rockyourlyricsRYL: tell us everything about your debut EP “ Red Spektor”, what do you expect from its release?
Red Spektor: The EP came about simply and quickly. We recorded the songs live – analogue – straight to tape. We’re huge fans of late ’60’s / early ’70’s hard rock bands and this was pretty much the way they recorded.
We wanted to capture that live and spontaneous sound, plus tape provides a much warmer and more organic sounding tone.
Our instruments and amplifiers are all vintage so this recording process was complimentary. It’s not perfect, but it certainly captures that moment in time and is above all – honest.
As far as our expectations go, we’re pleased with what we have achieved in the short space of time the EP took to record and hope people respond well to it – if they do, we’ll be blown away – we don’t take anything for granted!
On the flip side, we’re a band that thrives on playing live, so if any gig or tour opportunities arise after the release – we would welcome those too.
RYL: What inspired “Hard to Please”?
Red Spektor: ‘Hard To Please’ is about someone John knew who couldn’t do enough to please everyone to please themself – which unfortunately led to unhappiness, loss of pride and dignity.
The song simply tells the story in a discreet and hopefully interesting way.
RYL: Is there a common inspiration between all your songs?
Red Spektor: All our songs are inspired by – at least lyrically, by personal experiences and social commentary.
RYL: Do you remember how the lyrics of “Redemption” have been written?
Red Spektor: ‘Redemption’ is about how one person can take another person for granted and for whatever reason, are blind to the consequences of their actions.
RYL: how do you, usually, write your songs?
Red Spektor: Our songs start life by us all getting together in our rehearsal room and jamming. Music eventually comes from a guitar lick, bass run or a drum pattern.
After one of us has sparked an idea, we all jump in to flesh it out. Once the framework for a song is mapped out, and the melody is roughly in place, John will go away and write the words or use existing ones from his lyric book.
RYL: what is the meaning behind the verses of “Transcending”?
Red Spektor: This is a song is about beliefs – whatever guise they come in – spiritual or not – and how people arrive at a particular state of mind.
The verses don’t undermine any theories, but instead – in very much a ‘call and response’ way- the verses ask a question, the chorus answers.
If you believe in something strong enough, you will have your own type of ‘transcending’ and ‘uplifting’ experience. It’s a celebration of that really.
RYL: which is your favorite rock song (lyrically speaking)?
Red Spektor: That’s a tough question as there are far too many to choose from and each of us has our own favorites for varied reasons something that helps bring diversity to what we do.
Rob likes soulful and moody lyrics such as Pearl Jams ‘Indifference’ and ‘The New’ by Interpol. A song that John has always loved ‘Dear Mr Fantasy’ by Traffic.
The hook is:
‘Dear Mister Fantasy play us a tune
Something to make us all happy
Do anything take us out of this gloom
Sing a song, play guitar, make it snappy’
It’s just straight to the point and sums up what music should be about. The melody and music is brilliant too. Very cool.
RYL: How do you see your music evolving in the next years?
Red Spektor: Just to keep growing as a band and to explore as many topics as possible. It would be too easy to stick to the same subject matter all the time.
RYL: Which is the last song you wrote (not yet published) ?
Red Spektor: The last song we wrote is called ‘Pagan Queen’ and could be appearing on our forthcoming album which we have now started work on.
RYL: tell us about your upcoming tour projects….
Red Spektor: We are constantly gigging, but we are now looking into getting a tour together, either across the UK, or hopefully all being well, getting across into Europe. Being a new band, it’s simply a question of time and money.
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