The Ramps - The Ramps Newsletter Interview
23 Nov 2008 // An interview by Shade
Thanks to Mike for answering these questions:
What is the best gig/event you have ever performed at, and why?
Our best gig was probably the end of North Island Tour show we put on at Subnine in Wellington. We got a great local crowd along topping the 300 mark, and it was awesome to be home after a long stretch on the road.
What is your favourite NZ venue?
We love Happy in Wellington on the corner of Vivian and Tory. It's small, underground, and has this incredibly up-close and personal vibe that suits us really well.
What can we expect to see from The Ramps over the next year?
We've changed our sound completely recently. Our new drummer Eamon is an amazing dance drummer, which made us rethink everything. The new sound is edgy, upbeat and dark. All three of those things surprised us. So did sounding a bit like a modern version of Duran Duran, but hey, they were ace so why not? We'll be writing and recording until we've got at least an Eps worth of killer material. We realised long ago there's no point playing gigs all around the country unless you've got something AMAZING recorded. Get that single done, get it on the radio and then do a gig in another city supporting someone else you like. That's our plan anyway. New single on its way January 2009. Check www.theramps.com for more info.
What other NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?
Our mates Black Dhalia and Donor Feedback are both incredible local bands on the Wellington scene that the nation needs to know about. I also really love Thought Creature's new album.
If you could, what rumour would you start about The Ramps?
Our guitarist is related to Simon Le Bon and I'm mates with Jim Morrison's son. Our drummer's dad was in Bauhaus and our bassist's next door neighbour is the previously sexy woman out of the Sisters of Mercy.
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Be really critical of yourselves. Kill your babies (throw away anything that isn't the best thing you've ever done). Be prolific. Work really hard.
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