Rival Sons
Rival Sons are like one of my favorite bands this year, since discovering them earlier in the year, I’m a fan and I talk to Robin Everhart the bass player from the band about it all. New album Head Down out later this month.
1. Are you happy how things have gone for the band so far?
Absolutely, yet not entirely. But, I mean, come on, that’s kind of the artist/perfectionist thing… The band has come a LONG way and done A LOT of really amazing things in what most would consider a short amount of time. 4 years is really nothing to have the kind of success we’ve had. Also, our successes really did start from gig one, and the rise has been steady, not some overnight youtube sensation story – so it has been something to really be proud of for sure.
2. What was the inspiration for the new album?
Wanting to release another album. None of us want to rest on our laurels. The whole concept of ‘album cycle’ is something I’ve NEVER EVER even thought of. Bands should make music. Honestly, I’m ready to make another record right now. I love the studio, so the sooner I can get in one the better!
3. How was the recording process different to the last album?
Not very. Other than we all moved into a house in Nashville, because our producer, Dave Cobb, moved his studio there. So that was kinda tough when in the past if you have a
tough day at the studio, you can separate yourself, and regroup, and come back tomorrow with some perspective – but this time it was a little hard to gain that space.
Also, this time we got to work with Vance Powell as our engineer and mixer – Vance does all Jack White’s stuff, along with a slew of other baddass shiz – so that was cool!
4. What inspires the band when writing music?
Desperation breeds inspiration. We only had a short amount of time booked in between tours to make the album, so we really had no choice other than to be inspired.
5. What was the inspiration for the album artwork?
Scott found Jason Holley’s work online while searching forums for "best album art" or something- found him, and everyone instantly fell in love with his style. We loved one particular one that seemed to be a good representation of the different sides of the songs, had him do a variation, and voila!
6. What inspires the band when writing lyrics?
That is all Jay Buchanan – I’d probably write about heartbreak or high-school girlfriends or other lame bullshit. Therefore, I’m glad we got Jay. His inspiration clearly comes from outer space!
6. How has social networking helped the band?
By networking us socially with our fans 😉 It’s no secret, nor is it going away: Social media is nearly everything nowadays. The days of the guitar player with mystique are dead. Everyone is playing now, which is cool. Always accessable. It’s all about inclusion.
7. If you could have any body in a video clip who would it be?
Do you want me to name hot chicks? or, like, actor/musician cameos? It’d be pretty cool to get all the models from George Michael’s, "Freedom," video to reunite in one of ours. Or it’d be fun to have Kate Upton doing the Dougie. In terms of actors/musicians: It’d be the best if Miles Davis would rise from the dead and be in one. Or Alfred Hitchcock.
8. Who would the band most like to work with on an album?
Danger Mouse. Dr. John. David Sardy. Dan Auerbach – anyone with a first name that starts with "D."
9. How does the band worm up before playing a show?
A vodka soda, and a cigarette.
I’m trying to incorporate some stretching on this tour… but historically, it’s been the former
10. What’s the band’s drink of choice?
Fresh Vegetable Juice!
11. Any chance of playing Australia some time soon?
There’s always a chance – all I can tell you is that we’d LOVE to!!!
