Interviews: The Red Lite District

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Punk/Grunge band, The Red Lite District, from Scotland. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

Our former drummer came up with it. He liked the idea of the Red Light District in Amsterdam, but he wanted it to sound less sleazy, so he made it 'Lite'! He's got a bad sense of humour, and we need to live with it!

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We would classify ourselves as punk in style or grunge. And the reason we want to play these styles is simple: they're the best! They're easy to play, fun, and you can play them when drunk without making too many mistakes! You don't need much gear. It's all perfect.

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

I knew Barry, the bassist and Graham, the guitarist. None of us knew Vitali. He moved to Scotland from Belarus a few years ago. He's a good guy and fits right in. 

4. Each band member's favourite band?

David - T.S.O.L.

Graham - Bad Religion

Barry - The Bealtes

Vitali - Nirvana

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I actually get inspired by phrases, or a turn of a phrase. I like it when a little line pops into my head. It can be meaningless. Paul McCartney apparently does something similar. He takes random words and sticks them together, like 'Electric Arguments' - and somehow creates music!

6. Where was your last gig?

Glasgow. Ivory Blacks. A great venue.

7. Where would you like to act?

I'd love to play in Camden Town in London. It's a cool place!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

We'd love to play with Idles, Pixies, or Misfits! That'd be cool.

9. Whom not?

Would absolutely hate to play with anybody who's Country or Jazz. Those fucking suck.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Not quite stage fright, but more anxiety to get on with it. The most nerve-racking period is the sound check! I get more nervous sound-checking in front of the other hands than I do playing in front of the full-paying crowd. It's weird.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Idles, TSOL, Nirvana, Pixies, Misfits, Bad Religion, Amy and the Sniffers. Probably loads actually, but they are the first that come to mind. They're all powerful, interesting, simple and totally relevant.

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

To marry me!

13. What do you think of your fans?

They are excellent, but they need to play us more often!

14. What do you think of our site?

It’s great, I love how you actually focus on real bands, not just the big chart stuff. Sites like yours keep grassroots music alive.

15. Something to add?

Yeah, support live music! Go to gigs, buy merch, share songs from new bands. The scene only survives if people stay involved. And for anyone thinking of starting a band: just do it. Don’t wait for permission.