really doesn't help! Just have faith in yourself, no matter how bad it goes it can never be the worst gig in history!

11. What bands have inspired you the most? 

Rueben, Biffy Clyro, Deftones, we like to think these influences can be heard in our music.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for? 

Chris once had a fan send him a picture of a poo with a smiley face on it.

Matt played a gig where a fan got a guitar headstone to the face busting their eye, he was then asked to do the other side to make them match.

13. What do you think of your fans? 

We love our fans, were getting so much support this tour and its genuinely overwhelming.

14. What do you think of our site?

It's websites like yours that got us into the bands we love, blogs like plentyofswords and sites like Metal Injection & even bigger ones like the NME and Kerrang were all hugely influential in discovering new artists and sounds.

15. Something to add?

We suppose a big shout out to Fireball as a start for sending us a load of tour drinks and merch, and a shout out to MC Lars, Mega Ran and KooKo