Published: January 24, 2009 11:48 AM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight February 2009 Edition
R.S.S.
R.S.S. (courtesy of Chip Talbert- fablephotography)
The Webzine caught up with R.S.S. in this exclusive interview that outlines the band's accomplishments in 2008 and what fans can expect from them in 2009. Here is what formulated. Enjoy!
R.S.S. is:
Rob Peterson- Vocals/Guitar
Tanner Peterson- Vocals/Percussion
Drew Streip- Lead Guitar
Justin Land- Bass
Konstantine Vlasis- Drums
Isaac: Hi Everyone. Welcome to your interview with Junior's Cave. Now that 2008 has officially ended, what are your reflections of the year 2008 for R.S.S.?
Rob: "I think 2008 was a building year; a lot happened. Our band was completely reformed with the introduction of Justin and Drew, and they meshed into the band perfectly. RiverBend 2008 was a proving ground for our band, and we had a great set. We got some attention out of that, but our greatest feat was hitting the studio in Nashville to record our debut EP in November. Since then we've been plugging our music and booking various shows and we're full speed ahead into 2009."
Tanner: "Yea, we're ready to pack it up and hit the road ha-ha."
K: "I think that it has been a progressive year, putting together the EP and getting our name out there. We have become a collective band through last year and we're more organized than ever."
Isaac: How did everyone come together as a group? What drew you to each other? v
Drew: "We had a quick learning curve - the ways we play individually make sense together."
Rob: "My sister and I have been playing in various high school bands since middle school. Ever since I met Konstantine, the dynamics changed, and he's introduced me to some great new guys (Justin/Drew). Justin was the final piece, and the first time we practiced I knew everything had come together. Something about this group has stuck in place; we all have a common passion, but in the end we're all just having a blast with our music."
K: "Rob and I were on a local crew team together when I overheard him saying that his band was going to play a local music festival. I was a little jealous and thought I might just tell him I play drums. Sure enough, I nailed a spot in the group, but I replaced his sister, Tanner, from the drumming position. Even though I've taken to the drums, Tanner still plays a vital role in our sound."
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
Drew: "Eric Clapton, Pat Metheny, and Charlie Parker for their musicality; Green Day for writing the perfect rebellious songs, even before I wanted to rebel."
K: "Oddly enough, I haven't really had any particular influences. I started playing in the fourth grade in a middle school jazz band and then joined the Chattanooga Youth Symphony in middle school where I've been principle percussionist for the past four years. I'm a classical musician at heart; I haven't grown up with a major rock and roll influence. Rob would flip his lid whenever I would say I hadn't heard of RHCP or Weezer. On drum set, I was taught to play jazz, not rock; being a rock drummer is different… WAY different. I've had to break down the boundary line between the technique I've been taught and the "wild" rock personality that gets the crowd going. I only recently saw my first big rock concert - Kings of Leon and The Whigs in Nashville this past November. But I've totally avoided the question… In other words I haven't had many major influences… I just play the drums man."
Rob: "Of my major influences as a musician/songwriter, I would throw out K.O.L., The Whigs, Wilco, OAR, Black Crowes, Led Zeppelin, Delta Spirit, and Built to Spill."
Tanner: "I love so many great bands: MGMT, Paramore, The Ting Tings, and tons more. Our band tends to lean towards traditional alternative, but I like throwing ideas out to help make us stand out like my favorite bands have."
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel R.S.S. will bring to the music industry?
Rob: "Serious players. I mean that in a sense that there is nothing we enjoy more than to play in front of people. We are each passionate about music. We are dedicated to a level that is rarely found among musicians our age. Many of us are full time students with heavy academic loads. We are ready to begin at the bottom and work our way into the minds and souls of an R.S.S. following. We want to do whatever it takes for our fans and for the love of music. We don't have egos to deal with; we mean what we say and did I mention that we are dedicated to our music? I think if a band possesses these traits there isn't a particular limit set on them. We hope to bring inspiring sound and instill enthusiasm to the masses by sharing what we love without any attitude or rock band stigma."
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
K: "Mozart… but he's dead. I wish I could throw some names of prolific musicians, but like I said, I just play the drums."
Rob: "I think it's impossible for me to decide just one artist. I have too many favorites and too many that I'd die to work with. I guess beggars can't be choosers, so if anyone wanted to work with us, we'd be more than honored (hint hint… ha-ha)."
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Drew: "It's a high-energy mix of classic and new rock. We have the ability to jam, but we're not a jam band. We definitely keep the crowd going."
Rob: "That's a tough question. We've been told different things from each of the songs on the EP. I don't think there's an exact label you could place on our sound. We transition from genre to genre with mixed bits of rock, blues, folk, and alternative through and through the music.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from your debut entitled R.S.S.- THE DEBUT EP?
Rob: "So far we've had great feedback. Our web pages have just started to include blogs, so I encourage listeners to go submit your thoughts. I became a member of BMI this past month (January), and I'd like to say that we had record labels pounding on our door and we've had to hire an agent to handle all the inquiries, but the competition is pretty fierce. We're planning our summer schedule as we speak and are hoping to fill it with venues from all around the US. Currently, we're waiting to hear back from some significant gigs, but we can't disclose any yet. I hope we haven't jinxed anything, but hey we've got a shot."
Isaac: What can fans expect from your soon to be released EP coming up February 16, 2009 entitled Rapid Decay - THE EP? What is the inspiration behind the EP?
Rob: "These songs in the EP are our first serious recordings, and I think we've got some winners. We have lots of new material since November, and we are currently figuring out how to get some new stuff on the web, so keep a look out. Until then we encourage everyone to check out our debut EP. Hope you like what you hear."
Isaac: Where can fans locate you online?
Rob: Of course, we have a myspace page and a recently made facebook page. We also have a personal domain for the band, but the site is still in construction, but should be finished quite soon. Check us out here:
Rob: "Its that time of year, as we're all aware. Announcements about the major festivals are coming out, and I'd die to play at any of them. I know we could kill it with a gig or a pre-festival party. We're hoping that our EP release will get our music out to the masses. Hopefully it will wind up in the hands of some decision makers of those big venues. We're making a commitment to spread our music as far as we can, but that's a two way street. We've gotta have the audience to be able to have a successful time on a tour. Ultimately, I know we can do whatever it takes- opening act, independent act, whatever. We'll make it happen."
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans?
K: "I would like to thank my parents for their support and my dear friend and drum teacher Chip Hancock for helping me grow as a musician. Thanks!"
Drew: "Mom and Dad, for indulging my music addiction; and my teachers who encouraged me to play any chance I got."
Rob: "I'd like to send one out to any music listener. Give us a shot and listen to our music. We're a band that just wants to PLAY. Anytime, anywhere. If you like our music, please pass it on to others. We want it to flood the airwaves and music libraries. This isn't just a phase or a dream of stardom; it's a lifelong passion. R.S.S. is a group of musicians who are playing for the sake of music and the people who love it. That's what it's all about."
Justin: "I've gotta hand it to my loving wife and parents. Everyone who has encouraged me with music my whole life… it's been a blast."
Tanner: "I sure should kiss up a little and thank my parents for all of the support. They've been there for set ups and takedowns and tons more. Seeing as we practice in our basement, I have to thank our neighbors as well. I'm sure the noise is unbearable from our loud sessions, but they're always nice and tell us to open up the garage. These folks are pretty cool, and they've got a great taste in music!"
