Interviews: Only The Righteous

In this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Post-Hardcore band Only The Righteous 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?

It turns out that is almost impossible to answer - we've rowed about this a few times now, and spoken to previous members who've had to move on to different projects whilst we were getting ourselves off the ground - and we cannot come up with a definitive answer as to where the name OTR came from - it's a biblical reference - it's a movie - it's an an acknowledgement that we're not at all what's implied ... But where we got the name ?... We actually can't agree

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Andy: Definitely the energy and intensity. You can’t beat the passion for Metalcore and it’s evolved sub genres of the ‘core’. There’s so many elements that go into it.

James: What Andy said... All the same for me too... But really? - because I had to. Started with rock and roll, and then moved on to pop punk... Ended up here. I think I was always moving here 

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

James to Mark: Mark’s my best friend - and I've known him for longer than I've known anyone my entire adult life. We met whilst working in a call centre not too long after I ended up in the North. We had a band called 'Her Last Goodbye’ - we met Charlie along the road there - years later, Andy and Mark connected online which kick started OTR. - I got lucky and they invited me along for the ride.

Charles: I knew James and Mark from their previous band Her Last Goodbye, I was their photographer for years and I photographed the first few only the righteous shows too before they invited me to play the guitar.

4. Each band member favourite band?

Andy: All time favourite - Funeral For A Friend Modern day favourite - definitely Architects. I think you can hear the influence of the two transcend through the riffs on the new EP.

Mark: That’s a very tough one, I can be quite picky with bands, the lads can tell you that for sure! I’d say Periphery P3 and P2 albums and Slipknot all of the albums are great. James - Funeral For a friend and Taking back Sunday ! - ha! And Bonjovi - they taught me that I loved words - and Blink!- they taught me music was accessible ... These days ? - TheCityIsOurs kick arse ...

Charles: Favourite of all time Enter Shikari, favourite band at the moment Sleep Token

Jake: So difficult to choose just one, I love Royal Blood because of what they do with just two of them, Rammstein for their insane live shows and Lotus Eater for the sick riffs. Favourite though has to be Avatar, love the theatrics, dual guitar solos and groove. 

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Mark: I think a lot of the times it’s the music I love and listen too, personally for me, I will listen to bands and think; I love those drums, and that gets me behind the kit. When we meet up to write, it gives me another challenge to better myself, write new and fresh songs.

James: Going to have to second that - I write little and often (Bukowski fan boy) - and when the lads write something that fits words I've found... we have something we like .... (Lol .. that and my consistent failure at relationships #muse)

Andy: This is weird, but I write a lot of my guitar riffs on public transport. Usually if I’m in a creative mood I’ll throw my headphones in and spin Architects latest album or Bury Tomorrow’s Union Of Crowns album whilst looking out the window.

6. Where was your last gig?

Andy: Believe it or not, we actually played a charity gig in the famous Alma Inn in Bolton. We performed a full cover set of Funeral For A Friend songs and the proceeds went to a homeless charity. It was amazing, the crowd jumping on the stage, screaming and singing those nostalgic lyrics back at us.

James: That FFAF tribute shown? - lol perfect.

7. Where would you like to play?

Mark: We would love to play at Download Festival, it would be great. That sheer atmosphere.

James: Damn straight - slam dunk too!

8. Who would you like to support?

Architects, parkway drive, While She Sleeps, periphery, Slipknot, Bring Me The Horizon and Loathe again!! 

9. Who not?

Honestly, there’s no one we’d say we’d never like to support

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

James: Every damn time ... It's just that it's always worth it ... The worst show .. to the smallest crowd ... Better than the best day at work ... Or anything else to be honest ...

Mark: We set our rehearsal room up as if it’s the worst stage setup we’ve ever had so we are well prepared for whatever venue we walk into.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

James: Damn thats a hard one !.. - can I repeat my answer to the favourite bands question? - wait - add the Ataris to that as well .. Kris Roe tells it like it is ... And that was really important to me growing up ..

Mark: I’d say ultimately, Slipknot. I’ve been drumming for a long time now. About 6 months in from drumming maybe less than that, I got myself a double kick. I was lucky and I lived in a pub/bar and the top floors of the building used to be a hotel and no longer was used. The ground floor was where customers ate and drank, luckily the customers couldn’t hear me, I just used to play double kick all the time, I did have patient parents! I just wanted to be like Joey Jordison as a kid, also Nicko from iron maiden and John bonham from Zepplin. 

Jake: I know I’d get shit for this from everyone else, but I’d say Queens of the Stone Age are one of my biggest influences, I’ve loved them ever since I first heard No One Knows on the radio.

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

Andy: We had a fan actually ask us to make their unborn baby merch.

James: Yeah the baby merch (which we actually totally need to still sort for her !)

13. What do you think of your fans?

They’re great, we always try and chat to them via forms of social platforms, face to face and text. We always wanna be friends with everyone, they’re taking the time and effort to watch us, invest in our time and merch!

James: fans ?.. people like this bunch of dorks?.. no but joking aside - anyone that's listened - or been to see us - or read a line - or work a shirt - you have no idea how unbelievably grateful we all are - thankyou so much

14. What do you think of our site?

It’s great - from what we have looked it, you’re giving musicians to the opportunity to show their craft and art.

James: The zines I grew up with have changed - or gone - it's awesome to see that spirit alive online - thankyou !

15. Something to add?

James: We're hitting the road for a few days in November/December - listen to the record (out just before that) and come hang with us at the venue's !