Live Bands at Plaza Week

11 Feb 2015
11 Feb 2015

We had the privilege of hosting indie rock band Red Tape Riot who performed live on the 10th February on Jammie Plaza as a part of our Plaza Week entertainment. We asked them a few questions about their band and here's what they had to say:

1. When did you decide to pursue music as your career?
Well, each of us made that decision at different times in our lives. Speaking for myself, I decided at about the age of 15 that I would learn to play an instrument, because I loved music. But the thoughts of it becoming a career only started when I was about 18/19.

2. Describe your sound/genre?
Indie Rock with 80's and dance edges.

3. What are your musical aspirations for the next year?
We are planning to tour a lot more this year, with trips to Joburg and Pretoria, another East Coast tour all the way up to Durban, and finally a tour to the UK and Germany. We are also going to release our second album in the next 6 months...very excited about that!

4. Who is your biggest music icon?
I look up to and respect many different musicians for different reasons, rather than having one specific Icon. Some for their musical skills, some for their integrity and some for their energy. I loved Kurt Cobain's honesty, Morrisey from the Smith's vocal deliveries, Bob Marley's messages, Jimi Hendrix's amazing musicianship mixed with raw energy, Moving units gritty indie approach, Freddie Mercury's unrivaled stage presence, The Cure's beautiful melancholy...and the list goes on, old and new. It is however, mainly creative honesty and personal Integrity that draws me to love and respect a specific musician.

5. What do you like most about UCT Radio?
They play what is at the cutting edge of local and international music. It is run by young people who understand what is current, and luckily they choose more of the good stuff, rather than the empty rubbish that a lot of commercial stations champion. Basically UCT is small enough to not become another puppet of the large record labels/monopolies, and just big enough to create a generous platform to all new artists in the local scene. It is genuinely one of our favourite stations. Student radio is always the most honest.

6. Label each band member with one of the below characteristics and state why

i. The goofball - Jared, the keyboard player, because he's always happy and loves to joke around

ii. The heartthrob - Probably our drummer, Marc, because- let's face it- all drummers secretly want to be the heartthrobs

iii. The serious contemplator - Rubin, our bassist, because he thinks far more than he speaks. Either that or he's daydreaming;)

iv. The one most like to become a Rastafarian - Justin, our lead guitarist, because he smokes rolies and loves reggae.

v. The one who has it all together - John, the lead singer, or at least he tries to!

7. Talk us through the origin of your band. We all come from different bands. After returning from the UK I decided I wanted to play indie. I'd been in a band previously with Rubin and decided to look for a drummer and guitarist. We later added keys/synth thanks to Jared...and that was it.

8.What is your dream venue to perform at?
This is personal choice, but Wembley Arena, London

9. How has your music evolved since you started playing together?
We've been around for 2.5 years only, but in the last year we've really found our sound. We're more connected in our direction and we're tighter. It's a great thing when the group is fully gelled and loving every moment.
10. What has been your biggest challenge as a band? How did/do you overcome this challenge?
Having to arrange our time around our day jobs and studies. We haven't overcome it yet, we take it month by month and plan accordingly. Only once the band fully breaks out will we have more freedom in this regard. However, we'll be playing and loving it whether we do or don't have to work other jobs.