Hey readers! So I’ve fallen behind on the interviews (I know, I’m sorry!) but I was really excited to finally have one with The Repeat Offenders. I loved having it and I’m very happy with how it turned out – lots of laughs on my end!
I spoke to lead singer Andrew Ruddick on the band’s chemistry, their musical inspiration, their gig with The Rifles and upcoming plans!
Check it out below!
What are your names and roles in the band?
Andrew Ruddick (lead vocals, guitarist)
Isaac Putt aka Newt (backing vocals, lead guitarist)
Graham Holmes (bassist)
Steve Knock (drums)
Where are you guys from?
Newt and I are from Aylesbury. Graham is originally from Preston but moved down to Northampton. Steve lives in Dunstable.
How long have you been playing music (individually and as a band)?
Andrew: We formed as a 3-piece in September 2011, Newt joined us in Feb./March this year.
I’ve had a guitar since I was 14, however I’d probably say I only worked hard on it in the last 4 years.
Graham: Played the guitar since 12, started playing the bass around two years ago and as a band apart from the odd one off gigs since I joined the band in May 2011!
Steve: I’ve been playing drums around 8 years now and been in the band over a year.
Newt: Started when I was sixteen just on acoustic, electric this year.
–Andrew: considering he is 18 that is annoying how good he is haha
You guys seem to click so well! There’s a lot of chemistry in the band. How did you meet?
I met Graham and Steve through those websites where musicians are looking to form a band. I had previous drummers/bass players and it just never worked.
Then this year we had Newt join the band, word of mouth through a friend I used to work with helped set that up.
Believe me, forming a band is the hardest thing, getting people together, especially motivated and who you get along only comes through a lot of persistence.
It’s had its rewards, we have a laugh and enjoy playing music together.
If you could give everyone in the band (including yourself) one title, what would they be? (e.g. the wildest, the one who always gets lost etc. etc.)
I spoke to Newt about this question earlier. I have no idea.
I guess I am the one who is the thinker, Graham is the fussy one, Steve, we’ll call him hairy, and Newt thinks he is Bam from Jackass.
Who has the weirdest music taste/the most “embarrassing” song choices on his iPod? And what song was it?
It’s probably me, we were off to London to meet an artist management team and I put on in the car Janelle Monáe – Tightrope, it did not go down well.
What made you gravitate towards guitar music instead of other genres?
I got bought for xmas 2 albums on tape. One was What’s The Story Morning Glory and the other The Great Escape. I was interested in finding out what this Oasis/Blur rivalry was all about. Once I listened to the Oasis album, the other never got a look in. Instantly I was hooked buying what I could and then asking for a guitar for my birthday. It just kinda kicked off from there.
Your favorite lyric by another artist?
“All your dreams are made, when you’re chained to the mirror of a razor blade (from ‘What’s the Story, Morning Glory’).”
Your favorite lyric (that you wrote?)
“Not interested in marital affairs, lie detectors or back stabbed friends” (from ‘Perplexed Mind’)
You can only listen to 3 records for the rest of your life. What are they and why?
Oasis – It’s Good to Be Free
Full of attitude and Oasis at their finest, classic tambourine beginning and leads just makes it for me. The bridge that takes it down and the chorus line is a great statement. Makes you appreciate sometimes we have a lot of freedom.
Kula Shaker – Sound of Drums
This is a great rock track, Crispian’s vocals are mesmerising. They really know how to make a song memorable and it kinda draws you into it. It’s another song full of attitude, makes you want to take a stand. Then the keys come in and all changes.
The Rifles – Peace and Quiet
This is the most listened track on my iTunes. Love the drums at the beginning and it’s a proper sing along song. Really love hearing this played out live.
I know The Rifles are an influence of yours. You recently supported them on their acoustic tour. How did that come about?
Well I created their website and have become good friends with them over the last 2 years. I’ve been lucky to go along to Paul Weller’s studio with them and well, as I’ve worked with them more, and hearing feedback on the EP we released, it was a question that cropped up; and there we are, supporting a band who I draw great inspiration from.
Did you name the band after their song, ‘Repeat Offender’?
Yeah that is correct, it was cleared by them as well.
I love the energy in your songs but I also really liked the acoustic EP (can be purchased HERE) because it gave you guys another dimension, and showed a softer, more chilled out, side to TRO. Can we expect more of that in the future or are you all about keeping things up-tempo and electric?
At the moment, I’d expect you to hear everything fast paced away from the acoustic CD we did recently. We really been working hard on an energetic set to get people moving. We have got a few slow ones laying around that have not been finished off. We do test out tunes at gigs, so we may slip one in.
Which of your songs would you tell someone who’s never heard of TRO, to listen to?
I’d say ‘Take A Stand’ is a good start.
When can we expect the album?
I’d love to be able to give you an answer. We’ve just recorded 2 songs for release next year. I am hoping we can get some interest from a label to pave the way for an album. We’ve got a lot of songs we want everyone to hear. Songs are being written faster than we can play them all out at the minute. As they say… you have your whole life time to write your first album. Well we have more than enough to exceed that, so let’s hope 2013 can be a year we get an album out.
Okay and finally…What’s the story with the BB gun (if you follow the band on Twitter, you’ve probably read a few things about this!)? Whose is it and has it made its way to your new practice room yet? hahaha
Ahhhhh the BB gun.. yes that is mine. I was given this as a present for my birthday and being a big kid decided to shoot Newt with it and well it got out of hand and everyone ended up getting shot with it. It’s not made it to the new practice room, in fact the new room is so nice, heated, no leaking roof, we are at peace with the world there haha.
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You can buy their EP, Frame of Mind, on iTunes.
I have it, and can tell you that it was definitely worth it. Read my review for more info.
For my review of the acoustic version of Frame of Mind, click HERE.
Follow the band on Twitter @repeatoffender5 and stay tuned for more in the future!
XR
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