The Rumjacks are back with “Dead Anthems“, a new full-length album that serves as a powerful reminder why they’re one of the finest bands on the Celtic punk rock scene. Frontman Mike Rivkees sat down with us to talk about the album, songwriting and composing process, picking perfect tracks for the album, etc. We also got into their raucous collab with Dropkick Murphys’ Ken Casey on “Cold Like This,” the realities of life on tour, and what keeps The Rumjacks charging forward. Enjoy!
Hi, thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. How have you been?
BUSY. album release. Shooting and editing content. Trying to get a youtube channel off the ground. AND TOURING!
What are the central themes and messages you aim to convey with Dead Anthems?
The themes include loss of all sorts (romantic, health, life) to uplifting themes of hope and remembrance. As well as a bit of social commentary in there commenting on the wastefulness of war and hatred.
Your new single, “Cold Like This,” features Ken Casey from Dropkick Murphys. Can you tell us how this collaboration came to life and what it was like working with him?
Ken had always offered us a helping hand if we needed anything, so when this song came together in the studio, I thought it would be great to get him on this track and he was happy to do so. It’s cool watching him work. He’s very picky about his vocal takes whereas I’m reckless in the studio. I try to do everything in as little takes as possible.
Can you share the process behind collaborating with him and what his contributions brought to the track?
Initially I had him on the 2nd verse, but he thought the 3rd verse would be better and he was definitely correct. He changed up the melody and really made it his own.
How did the environment and circumstances influence the writing of “Cold Like This”?
I wrote it while walking home from a bar in Boston when it was 14 degrees or something. My jacket was broken and the zipper wouldn’t work so I bought fast food and wrapped my jacket around it for warmth for the remaining 15 minutes of the gloveless walk. It was just a silly sea shanty at first and I didn’t think people would actually like it hah.
What was your vision for the sound and production of Dead Anthems, and how did Pete Steinkopf help you achieve it?
I wanted it to sound full and big while still making the acoustic instruments sound like acoustic instruments. We used a wall of sound technique for the folk/lead sections. I also wanted a very rough and vintage sounding mic for the vocals and Pete absolutely nailed that with some tube mics that he knew would work on my voice. Kevin Bivona did a great job of mixing all of that in.
How would you describe the evolution of your sound from Hestia to Dead Anthems?
It’s hard for me to hear it without bias, but we took what we thought worked from Hestia, and just made all of that better. The anthemic choruses, the somber quiet parts, the folk instruments. Everything has a bit more intention whereas with Hestia (the first album I produced) we were recording EVERYTHING and then just pulling things out in post.
What role does storytelling play in your songwriting, and how do you approach crafting lyrics?
For me, writing the music is the easy part. So I’ve got tons of demos without lyrics. For the actual lyrics and storytelling, I go in intentionally saying “what is this song about?” If you’re telling a story, or conveying a complex human emotion through song, you need to know what you want to say before you type the first word.
With six albums under your belt, how do you keep your sound fresh while staying true to your Celtic punk roots?
Well for starters the singer (and songwriter) swap of 2020 was a huge freshining up of the sound. But as for my writing, I try to write songs that I want to listen to. So I’m not too concerned with ‘doing something new’, I just want to write good songs. However, innevitably, a songwriter will develop and try new things such as adding in a strings section to amplify emotional moments.
Were there any particular challenges or standout moments during the recording of Dead Anthems?
The biggest challenge was selecting what would make the cut from 45 demos. There are still so many songs that I think should have made the record, but they just weren’t finished enough to make the cut.
What does the songwriting and composing dynamic look like within the band?
Everybody is invited to write ideas, demos, riffs, etc. However as far as what made the cut, I did all the writing. We sat around with all of the demos and went through and voted on our selections. From there we worked on arrangement and tempos in my home studio.
You’ve announced a massive UK and European tour for 2025. What are you most looking forward to about getting back on the road?
Seeing what new songs the crowds react well to upon first hearing! You never know what’s going to work live.
Touring can be both exhilarating and grueling. What keeps you energized and connected with fans during long tours?
We’re a few shows into this tour, and each night when the crowd rushes toward the stage to sing Light in my Shadow, my brain floods with a cocktail of dopamine and oxytocin. When I was 17, I was playing a show and the circle pit was FAST and I thought “remember this moment, and strive for it your whole life” so whenever a crowd is going nuts, I smile to myself.
Your music often contains social commentary. Are there any current issues or events that inspired tracks on Dead Anthems?
In all parts of the world, you see generational hatred passed down. “But it’s your cycle to break.”
There is no song about one specific current event.
Celtic punk is a niche genre with a passionate fanbase. What do you think keeps the spirit of Celtic punk alive in today’s music landscape?
When done correctly, it’s one of the most fun genres to watch. Its high energy nature calls for the celebration of life, while its dark and quiet moments add layers of depth, meaning, and sadness to the music.
Are there any future projects or collaborations in the works that you’re particularly excited about?
This tour with Grade 2 has been a long time coming and we’re so stoked to be on the road with them.
What do you hope Dead Anthems adds to The Rumjacks’ legacy, and how do you want it to impact listeners?
It’s honestly such a solid batch of songs with no filler tracks, so I know the album will be timeless years down the line. There’s one song in particular that will get overlooked by many as ‘the slow song’ but for those few who will understand what the song is about and relate to it, I know it will be extremely impactful.
Thoughts Words Action 