Brisbane rockers Red On Red will reveal their debut album, ‘Providencia’, in August and the band couldn’t be happier.
“We’re pumped, we’re really excited about it,” says bassist Justin Scobie. “We think it’s come out pretty good and the sound is good. We’re really pushing for a bit more of a polished, commercial sound, but still with a bit of an indie feel.
“It was a bit of an old-fashioned way of recording [combined] with the modern techniques; we wanted to feel the energy all together then come back and polish off and overdub a few of the guitars and vocals. We’re very confident about it.”
Red On Red released their first, self-titled EP in 2009 followed by a number of singles. Their forthcoming album is the result of their recent experiences writing and playing in Los Angeles, where they tread the stages of iconic venues like Whiskey A Go Go and The Viper Room. “We went to LA a few years ago and our first show was at the Whiskey A Go Go,” Justin says.
“I used to play a game with our guitarist where we’d name the bands of the stages we’ve played on. For example, we’d play the Mansfield Tavern and be chatting to the manager, and he’d say, ‘did you know The Offspring played here?’ and that was a thing we’d play. “That game ended that day when we played at Whiskey A Go Go because, well: Guns & Roses, Mötley Crüe, The Doors and Led Zeppelin; once you played that stage, it was pointless trying to play that game anymore,” he laughs.
‘Providencia’ was released this month and will be followed by the official launch in Brisbane as part of the ‘Damage Control #5’ event. Justin says the band is already working on new material for a follow-up record, while vocalist Bonnie is excited for fans to hear what Red On Red have accomplished. “The album isn’t even out yet and we’re already talking about doing another one in the next 12 months,” Justin says.
“So we’ve got plenty of new songs coming along and we’re constantly writing and challenging ourselves. We’ve had a few cheeky shows just to test the waters and we’ve got a few key fans who want to hear the songs to get to know them,” Bonnie adds. “For some of them it will be brand new and for others they’ve only heard a couple of the songs, so we’re looking forward to it.”
There’s no sign of Red On Red slowing down, with plans already in motion for more local shows later this year, as well as more recording and perhaps even an overseas adventure or two heading into 2017. “We’re doing the [‘Providencia’] launch in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane,” Justin says.
“Then we’re planning on playing a few local shows around Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast towards the back half of the year and work on some new material. We’re currently talking about perhaps at the end of this year taking a week and playing some shows in Japan.
“Then next year, maybe towards the middle, we’d like to get back to The States and also head to Canada. We’re just talking about that at the moment, but that’s the plan for the next six months of the year. We might also record a few more singles or an EP before the end of the year, so there’s plenty happening for us.”
Red On Red launch ‘Providencia’ at New Globe Theatre (Brisbane) 19 August.
