Interviews: Rapid Strike

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Rock/Metal band, Rapid Strike from Croatia. 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?

First of all, a huge shout out to Jon and Breathing The Core. Now, to answer your question properly. It came out just like that, we weren´t ruminating or obsessing about it. Basically, we were aiming for something catchy and it just came out of thin air, so to speak. To sum it up, you could say that we planned it, but without much planning involved. 

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

It´s only natural, there was never any need for want. When I plug my Gibson Les Paul into the amp - that´s how, when and where our sound happens. Riffs, melodies, etc . Since Ante Pupačić Pupi is a co – composer with me on this album, I can assure you that he is of the same kind. Add Bexie´s melodic, bluesy voice into the mix and that´s Rapid Strike. 

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

As for the initial lineup, way back in 2010, the answer would be yes. It´s just a typical story of kids from the same school who shared the same passion for music. That lineup dissolved after the debut album was recorded. And now to the present… I´ve met Ante Pupačić Pupi during the recording of our first album. We recorded that album in his studio, and he contributed half of guitar solos on that album! Afterwards we became fast friends, and we joined forces to write and deliver the second Rapid Strike album. Ante Pupačić Pupi is a guitar legend in Croatia, he was a guitarist and composer in the biggest Croatian Rock/Metal act of all times – Thompson. He was the crucial element in the development of that band. Third piece of the puzzle is Bexie James. We tried a bunch of great vocalists, but it wasn´t exactly what I had in mind. Then I´ve made something of an audition, she was the best one and she nailed the job. She is a great vocalist, an awesome gal and I´m proud to have her aboard. Alongside her we have a few guest vocalists on the record, namely Tina Bukić, Tanja Melanie Hrvat and Ivana Elez. Fantastic gals and singers, all of them. Drums were recorded by Danijel Stojan, a great drummer and a most cheerful bloke, except for two songs recorded by Duje Pelaić . As for Bass guitars - that would be me on the album, along with a guest appearances from our friends Dean Clea Brkić on ˝ Just a Lie¨ and Nikola Čapalija on two other songs.

4. Each band member favourite band?

A tough one! For me, a close tossup between Metallica, Thin Lizzy and Fleetwood Mac. As for Bexie, most definitely Iron Maiden. And as for Pupi, he adores Deep Purple.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Books, movies, art in general. But mostly life itself, it´s so fascinating that you cannot run out of ideas, even if you wanted to! 

6. Where was your last gig?

In London, at a club called The Monarch. 

7. Where would you like to act?

Wherever our fans want us! They ask – we deliver! 

8. Whom would you like to feature with? 

The list could go on forever, but I guess the best answer I could provide is with our favourite bands, whom I´ve mentioned above. Actually, a part of it happened already! We were supporting Black Star Riders on their tour in 2013, and since they are a band made of former Thin Lizzy members you can imagine the honour.

9. Whom not?

We would like to feature with every fellow band, we are all ¨Brothers in Arms¨ in this. No one particular comes to mind, nor do I see any reason why it should.

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

I´m confident that I speak for all of us when I say that we all experience a little bit of stage fright. My tip is to accept it as something natural, it´s not a fright exactly, tend to think of it as a sign that you care about your performance, your craft itself. Just reherse a lot, always be in shape, and then you will feel confident when you get on that stage. Whatever fright you may experience goes away after the first few songs anyway. Earn your confidence by taking your music seriously, and you will deliver!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

11. Each and every band that has been with us for a long time. This is not an easy gig, and apsolutely every band with longevity invokes inspiration.

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

What happens in Japan – stays in Japan!

13. What do you think of your fans?

They are simply the best. Without them, there wouldn´t be a reason to do any of this at all, would it?

14. What do you think of our site?

Only the best, sincerely. It´s so nice to have a platform for bands and fans alike, run by the people who actually care about the scene. Truly a huge shout out!!

15. Something add?

Keep on Rockin´ in the free world and listen to Rapid Strike! Cheers!