WITH their eyes set on a prosperous 2018, Edinburgh-based quartet Rituals are raring to get out there and show everyone what they’re made of. After spending some time behind closed doors, honing their craft and sharpening up their live show, the band are preparing to set King Tut’s alight this Thursday as headliners of an exciting line-up put together by BBC Music Introducing. Ahead of the big show, TTV caught up with drummer Craig to hear more about the band, Thursday night and what lies in store for the year ahead.
“We’ve got a fair bit in the works in terms of recording and putting stuff out but we’re mainly hoping to get back on the gig scene and just start playing again as much as possible. We’re all really enjoying playing together at the moment and have spent a lot of time refining the live set so just looking forward to getting out there and letting people hear it.”
Officially formed in 2016, Rituals may be familiar to some at a quick glance. Rising from the ashes of two of Edinburgh’s most popular cult bands of the last ten years, The Merrylees and The Stagger Rats, the quartet have learned from past experience and now find themselves in a stronger position than ever before; particularly if last year’s Redeemer EP is anything to go by. Darker, moodier and more self-assured than anything that came before it, it was an enthralling introduction to the band which indicated an intriguing future ahead.
“We were all pretty young when we were in other bands and I think we were all feeling at a bit of a loss when we had a break from it for a while; I wouldn’t really say that we’ve matured through that but I think we’ve learned a lot that’s given us a better approach and a better outlook in terms of what we’re doing musically with the new band. Ultimately I think we’re just making better music off the back of it.”
In all their time in music though, what is the best piece of advice they have ever received? “We were in a pub with Richard Hawley once, we’d all had a fair bit to drink but he kept making a fist and saying if you punch like this it’ll do damage, he then went on to throw punches but with the odd finger sticking out… the analogy being that you’re stronger together or you should always stick together (or something along those lines). Maybe not the best advice we’ve been given but definitely the most memorable.”
“Out with that I think it’s just important to not take the whole thing too seriously… you’re having fun doing what you love with your best mates at the end of the day”
It seems as though the four-piece are doing exactly that. With a new lease of life and desire to perform, the band’s return to the live scene at Sneaky Pete’s as part of January’s Independent Venue Week received a rapturous response and they hope that Thursday’s show will go down just as well with a receptive Glasgow crowd. Craig told us what fans can expect when they grace the King Tut’s stage.
“I suppose every band thinks what they’re doing is different but I think we’re combining a few influences and offering a sound that a lot of other bands aren’t really doing at the moment.
We’re all getting a huge buzz of playing live just now as well, maybe more than we ever have done; I think that comes across and gives people something to take away when they see us live. There’s definitely enough there for people who come to enjoy it and get something out of it.”
A gig at King Tut’s has become a rite of passage for any Scottish band rising through the ranks and Rituals understand the importance of these small grassroots venues in giving artists like themselves a platform to perform in front of new crowds: “The independent venues are probably ‘the’ most important thing for bands, especially for new bands starting out as well as up & coming bands and touring bands. Without them there wouldn’t be anywhere for bands to build or create a fan base that allows them to progress to playing the larger venues. It is worrying seeing the rate at which there closing down; In Edinburgh for example there’s been at least 3/4 venues that have closed down in the last year or so. Hopefully with more exposure and events like ‘Independent Venue Week’ we’ll see some sort of turnaround. It’s really up to the public though to keep these places going by investing time in going to see local bands and really helping support the local music scene and venues in general.”
Whilst Glasgow is often highlighted for its thriving music scene, Rituals are flying the flag for the capital. Edinburgh has produced its fair share of exciting talent in recent years and the band are keen to shine a light on some of their favourite acts: “Callum Easter is by far our favourite local artist at the moment. ‘Feelings Gone’, his first single is a good starting point for getting into it.
It’s not a band but James Page (Jimmy Jazz) & The Church of Gloss is an interesting artist that’s worth checking out as well. He does a lot of great artwork but he’s currently leading the way in stone stacking. He held the first ‘European Stone Stacking Championship’ in Dunbar last year and is at the World Championships in the states at the moment. He’s our good mate and does some driving for us as well; he’s the guy in our video for ‘Redeemer’, our last single.
We also recently played with a new band called ‘SHEE’, not sure if they have anything out at the moment but definitely worth keeping an eye on for future releases. Young Fathers is an obvious one as well, we’re all big fans of their stuff.”
Inspired by those around them and propelled by a newfound drive and ambition, Rituals have a lot to get excited about.
“The end goal is just to get back to gigging regularly. We’ve been recording a lot over the last year and working with (The Coral’s) James Skelly as well so just looking at the best options for putting it all out; potentially an album later in the year or a few more EP’s but we’ll be releasing as much music as possible either way.”
Rituals play King Tut’s for BBC Introducing on Thursday 8th March alongside Black Cat Revue, The Twisted Melons and Bluebirds. Get your tickets here.
