Interviews: Rat Face Lewey

In this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Alternative Rock band Rat Face Lewey from the UK. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

The name ‘Rat Face Lewey’ exists from the wonder years of childhood. It was the name given to a Den close to where we lived. We would spend countless hours jumping out of trees, lighting fires and rearranging hay bales, completely free and clear. During one of these episodes, we were chased by a farmer who came out in his tractor looking for the kids who had rearranged his carefully harvested product. Our older brother Dan shouted head to ‘Rat Face Lewey’. Some of us escaped over the fence to safety, others faced the music. Our first album was called Wonder Before Mess. It describes the conflict and experiences of childhood with the truth and harsh realities of adult life. Similar to themes from the poem, Birches by Robert Frost. The band is a way to escape. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre? 

It's what comes naturally to us. I learned to play the guitar and to begin with I was listening to Nada Surf and Nirvana and focused on playing power chords with a catchy melody. I love listening to the 90's genre and what it has turned into today. bands like Alice in Chains have stuck to their roots and evolved into a modern blues-rock outfit with that stoner style. I love the sound they create. 

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed? 

Jonny and Mav are brothers, we met Gregg in 2017 and began rehearsing the songs that will end up on our new album 'The Fall of Man' due 06 September.

 

4. Each band member favorite band? 

Jonny: Nada Surf...

Mav: RHCP...

Gregg: Metallica

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs? 

The good songs I write are inspired by real things and events that have happened to me. Although I try and disguise the lyrics so no one knows what I'm actually singing about. If the energy and feel are right then the subject doesn't matter. For our latest album 'The Fall of Man' there is a track called 'Replaced' which was inspired by the Man of Steel (Superman) score. 

6. Where was your last gig? 

We played the Camden Rocks all dayer back in April and smashed it. It was an awesome day. We stuck around and watched every band, its a great way to spend a Saturday.

7. Where would you like to play? 

Download, Glastonbury, Reading or Leeds. We would fit on any stage and give the people something new. We would smash it.

8. Who would you like to support? 

Nada Surf, Foo Fighters, RHCP, Green Day, Metallica! seriously that would be awesome.

9. Who not? 

Will I regret answering that question?

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that? 

Yes! I have severe stage fright. I freaked out really badly during our earlier gigs. I have essential tremor, which means I have a natural tremor in my hands, arms, and head. People think I'm either really nervous or a raging alcoholic! I love playing music and playing in front of people gave me an adrenaline rush I couldn't control. it sucks sometimes because I feel like I'm only showing about 70% of what I can do. One of the reasons I stuck with the guitar was to prove to myself that I can get good on an instrument which requires complete relaxation in the hands and to confront my tremors heads on. Nowadays I bang a few tabs of propanol about 3 hours before a gig. If you are a beginner just go out and play as many gigs as possible, busk, play in front of strangers and don't invite your friends to gigs. Just go out on your own and play. feeling nervous is par for the course, what's the point if you don't feel nervous?

11. What bands have inspired you the most? 

The bands that spoke to my heart were Nirvana and Nada Surf. I saw Nada Surf when they were still relatively unknown in Nottingham with about 10 other people. It was the greatest experience of my life. Being 15 listening to the Proximity effect or seeing Kurt Cobain smash a guitar changed my path in life. Other bands like Eels also helped me deal with tough situations and gave me something to relate to.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for? 

Does a  lighter count? I don't know. We played a show in Hackney once and a female member of the audience got on stage grabbed the mic and shouted 'THIS IS WHAT MUSIC IS SUPPOSED TO BE!!!!' It woke something up inside of me.

13. What do you think of your fans? 

They are the cream! Seriously, Spotify has enabled us to reach a wider audience. There are people who contact me from around the world and ask questions about our music and I'm always happy to interact. I still send emails to my favorite bands asking questions and they always get back to me. I love how close everyone has become.

14. What do you think of our site?

The layout is cool and you reach out to bands like us. Thank you.

15. Something to add?

Our new album 'The Fall of Man' is due out September 6th. We are so proud of how it turned out. http://www.ratfacelewey.co.uk/