Tag: The Riot

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Choose “Violence” With THE RIOT

After listening to “Violence”, the new track from Bundjalung Country/Gold Coast act THE RIOT, and I know you’re going to have an opinion. In a world where there’s a lot of forgettable music, these guys come out swinging. You might hate them or love them like I do, but you’re not going to sit on the fence.

“The guitar came out and Tyler and Gabe (Club Angel) went into a world of THPS (Tony Hawk Pro Skater). We had a few different choruses, but they weren’t feeling right. When we came up with the one you hear on the finished track we knew we had completed the song… that’s until Tyler decided he needed an extra riff at the end,” the band explained. “The tempo change worked out perfectly and glued the song together exactly how it needed. Then JD jumped on with a 1 take freestyle at the end and the song was complete.”

“Violence” comes from THE RIOT’s HAPPY TEARS! EP, which drops tomorrow. They’ll play shows in the East Coast capitals to support its release. THE RIOT say this song “feels even better live,” so if you like what you hear on the record, you won’t want to miss these gigs.

5 May 2023 – OAF Gallery, Eora/Sydney
6 May 2023 – Bad Decisions, Naarm/Melbourne
20 May 2023 – Warehouse Party, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

THE RIOT Vent With “PISSED”

Crank up that volume, because there’s only one way to listen to THE RIOT’s current single “PISSED”: loud! This track is an explosion of aggressive funk rock, with distorted guitars, electronic beats, and searing lyrics calling out the fakers.

THE RIOT says “this song is about the difference between the leeches and the creatures.” The film clip pays tribute to the satirical videos of artists including Busta Rhymes, Beastie Boys, Blink-182 and D12.

“We really wanted to make a video for ‘PISSED’ that would show the humorous side in situations where we would be pissed off,” they explained. “We also wanted to pay homage to some of our favourite moments and styles of the ‘90s so we got together with our friends Call [Ellet] and Bowen [Hopper, from flouressence] to help bring our vision to life.”

Despite the challenging climate, THE RIOT are doing their best to soldier on with their current tour. Here are the remaining dates:

7 January 2022 – Vic on the Park Hotel, Sydney
14 January 2022 – Laundry Bar, Melbourne
21 January 2022 – The Met Hotel, Toowoomba

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

THE RIOT Speak Out for the Marginalised with “See it Believe it”

The murder of George Floyd and subsequent protests around the world shone a light on the systemic racism BIPOC face every day. Brisbane trio THE RIOT give voice to the frustration many of us still feel with their latest single “See it Believe it.” The band’s Triple J Unearthed profile calls THE RIOT a rock band, but this single refuses to sit neatly in that box. With rap and hardcore influences, this is an anthem for the marginalised.

The press release insists “See it Believe it” isn’t a protest song in the traditional sense. It also notes that while BIPOC were at the front of the band’s minds, it’s for all persecuted people, including the LGBTQIA+ community, underpaid workers, women who feel diminished by society, and anyone who’s ever felt unseen. The song is accompanied by a music video directed by Xinger Xanger (aka Jordan Kirk).

“The music video captures the final feeling that ties this song together as a whole,” said frontman JD. “Jordan instantly shared the same vision as us and was able to portray it in a way we could have only wished for.”

It might seem strange to release a song like “See it Believe it” now, eight months after the events that sparked its creation. However, that’s no accident. The band’s message is clear: suffering is ongoing and something we should all keep at the front of our mind long after people stop using the hashtags.

THE RIOT will launch “See it Believe it” at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse in Burleigh Heads on April 23.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

THE RIOT Push the Envelope With “Same Blunt”

Strap yourself in for “Same Blunt,” the latest track from Victorian trio THE RIOT. It’s a high-energy mix of hip hop, reggae, rock, and punk, and I am here for it.

Like so much great music, the track came together in a single day over some weed and cheap beers. “It all started with that guitar riff you hear at the beginning of the song, then everyone threw in their own spice,” said lead vocalist JD.

Like their debut single “Dog in the Shade,” “Same Blunt” was produced by Matt Corby and Alex Henrikkson.

“[Henriksson] was really able to take our disjointed pieces and glue them together,” JD confirmed.

I don’t know about you, but as we await those U.S. election results this is just the type of revolutionary music I needed to hear today.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia; photo credit: Finnian Francis Mullen

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Megan Washington, Matt Corby & More For Brisbane Bushfire Fundraiser

Fire Fight Australia and Down to Earth: A Fire and Climate Relief Concert may have sold out in a red hot minute, but there are still tickets available for a host of fantastic bushfire fundraisers. One of the best that I wanted to put on your radar is Raise ‘Em Up, a Brisbane show aiming to raise $100,000 for the fire relief efforts.

The bill is stacked with local talent including Megan Washington, Matt Corby, The Kite String Tangle, Asha Jefferies, Ngaiire, and The Riot. These artists will donate their time to the event, ensuring 100% of all ticket, bar, and merch takings can be divided between Red Cross and WIRES.

“Both WIRES and the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal are hugely worthy causes and we hope that throwing this Raise ‘Em Up show provides people another way to support their critical work,” explained The Tivoli’s co-owner and creative director, Dave Sleswick.

“In return, we promise a jam-packed evening of live music which will kick off from 5pm with food trucks, a car park party and a great community raffle also taking place.”

Raise ‘Em Up hits The Tivoli on January 25. Tickets are all general admission and ranging from $50 to $200, so you can donate as much or as little as your budget allows and still see the show. Get yours from Ticketmaster while you can!

Image used with permission from Aruga