THE RIFF
How did Riff start as a band?
Tommy (drums) and Chris (bass) started The Riff when they were in school. After a few years of gigging around South Wales they asked me if I could fill in for a few dates as their singer had left. Once we all decided to make it a permanent thing we got my twin brother Sam to join on keys and began writing our own tunes the rest is history!
What makes music so important to you?
The effect it has on people. I love the idea that any particular song can mean so many different things to different people. I believe people take what they want out of a song or album which is what makes music so important and personal.
What was it like creating the music video for 'Show Me'?
I'm not the biggest fan of shooting music videos to be honest it a very long day but it has to be done. Show Me was a bit nostalgic for us because the venue we shot it in is where we used to gig back when we started out doing covers so it was a bit surreal seeing it empty and also shooting a video for one of our own tunes in a place where we covered some great songs by top bands.
How does music make you feel / has it ever been your therapy?
I think music for most people is therapeutic. The thing with music is it's all about emotion whether it's the lyrics in a particular song or just a song that reminds you of a particular moment in your life. Music makes me feel alive if anything the buzz you get playing live is second to none for me.
What's your best musical experience?
That's a tough one there's a few that spring to mind. Getting to see the Stone Roses in their home town was definitley up there, because no-one ever really expected them to get back together. I wouldn't say it was the best live performance I've ever seen but thats not what you expect when you see a band like that,the atmosphere and buzz around the place was immense. For the band I think there's a few gigs of ours lately which have possibly been the best we've done. We played in Oviedo in Spain a few weeks back not expecting much of a crowd but it was rammed and to see people who don't even speak English singing back your songs to you blew our mind.