Name: Riot Upstairs
Formed: 2013
Hometown: Derry/L’Derry
Genre: Alternative Rock
Line-up: Hannah Richardson, Caolan Moore, John Goodman & Ella De Nijs
◀ Q & A ▶
▶ Tell us about your artist/band name?
Our band name came about in 2013 when we had a completely different line up, we had our own live set already and were looking forward to getting out gigging, but of course needed a name. It was Hannah who came up with the name a couple of days before our first gig and it has stuck since!
▶ When did you start playing music and how would you describe your sound?
Our sound is very wide, our most recent single is ‘Third Round’ and that is almost an indie pop song but our live show and new songs draw much more from a garage rock style.
▶ What releases have you put out so far?
We have just released our new single, ‘Third Round’ and are getting into the studio soon to record an EP, due for launch in early May.
▶ Is there a particular live show which stands out amongst all the rest?
Recently we have done a show along with The Clameens in the Nerve Centre in Derry and that was fantastic, on top of that we have a show coming up on May the first with a band called Goons that we are itching to play.
▶ Can you talk about a Highlight and a low point of the journey so far
Getting to play with great bands such as The Clameens, abandcalledboy and Goons have all been a massive highlight recently and the amount of progress we are making is phenomenal too. As far as a low point goes we recently had to change bass players, and while we’re sad to see Mark go, we’re excited and enthusiastic to have Ella on board!
▶ If you weren’t musician how would you spend your spare time?
I think I can speak for all of us when I say I couldn’t see us doing anything other than music, we’re all very passionate and see it as a career much more than a hobby!
▶ If you were to go on a world tour and you could pick any 3 acts come along, who would they be?
Ah a difficult one! Definitely The Clameens and Lost Avenue, two fantastic local bands that everyone needs to hear, plus some sort of huge act like The Pixies.
▶ What would be the 3 strangest things on your rider if you were able to make any demand?
Towels. Lots of towels! Other than that we’re pretty normal, pringles and water are essential, but I suppose a huge marble statue of us brandishing swords would be pretty cool too.
▶ Who has been your biggest inspiration as a musician?
We all have very wide genre interests, between us we cover everything from jazz to pop and from pop to grunge!
▶ Is there a particular aim or goal which you hope to achieve through music?
To get out there, we want to play and do what we love; making music.
▶ Are there any other Northern Irish musicians we should check out?
Lost Avenue, great band, if you’re into garage punk they’re the band for you!
The Clameens and Shoot the Messenger too, all great bands who we owe a lot of thanks to!
▶ What is next for you?
We plan to release an EP early May to fit along with the Goons gig, after that we plan on gigging as much as possible around NI to build up a fan base!
◀ LISTEN ▶
Facebook ▶ /Riot Upstairs
Twitter ▶ @Riot_Upstairs
