Rise To Remain Interview - Penrith 18/03/2011.
Interview by Aaron Wilson
Formed back in 2006 in London as a side project by guitarists Ben Tovey and Will Humer when still in school the band didn't start off too serious. ‘Halide' (the bands original name) were to become successful very quickly, being offered an opening slot on the third stage at the legendary Download festival the band were to change their name to ‘Rise to Remain'.
Touring endlessly in the UK and sharing the stage with Korn, Trivium, The Haunted, Bullet for my Valentine and Shadows Fall, Rise to Remain were to make an impressive impact.
Winning not only Best Newcomer at the Kerrang awards but also Best New Band at the Metal Hammer awards as well the band has had alot of hype within the metal scene. Not even signing a record contract and winning both accolades was a big achievement, it was only a matter of time though till they were snapped up by a record label.
Obviously there is the factor that lead singer Austin is the son of Iron Maiden lead singer Bruce Dickinson, in turn this would make Iron Maiden fans check out Rise to Remain to hear for themselves if the old saying is true "like father like son".
With only three EP's to their name and having just finished recording there first full length album with metal producing legend Colin Richardson heavy metal fans are waiting to see what Rise to Remain come up with next.
Freshly back from their stint on the Soundwave festival in Australia and newly signed to EMI records, Aaron Wilson speaks to lead singer Austin Dickinson and bassist Joe Copcutt before their live set supporting Funeral for a Friend at Penrith Leisure Centre.
How has the tour been so far for you guys?
Austin: The tour has been great it's been really good fun, we've never played Penrith before so we're really looking forward to seeing what this town is like.
How does it feel to be signed to EMI records?
A: It feels exactly as it sounds, it's great and an honour, the label has been around for years and it's had a big history and a big role to play in the music industry itself. To be signed to such a label as that it's a massive honour and we can't wait to start working with them.
Were you approached by any other record labels or was it just EMI?
Joe: Yeah there was a few in the mix and we were just waiting around for the great deal to come along and that we were all happy with and felt was right. It took a while as alot of things had been pushed back but it's worth waiting out for in the long run and finding what is right for us. So EMI feels really good and we've only been with them for a week and already it's been going well.
So you've finished recording the full length album so tell me a little bit about it?
A: A band like us we really pride ourselves on being proficient in each of our given parts. It's fast, its heavy, it's competent but it's not over bearing. I really don't know how to describe it, every track is so different it's hard to encompass it in a sentence but it's vast for sure and we are very happy with it.
Do you have an album title and release date?
A: We can't announce it yet no it's a secret.
J: It's released around September but there is no exact date yet.
How was working with Colin Richardson because obviously he's a big producer?
J: Yeah it was great, it was a dream come true because we've all listened to Colin Richardson albums our whole lives like growing up from all our favourite bands. Everything got mixed or produced by Colin so it was an absolute dream and he's great, we absolutely love him.
A: It's fantastic.
J: It was a great vibe we were working in a studio up in Chesterfield and it's just cut off from the world and it's got great Derbyshire scenery which is great to look at.
So what is next for you guys after this tour?
A: Next, so far we have been confirmed and announced for Sonisphere festival and for Download festival in the UK and Gaspop in Belgium. We've got alot of other things ‘TBA' and obviously the album is coming out. So there will be alot of things in the run up and we'll be up on our feet for most of the year, keeping it busy and keeping it real.
Do you have anything to say to your fans?
J: Play bowls fans.
A: Guys you heard it from Rise to Remain if there is one sport that we feel is the real gentlemen's sport, the thing that encompasses all that you need to encompass as a man such as Tweedy McTweederson over here, it's fucking bowls.
