NZ MUSIC MONTH: Interview With Clap Clap Riot

Clap Clap Riot are finally getting set to release their very long awaited debut album later in the year. With the recent release of their brand new single 'Everyone's Asleep' and as part of our 2011 Music Month series we talked to frontman Stephen Heard about the new single, the upcoming new record and his thoughts on NZ Music Month.
 
You guys have been feverishly working on finishing your debut album. How has the recording process been, where did you do it and what can we expect from the new record?

We recorded the album over two weeks between York St and Studio 203 with Andrew Buckton. It was the week of the Christchurch earthquake so there were a few days spent between the studio and the TV. The tempos have slowed down a bit since our EP, one of the songs on that was around 210bpm. You can expect obnoxious guitars, loud drums, gang vocals, and weird noises.
 
The first single off the album, 'Everyone's Asleep', is out now. The song has a really nice 'dirty brit rock feel' to it and is a tune that we imagine is going to be a real 'belt your lungs out' kind of song when it’s played live. What's the song about?

The chorus of the song was accidentally written in the middle of the night once everyone had gone to sleep. The general idea of the song is based around a scenario of being by yourself and in your own world.


Clap Clap Riot - Everyone's Asleep

We really dig the video for 'Everyone's Asleep'. Where did you shoot the video and with who?

Our friends from Jet Black Cartel came up with the concept for the video and it was shot over two days between Woodlands Forest/Beach and their studio in the city.
 
Since taking out the 2008 MTV 'Kick-Start' competition you've been a band that has been on the fringe of the NZ Music scene but never really at the forefront. Do you think the new record is going to bring about a change to that and finally signal your move into the spotlight a bit more?

I think the record will move us in that direction to some extent and ideally open us up to a bigger fan base.

Clap Clap Riot - Don't Want Your Baby
 
Being NZ Music Month what do you think sets NZ bands apart from other artists around the world? Do you think NZ Music is on par with other countries or do you believe the naysayers who say we often simply recreate something that has already been done?

A lot of music from NZ is on par with the world, you don't have to go far to find good songwriting. With the amount of money put into some international acts it can be perceived that their music is better, money doesn't nesscearliy make hits but it can make someone look pretty. There are certainly a number of artists that mimic what they've heard from abroad, it's hard not to be influenced by something you enjoy but there's also a line between totally ripping something off and just taking influence.
 
As an artist why do you think NZ Music Month is important for music in this country?

Media outlets tend to loosen their belts and play more NZ music over the month so it brings the scene into the spotlight and can introduce people to new local music. It would be good to see music from NZ treated along the same lines all year long rather than just the one month.
 
Growing up which NZ bands were a big inspiration for you?

The D4 were a big influence on the band. I’m a big fan of Voom too.
 
Aside from releasing the new record what else does 2011 have in store for Clap Clap Riot?

Tour(s) and new songs.
 
If you could pick 3 songs off the new record that you're most proud of what would they be and why?

Two Track - This is the oldest song off the record. It's gone through a few face lifts but has managed to sound fairly similar to what it was originally. It would be the most relatable song to people familiar with our EP.
Moss Haired Girl - One of those songs that magically came to be. I'm still yet to hear the mix of it but I have a feeling it'll be pretty crazy.
Never Go Back - It's the ideal motorcycle riding song and tempo.


By Luke Winslade