Having just released the single “(Lady) Roll Back The Years”, we caught up with Stephen Kelly – lead vocalist and guitarist of Dublin band Raglans – to get to know them a little bit better, and look ahead to their debut album – due out later this month. Head to the end of the interview to listen to the track!
What’s the story behind Raglans? How did you all meet?
I met Rhos (bass) in the early hours at a music festival in 2009, it’s all rather vague but something must have happened, Conn joined up soon after and Sean came in just over a year ago so we feel like a brand new band which is nice.
Who do you consider to be the main influences on your music? And on your songwriting?
We like good songs and figuring out a way to play them that makes us all feel good. That sounds basic but that’s really how we approach it, we always want it to have a lot of energy live so people come and leave sweaty and feeling good. That idea informs how we write the songs.
How would you describe the Raglans sound?
It’s always hard to explain without sounding self important but we play loud fun tunes that aren’t shallow and that will hopefully make you want to party and grab hold of your mates for a moment longer than you usually would.
How do you approach the songwriting? Is it a team effort?
All songs are welcome, if someone brings a song we all like we will work on it and craft it into something we are all happy with and if we are all happy we’ll play it live and see how she does!
Did you go into recording with a definite idea of the album in your mind, with 11 songs you wanted to get down, or was it a case of experimenting before finding the perfect tracklisting?
We spent over 2 years gigging and writing songs figuring out exactly what we wanted to be and sound like. By the time we decided to record the album we were ready and that made it a lot easier. Personally, I’m glad we didn’t do an album any earlier. We have had a few offers since we started but we were too unrefined.
With the release of your debut album just around the corner, do you have a favourite track from the record?
It’s such a buzz hearing 11 tracks you’ve written on record. I couldn’t pick a favourite as I love them all but if I was pushed I’d say White Lightning, writing wise, there’s nothing I’d touch at all. It’s there.
You’ve recently finished a UK tour supporting The Strypes, how did that go?
Amazing, The Strypes are a brilliant live band, good friends and their audiences are a great variety of ages so it’s a nice test of your abilities and from the reaction we got we feel like we passed.Shepherds Bush Empire is an amazing venue and was a privilege to play.
How do you kill time on tour? (Especially with the weather as bad as it has been in the UK recently)
We really love food, quantity over quality. Keeping the hunger wolf from the door takes up a lot of our spare time. Touring in the summer in the UK last year was amazing, found ourselves stopping off at amazing little spots and killing time in an easy way. The winter tours are harder but it’s just great to be out and gigging so time kills itself when you feel so lucky.
Tickets seem to be selling well for your album launch gigs; do you have anything special planned for them?
We like to always make our headline shows something different and interesting because our fans always make it a special night so we have to step up to the plate just to match them! Loads planned.
What are your plans post album release?
We want to take the album as far as we can, anywhere in the world. Touring and seeing new places is what we all wanted most from being in the band so making that a reality is our biggest goal.
Can we expect to see the Raglans on Australian shores soon?
Hopefully, I’ve always wanted to go personally and hopefully Raglans can pay for the ticket! Loads of a Irish friends over there. SOON!
——
Check out their latest single “(Lady) Roll Back The Years” here:
Their debut self-titled album will be available online from 21st March 2014.
———-
