Run Into The Night – band interview

Last year, Run Into the Night announced a change to their line-up with Ellie moving on to pastures new and her seat at the drum kit being taken by the sartorially elegant Androo. I had the opportunity to catch up with Christina and Androo at the turn of the year to talk about the future for Run Into the Night

Line Up Changes

The Ginger Quiff: Before I ask about the new line up and plans for the future, I’d like to look back. Christina, tell us about some of your highlights so far with Run Into the Night and Ellie on drums?

Christina: There are so many! Like our first photoshoot when we ran out of petrol, got lost with no phone signal, found the photographer hours later and managed to get some really nice photographs of us standing by a fire with smoke blowing around everywhere, surrounded by trees and stars.

Also, me and Ellie spent many hours driving on tour which involved some bizarre conversations, weather and stunning landscape. We had some great times together!

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TGQ: Some people will already know about how close you and Androo are. For those who don’t know, tell us a bit about your background and previous musical endeavours together. Was Androo the obvious choice to replace Ellie?

C: Yes, Androo and myself have been close friends for years! We are both ambitious, open to experimenting with sounds and connect as musicians. Every now and then, we would get in the studio together for fun or to collaborate on ideas so when I was on the hunt for a new drummer, I immediately knew that it had to be Androo. The idea of writing music, performing and traveling together is exciting as we spend a lot of time together already as friends (before COVID).

Androo: We met after crossing paths at a bunch of local punk shows 8 or so years ago, mostly that Christina was playing. We started a band together that went on for a few years, played some really cool shows, dipped our toes into the water of making music videos, but called it a day when it had run it’s course. In my next (and current) perpetually bassless band, I got Christina to fill in for a few shows, and guest on a few recordings, which was super fun.

Before joining RITN, I’d been doing the roadie bit, and also helped out with some drum arrangements. I’ve been in the studio with both Christina and Ellie separately, helping out with the groundwork of a few songs. Usually it was a riff or hook that Christina had where she wasn’t sure where to go with it, so I’d give her a rhythm/feel and she worked on it from there. As we’ve known eachother for so long, we’re fairly in tune musically so it’s pretty natural to get a good feel for songs together, like getting back together with your old highschool sweetheart 😉

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Plans for 2021

TGQ: Assuming it is still too early to talk about playing live given the current circumstances, what are your plans for 2021?

C: RITN are a touring band and we have an amazing booking agent Terri (Beating Hearts Agency) from Brighton who will be there to help us plan our next tours in 2022. Due to the current restrictions in place, this seems like a realistic timescale to hit the road again as the restrictions are also holding us back in terms of getting in the studio together, recording and photoshoots which are all important part of promotion, especially with Androo joining. There is a lot change happening and we just cant wait till we can get the ball rolling again.

A: Getting back in the studio and writing as many songs as possible together. My initial hope was that since we couldn’t gig, we could get stuck into writing, but doing it online takes a lot of the spontaneity and vibes out of it, so progress is slow. If we get to gig towards the end of the year, it’ll be a split of old and new tracks in the set. with a bit of a me-sounding twist on them!

C: Yes, our only gig for 2021 is with Electric 6 at The Liquid Rooms which is going to be amazing! We just really hope that this will go ahead, however if it is rescheduled, it will be worth the wait.

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TGQ: I’ve asked you before about recording and releasing an album. I know cost is prohibitive, and one of the reasons you are more of a singles and live band. What would need to happen to create the perfect storm enabling you to release an album?

A: The perfect storm may already be coming, fingers crossed! We have a really cool concept for an album that we’re very excited to get stuck into. Time and funds are always a hurdle, so nothing is set in stone yet, but we’ll see how it goes.

C: Yes, RITN have never released a full length album before because the time wasn’t really right, if that makes sense? However, I have a strong concept album idea that I have discussed with Androo and together we both feel we can really do something unique. Androo’s drum style is an interesting combination of genres which is similar to me. This album would involve research, learning new tricks and putting our own spin on it! I want to pour my soul into this project and no better person to do it with than Androo.

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TGQ: Vinyl is on the resurgence, but again it is expensive, would you consider any form of crowd funding an album in advance?

A: I haven’t tried the crowdfunding route in a band before, but I’m game for it as long as the people paying in are getting their moneys worth. I was a big fan and supporter of Pledge Music in it’s prime, with studio diaries and the like, before it all went to shit.

C: I am the same as Androo, I have never tried crowdfunding but this could be the perfect opportunity to help us release an album on vinyl. I’m a vinyl collector and there is something very beautiful about having a physical release in your hands with artwork , lyrics and a theme throughout the record.

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TGQ: Spotify – corporate tool to rip off musicians and line executives pockets or easy and simple way to promote music?

A: It’s a necessary evil, as there’s little money in recorded music for small bands. It’s cool when people buy your music, but now I see it as a promotional tool to sell everything else; gig tickets, merch etc. Best to embrace it. I still buy digital albums from small bands I love, but will usually stream it on top of that.

