In a this segment All Music Magazine UK/Europe we will be spotlighting some of the bands and artists that we think are going to get people talking in the next 12 months; bands and artists we think you should check out to stay ahead of the curve.
We are more than excited introduce you to the amazing RED RUM CLUB , one of the most exciting bands around at the moment, they make great records and will blow you away with there electrifying live show, i saw them at Skeleton Coast Festival and this is what i thought of them then….
“On the main stage it was time for high energy, full octane live show that is The Red Rum Club and they went off, the crowd went off, and yet again I was blown away by a band I had never seen before…what a day!! Their own brand of Spaghetti Western, 90’s Indie, 80’s synth and Ska produces a hybrid that is uniquely their own and their live show is something to behold, I can’t wait to see these guys again”
The RED RUM CLUB are are a sextet from Liverpool. consisting off Francis Doran – Lead Vocals, Tom Williams – Guitar and Backing Vocals, Michael McDermott – Guitar and Backing Vocals, Simon Hepworth – Bass, Neil Lawson – Drums, Joe Corby – Trumpet. With influences ranging from hometown heroes such as Echo and The Bunnymen, The Coral to Americana and Mariachi , the Liverpool lads sold out numerous venues nationwide including 02 Academy Liverpool main room (1200 capacity) 5 months in advance.
The band’s debut album ‘Matador’, released to rave reviews, went in at #47 in the UK Official Album Chart and #5 in alternative chart. Their ‘Live In Liverpool’, released Feb 2020, went in at #12 in official UK Vinyl Chart. Their 2nd album The Hollow of Humdrum’ reached #29 in the UK Midweek Album Chart. The album’s first released single ‘Eleanor’ (video below) went straight on the ‘B-List’ on BBC Radio 2 and remained on the playlist for 4 weeks. Also receiving airtime on BBC Radio 1 (Huw Stephens); BBC 6 Music (Steve Lamacq, Chris Hawkins, Tom Robinson); BBC Radio 2 playlist; BBC Radio Wales (Janice Long); Radio X (John Kennedy, Gordon Smart) BBC Radio London (Gary Crowley); BBC Introducing in Merseyside (Dave Monks – Plays and Maida Vale Live Sessions).
For fans of Last Shadow Puppets, Jungle and The Coral
New Album ‘The Hollow of Humdrum” Is OUT NOW
So Desh Kapur Editor/Photographer at All Music Magazine UK/Europe decided it was time to have a little chat with them to see where they came from and what they have been up to and what their plans for the future are.
Due to Covid face to face interviews are a not permitted so email was the medium of choice.
What is the story behind your name?
After we discovered our ‘sound’ in 2017, a friend suggested we watched a bunch of old horror movies to see if any key words or references popped out that could inspire a band name. Tom watched The Shining and ‘Red Rum Club’ came from that iconic scene!
What first got you into music? or Who inspired you to make music?
It’s different for all 6 band members really but we we’re lucky to grow up in musical households with instruments lying around that we would always inevitably pick up! We also went to schools that encouraged learning an instrument… Growing up in the city that birthed The Beatles definitely played a part too!
How did you all meet?
We all went to high schools in the same area and we all played music in various bands… Francis and Tom are cousins! We were all aware of each other from our bands at the time and eventually decided to get in a room together as a kind of experiment, it clicked instantly and we haven’t looked back since.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
It definitely has Liverpool in its DNA, but we wouldn’t say that defines our sound. We try to write songs that people would enjoy seeing live at a gig.
What is your creative process like?
Tom is the one who comes in with the core ideas, the lyrics and the spine of the song. Michael works on the arrangements, then by the time Joe has put his trumpet parts over the top and Francis has put his spin on things, it almost definitely sounds like Red Rum Club.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Probably one of the artists who we covered when we were first in that room figuring out what we liked. Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes were a big inspiration to us in the early days.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Probably just reassurance that we’re not going away any time soon. It’s been a really rough 18 months or so for the world. Bands and artists have struggled just like everybody else but as soon as we are able to we will be honouring all of our shows and releasing new music!
What is the most useless talent you have?
Joe’s half decent on the trumpet.
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Tom hums but that’s because he doesn’t shower.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
We would probably try to make it as footballers but Francis is the only one who knows what a football even looks like…
Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
We’ve performed all across the UK, Romania, Sweden, Norway, and South Korea! One of our favourite venues would have to be O2 Academy Liverpool just because we have some really special memories in that venue. We do have a least favourite venue but we won’t mention any names, it’s safe to say no UK venue needs to be badmouthed at the minute! We have tonnes of shows lined up for later in 2021 and we can’t wait to be back out there.
What is your favourite song to perform?
Our favourite song to perform is always the most recent song we’ve written or released. Probably because it’s the most exciting to us! I can imagine other artists would agree.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
At the moment we’re big fans of HAIM. They’re just so cool and it’s great that there is an all female guitar band headlining festivals in the grand scheme of things. Looking back there wasn’t really female representation of that calibre when we were picking up instruments in high school and stuff.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
We don’t really do ‘Rock and roll’ stereotypes many favours. Tom got pulled over once because he had a broken tail light though.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Song is key. There are so many other factors for an artist to consider across the board nowadays that it’s easy to forget the main thing you need to do is write the best music you can. It’s more important than anything else.
What’s next for you?
New music and loads of live shows as soon as we possibly can!
Live Dates 2021
August (supporting Circa Waves)
10th – Cardiff – Tramshed
11th – Leicester – O2 Academy
13th – Keele – Students Union
14th – O2 Academy – Liverpool
17th – Glasgow – O2 Academy
19th – Norwich – The Waterfront
25th – Sheffield – O2 Academy
NOVEMBER
3rd – London – Brixton Academy
Neighbourhood Weekender
Sep 10 Glasgow, UK
Riverside
King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
The Adelphi / New Adelphi
Bootleg Social
The Baltic Triangle
Brudenell Social Club
The Crescent
Lafayette
Craufurd Arms
Bedford Esquires
Clwb Ifor Bach
Patterns
The Anvil
Thekla
Oct 15th Exeter, UK
Cavern Club
O2 Academy 2 Oxford
O2 Institute3 Birmingham
O2 Academy2 Sheffield
Parish
Club Academy
Liverpool University Guild of Students (Mountford Hall & Stanley Theatre)
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My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
