REBELUTION INTERVIEW
With the release of a hugely popular debut album, Courage to Grow, and some serious gigging, reggae rock sensation Rebelution seems to be everywhere this past six months. However, The Pier has managed to hold Eric Rachmany (vocalist and guitarist) in the one spot long enough to answer these questions.
The Pier: How has your hometown of Santa Barbara influenced your music and in turn how has it responded to you as a band?
Eric: Isla Vista was a great training ground for us. We initially started playing in backyards and when the word spread out, more and more people started to come on Friday and Saturday nights. From the beginning we got used to playing for a lot of people. I think today we are thankful for the experience we got in Isla Vista. We've had such amazing support from Santa Barbara. The people have always encouraged us to keep playing.
We also write many of our songs about the experience we had in Santa Barbara and more specifically, Isla Vista. The song Attention Span is one of them.
The Pier: Very cool. So what do you hope people get out of listening to a Rebelution album or catching a live show?
Eric: We can't really expect anybody to feel a certain way or think a certain way when listening to our music. We only hope that the people apply the music to their own lives. I think that every song means something to different to each individual. Lately, the theme for us and our new songs has been encouragement. We hope people become motivated in one way or another.
The Pier: You must be stoked with how well Courage to Grow has been received, was it fun making the album?
Eric: We had so much fun making this last album. We only had about 14 days to complete the whole project. Somehow we pulled it off.
The Pier: I personally really love the cover art for the album. It is pretty different and unique from other bands playing this reggae rock sound. Who came up with the art concept?
Eric: We all thought that the bear, tree, and crowd fit the sound of our music. We're proud of our fans and proud of the beauty of California. We feel like the cover art symbolizes this.
The Pier: It also must have be exciting to have your debut album make the top 10 reggae downloads on iTunes and also be the 'editor's choice as the best reggae music for 2007.' What were your thoughts on all that?
Eric: This is truly beyond words. We've worked really hard in the past couple years to define our sound. We had no idea we would get the nomination and award. It goes to show that an independent band can still make things happen in a very corporate country.
The Pier: What's been your other personal highlights since being in Rebelution?
Eric: The biggest highlight is being in contact with our fans. We try our best to meet everyone and thank everyone for supporting our music. I suppose traveling to Hawaii and playing out there has been an amazing experience as well.
The Pier: Matt Velasquez left the band recently. Was that unexpected and what impact has this had on the band since he was a primary songwriter?
Eric: It hasn't really had a big impact. We will miss Matt but wish him luck in the future. Since his departure the band has continued to write several new songs for our next album. We're almost ready to get back in the studio.
The Pier: Cool. So do you have a favorite place to play and why?
Eric: It's hard to say. We would still have to say Isla Vista. It gets crazy out there but it's still amazing every time. We also love to play in Hawaii. Some of our favorite venues in California are The Vault in Long Beach and The Independent in San Francisco.
The Pier: What are your plans for 2008? Can we expect to see Rebelution touring further around the USA?
Eric: We've added several dates in January all around California. We just found out that we'll be traveling to Aruba with our good friends Natural Incense to play a show out there with a band called Honeypot. We're getting a lot of love from Aruba right now and we're stoked to come out there and play for all the fans.
We are very excited to play with SOJA coming up in late January and early February. We will also be playing at several college campuses in the spring time. To tell you the truth, we're expecting an amazing year in 2008. Look for a new album mid 2008.
The Pier: Awesome. Final question, what is your favorite summer hangout destination and why?
Eric: Hawaii simply because it's beautiful out there.
The Pier would like to thank Eric for his time hanging out at The Pier.
To find out more about Rebelution check out:
You can also purchase and hear samples from Courage to Grow online here