A Quick Chat with Ra Ra Viper

CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR INSPIRATION FOR ‘BIG SPEAK’ ALBUM? 

The later part of last year we all decided that it was really important to produce a full body of work. This was largely for two reasons, the fact we had been playing for so long (5 years)  and had not yet done it and secondly we were also was inspired by the success and exposure that other Australian bands were getting on  releasing “Albums” over EP’s/Singles. 

We also felt that it was important as an  album would allow us to further explore our sound, with to goal to make less bright surf pop and transition cautiously into a note heavy over driven post punk . 

WHAT ARE YOUR INFLUENCES AND HOW DO THEY AFFECT YOUR SONGWRITING? I 

Definitely heavily inspired by the post punk sound of both Fontaines D.C and Idles as well as some secondary inspiration from Australian Punk Rock bands such as Bad Dreems and Amyl and the Sniffers. In the way of songwriting it pretty much meant just a lot more emphasis was put on Guitar structure to not only bring them to the forefront of the mix but to also to destroy the tones a bit with some fun pedals and effects.

 WHAT’S THE CREATIVE PROCESS LIKE FOR YOU? 

The creative process has always basically been the same. Put some rough demos together at our house in Hammy Hill, jam them live together to see what actually feels fun. Re Jig Demos so that they better reflect what we were practicing In our rehearsal space and then pull the trigger and record it. I slight difference on this album is that we were doing a lot of the “jamming” stage in front of Andy Lawson (Debasser Studios) so that he could add his very valued insight before songs had become to structured and fragile to change 

IF YOU COULD CHANGE SOMETHING ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE? 

I hand on heart wished more small to mid size Aussie bands included Perth on their tours. After being lucky enough attend some more diverse scale events such as Big Sound, Ice Breaker Fest and a couple of Spaced Out Festivals we have been lucky to see some of the most amazing and energetic live performances from other smaller scale bands eg. empty threats, belair lip bombs and Adam Newling. I know it’s driven by external factors such as flight costs, ticket volatility and there not being a whole lot more near Perth (show wise). 

But I do think the Perth music scene is such a welcoming and supportive place that often gets so excited the minute a up and coming east coast band puts a local show on (recent examples was - full flower moon band, grace cummings and party dozen all put on the sickest thing packed out shows)

WHAT DO YOU THINK LIFE WOULD BE LIKE FOR YOU IF YOU DIDN’T HAVE MUSIC AS AN OUTLET? 

It would be incredibly grim, we’re all getting a little bit older and busier with work and families these days which you would think would drag us away from music. But because music is our release, in a weird way the more stressful life gets the more we lean towards each other and the music…  I think without each other and the band we would be a hell of lot more depressed and boring.

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WANT TO MAKE A CAREER FOR THEMSELVES IN THE INDUSTRY?

Give it a red hot crack !! If you doing it cause you genuinely love being on stage, writing songs or simply singing to strangers that’s all that matters and you’re already pretty much there. Making a career of it… that I’m not to sure as i haven’t done that yet, but I do find it amazing that we get paid to travel with our mates to literally hang out have a few drinks and play a few songs up on stage . 

WHO’S THE MOST INTERESTING PERSON YOU’VE WORKED WITH/MET? 

We have gotten to meet so many people throughout the journey ! From touring regional WA the Vanns, airport chats with Marlon Williams to even having a chat back stage with Ben Lee in Byron Bay. The coolest person we have ever met was Annie Hamilton in Sydney ! Whilst not the biggest name on the list she was genuinely one of the artists we had on loop when we decided to give the whole band thing a crack. She inspired the foundation of our early sound, and still heavily inspires us today ! Not only was it so sick to take the thing full circle and actually meet her but proud to say we now consider her a friend and make an effort to catch up with Annie when she is out west !! 

ANY UPCOMING SHOWS?

 So many fortunately 

• if ya on the cheap we have a national Album tour starting this week in freo and heading to Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane. Ullah will be joining us at all shows and is absolutely insane live.

• if you pocket is a little bit heavier. We playing some pretty insane festivals over the summer, You & Me festival, spaced out, party In the paddocks, yours and owls l. Literally can’t wait 

RA RA VIPER BIG SPEAK NATIONAL TOUR
NOVEMBER 15 | THE NIGHT CAT, MELBOURNE
NOVEMBER 16 | JIVE, ADELAIDE 
NOVEMBER 28 | OXFORD ART FACTORY, SYDNEY
NOVEMBER 29 | THE BRIGHTSIDE, BRISBANE
TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE