Interview: The Rift

The Rift is a rock duo that doesn’t hesitate to experiment with thrash metal, sludge, stoner, flamenco, and many other music genres. Recently, they released a new single called Lost Angeles, so we spoke with the band about their recent composition, the recording process, and gigs. Enjoy

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When did you realize that your project/band had the potential to be a career, or long-lasting idea?

I knew I really enjoyed the music we were making when we first started playing together and that this was all I wanted to do.  We were playing at a bar in Long Beach and people just started moshing all over the place it was one of our first gigs so to see that response was inspiring, and it grew from there.  When we get messages from people daily it inspires us to keep pushing for that next great song to make.  

When did the first glimpses of your latest release come together?

Lost Angeles has been a song we’ve been working on for awhile and it went through several different transformations.  Being from the Southern California area the last few years were kind of rough as far as losing some of our personal heroes went, Kobe, Eddie Van Halen, Taylor Hawkins, all meant a lot to us.  So it really took shape as a tribute to them and making anything possible. 

What really inspires your music?  Can you tell us a bit about the lyrical process for a song?   How does it normally work?  What’s the most rewarding moment in your creative process as a band, and why?

Different things sometimes it’s just a picture perfect woman in a bikini my friend!  Doesn’t get better than that.  We do also take inspiration from many things but we leave it open to listeners to find their own meaning.  Lyrically once we find a concept together we’ll hash out ideas.  Most rewarding creatively for us is to continue pushing ourselves and limits of what we can do, that’s how you grow as a band it’s hard work but very rewarding.  

Who produces your music, and what are they like to work with? (If you produce the music yourself, what do you love the most about working that way?)

Over the years we’ve worked with several producers right now for our 2^nd full length album we are working with Mike Post @ Moosecat Recording.  He’s a great dude and very easy to work with which is great for us as we tend to respond best with similar mindsets.  

Can you give us a couple of personal highlights from your live show? Particular memories that stand out to you?  What advice would you give to another upcoming band/act?

Getting massive crowd chants started at festivals are fun when you’re on stage, just the energy you get back is an overwhelming feeling, doing that for me at Vans Warped Tour definitely stands out.  But also having nights where we thought nobody was listening and giving it our all also stands out.  In fact one of the most important shows of our career we played to a small crowd at a bar in Long Beach, not a lot of people but we played like hell.  A couple of important people took notice and it made a big difference.  My advice would be to play live and always give it 1000% 

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