Red City Radio have impressed many with their recently released self-titled album. Available now locally on Double Cross Records, it is well worth a listen if you are yet to check it out.
We caught up with bass player Jonathan this week to have a crack at our Hotseat questions, take a read of his answers below. Hopefully they’ll be able to make it to Australia at some point on the back of this album.
LISTEN WHILE YOU READ
THE BASICS
Name : Jonathan “Jojo” KnightBand : Red City Radio
Job In Band : Bass/BGVox
Website Address : www.redcityradio.net
HOME
Hometown : Oklahoma CityHometown is best known for : OKC Thunder, tornadic activity, well mannered gentlemen
Best venue in your hometown : Conservatory OKC has been one of our favorite spots over the years, despite the “personality” of the bathrooms.
Favourite show you’ve seen in your hometown : Nerf Herder circa 1997
Favourite show you’ve played in your hometown : I played a show once where Stephen Egerton played guest guitar for a Descendents cover. That was rad.
THE BAND
How did the band first come to exist? That’s a long, and somewhat boring story. Suffice it to say it started out as a fun project between a couple guys, and somewhere around 2008 we solidified the line up, recorded and self released our “Woody Guthrie” EP, and booked our own tours.How long has the band been going? In the very earliest inception of the band, since 2005. As a legitimate effort, around 2008.
Is there an interesting story behind the name? Other than lots of people screwing it up on posters and the Internet a bunch for the first few years, not much haha.
What’s your most recent release? Tell us a little about it… We spent the last couple months of 2014 shaping these songs, and the first 5 weeks of 2015 recording it. We are super proud of it. You should listen to it.
Got a personal stand out achievement of your band to date? We just played in Russia for the first time this year. That’s pretty rad.
OFF THE STAGE
What was your first introduction to music that made you think seriously about playing it? I started playing piano at around 10. Picked up a guitar at 14, and it was rock and roll from then on.Any band, album, or song that you personally credit as a major influence? Not particularly
Your first band name, and what style did you play? Happy Flag, we were a very cute punk band comprised of 14 year olds who had barely survived puberty.
Most prized music related item you own? My 2007 American Jazz Bass
When you’re not doing band related stuff, what are you usually found doing? Pouring drinks for those in need. I’m practically a doctor.
The thing you most look forward to just before a tour is… playing in front of our rad fans every night.
The thing you least look forward to before a tour is… shitty diet probably
Any item you seem to always forget to take on tour? Not that I can think of. I lose my pillow on tour a lot though.
WATCH
[embedyt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhVakGeVERw[/embedyt]
ON THE STAGE
When on offer, what’s your one must have item on the rider? Beer for sureGot a favourite place you’ve toured… and why? Germany certainly tops my list. Shows are always a lot of fun.
Got a favourite venue you’ve played… and why? Groezrock 2014- Meerhout, Belgium. Does that count?
Any embarrassing on stage moments come to mind? I almost busted my ass tripping over my cable just the other night. Definitely not my coolest moment.
Any pre-show rituals? “Midnight Special” a capella with the other RCR dudes.
What do you find is the hardest aspect of touring in a band today? Just the constant grind. It’s go go every day, but the rewards of earning new listeners every night make it worth while.
RIGHT NOW
Last song you listened to? “Agents of The Underground” by Strung Out is currently playing in the van.Last album you picked up? PEARS- Go To Prison
Which band or album is currently on high rotation? PEARS
Tell us an up and coming band or artist you think we should go and listen to right now? PEARS
What’s on the cards for the next few months for the band? Lots of touring. Wrapping up the next few weeks with Strung Out and La Armada. Then to Europe in July for a festival run.
IF ONLY…
You can pick any one album for your band to cover in full, what would it be and why? The Killers- Sams Town. Because it rules.You can pick any one band / artist to cover one of your albums in full, what would it be, and why? Hmmm… Richard Cheese? For shits and giggles.
One band you wish you were able to see live but never had the chance? Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
One venue you have yet to play that you would love to? Trees in Dallas. Have seen so many cool shows there.
The chance comes up to fill in for a member of a band for one tour, which band would it be, and why? No thanks haha. It’s hard enough remembering our songs.
A headline tour overseas comes up, tell us two bands you’d take along to support your band. This is a point of endless debate in our van. No lie. We’re bad at choosing bands to support us haha.
PLUG TIME
Got any final words? Check out our new self-titled album, and new music video for Two Out of Three Ain’t Rad!
COVER ART
TRACK LISTING
1. Whatcha Got?
2. Rest Easy
3. Stranger
4. Two Out of Three Ain’t Rad
5. Electricity
6. Let Me In
7. Pretend Kings
8. I Should Have Known
9. In the Meantime…
10. …I’ll Catch A Ride
PURCHASE
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