C: I also see Spotify as a promotional tool for people to discover new bands on playlists etc but not as a way to make any money to fund the release itself. I also don’t feel that Spotify is an accurate way to manage how many ‘listeners’ you have these days as more and more bands are paying money to get onto certain playlists with thousands of listeners a day.

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Collaboration Wishlists

TGQ: After supporting Goodbye Mr Mackenzie in 2019 you recorded a single with Martin Metcalfe. If you could collaborate with anyone in 2021, who would it be and why?

C: I would like to work with Martin again, it was a really nice experience and I am also open to collaborate with other musicians that I feel a connection to in terms of music. It’s a great song writing process when you bounce an idea back and forth a couple of times till the end result turns out sounding very different to your initial idea! Working with other musicians forces you to challenge yourself which is why me and Androo working together will be very interesting!

A: My favourite songwriter is probably Ginger Wildheart, so I’d love us write some music with him. Michael Monroe, Courtney Love, Backyard Babies, and his whole solo career, so much interesting stuff in there.

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Favourite duos and albums of 2020

TGQ: Who are your favourite musical duos?

C: I REALLY love CULTS who are technically a song-writing duo however get other musicians to join them live. For me CULTS are different, they stand out and don’t really fit into typical genres which is what I really admire about them. I’m all for not fitting in, haha.

A: Really into TTRRUUCES after hearing their debut album last summer. They’re a 2-piece, but as a live band are more of a collective, which might be a fun vibe to experiment with. Same goes for The Avalanches. I’m also really liking Cobra Man, will be keeping an eye on them.

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TGQ: What were your favourite albums and songs from 2020 and what releases are you looking forward to in 2021?

C: I’m really excited for any new The Distillers, Black Honey, Marmozettes, Calva Lousie and The Big Moon releases and I’m also VERY excited to hear that 90s hell raisers The Lunachicks from New York are getting back together for some live performances! They are a band that I would do anything to see live, if they release music too, that would be a big bonus!

A: TTRRUUCES, Kvelertak, Creeper and The Beths put out some amazing albums last year. The Dirty Nil just released a new album and I’m completely smitten with them.. Looking forward to more music from Violet Soda. A lot of releases seem to be in limbo as the touring cycles have been sadly knocked back, so I’m not sure what else is on the way.

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Challenges and Hopes for 2021

TGQ: I can’t ignore the elephant in the room and the impact of COVID 19 on music and the arts. What are the challenges you see for bands like you and what changes do you think need to happen to ensure a future for up and coming bands and a live music scene for bands who aren’t part of the establishment?

A: Small bands like us who do this for the love of it as a side hustle will hopefully get back to business as usual. Financial support for the small venues and studios is vital, as without them, a lot of bands have nowhere to go. Bands that are at the level of this being their main income, I really sympathise and hope thy can pull through.

The support has been abysmal, and there is a real fear of parts of the arts dying. I sincerely hope there’s a real resurgence of underground music once gigs are possible again. We’re just gonna roll with the punches. I can see our gig with Electric Six in December being our first show of the year, which is not a bad way to start!

C: I’m not going to lie, I’m worried about underground venues and bars, you don’t know what one will still be standing by the end of the COVID pandemic. Also, the psychological effect it has had on musicians and bands who tour full time. Androo and myself have full time jobs and have worked throughout the full pandemic so we have been okay but I just hope that everyone is doing okay and that we all remain positive.

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TGQ: What are your hopes and dreams for the future – do you have any New Years Resolutions?

C: Haha, I actually have a few! I work and study a part time degree at University so I have been using the extra time to focus on this however my main goals for 2021 is to focus on my fitness, cycling and spending more time in nature. This has kept me strong, positive and improved my mental health throughout the pandemic.

I also CAN’T WAIT to give RITN much needed attention with fresh new ideas and music! Another goal is to push myself as a musician, learn new styles and genres and try writing music using new techniques!

A: Share the stage with as many heroes as possible, play some far flung shows further afield and beyond (although that’ll likely be into next year), and focus on an album. I’m also hoping to drag Christina to Japan so we can play some shows!

I don’t know if it counts as a resolution, but I’ll be hugging and partying with my friends as much as possible after all this, it’s been miserable only seeing them through a phone screen.

C: Androo and myself share many of the same friends and I have to say, speaking to our friends in a big group chat every day, sharing our highs and lows has been a great support network for all of us. We just can’t wait to see everyone again and for anyone who is feeling isolated during the pandemic, reach out to your friends and family. You are not alone <3

TGQ: I think that is a great quote from Christina to end on. Keep in touch with friends and family and stay safe, there is plenty to look forward to when this eventually all passes and things return to something at least resembling some sense of normality.

Thanks a million to Christina and Androo for taking the time out to answer these questions. I’m looking forward to the day I get to see you both live and buy you a pint. The promise of a Run Into the Night album at some point excites me too.

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