What have been your
musical epiphany moments?
(Tom): It’s a bit hard to tell. Maybe the first time I heard
the albums “Paranoid” of Black Sabbath or “The Wall” by Pink Floyd. The first
time I heard The Devil's Blood was also very unique.
(Simon): The first time I heard a Deep Purple live record. I
could not stop going up the sound during “Fireball”. It's was the perfect
alliance between fineness and raw rock writing! Maybe also, the second time I
saw Magma live, I was sitting in the second row. It was just amazing.
Talk to us about the
song-writing process for you. What comes first, the idea? A riff? The lyrics?
How does it all fall into place?
(SIMON) : In general, everything comes from a riff or a set
of riffs that evoke a story, an atmosphere, a moment. We then work around this
raw idea that came to mind at first and build the story we want for the song.
Where do you look for
continuing inspiration? New ideas, new motivation?
(TOM) : Most of our current inspiration comes from books we
read or movies we watch. It can also come from local mythology or history. I’m
also interested in old occult literature from middle-age or high-fantasy books
from last centuries for instance.
Where'd the band name
come from?
(TOM) : Tolkien.
You have one chance,
what movie are you going to write the soundtrack for?
(Tom) : A movie based on Lovecraft's universe. Please
someone do this and ask us.
Tell us about playing
live and the live experience for you and for your fans?
(SIMON) : This is an entirely different aspect for us than
composition and studio work. We approach it in a very different way. Our goal,
during a live show, is to take the fans with us, in our stories. Seeing people
reacting to a riff, a chorus or a solo is extremely satisfying and reassuring
for us. This is a sign that we did our job well.
Tell us about the
first song you ever wrote?
(TOM) : I think it was “Necromancers”. It’s basically a
blues, man!
Who today, writes
great songs? Who just kicks your ass? Why?
(TOM) : The last time I had the chance to see Yob in
concert, they literally destroyed my mind. Their music is so powerful and
inspired. They are above many current bands. In a different way, I really liked
the last album of The Shrine “Rare Breed”. But it's very difficult, there are
so many good bands today.
(SIMON) : It's indeed difficult. I do not listen to a lot of
recent stuff. But to answer, the albums "Berlin" of Kadavar and “The Tower” of
Motorpsycho really pleased and surprised me a lot.
Vinyl, CD, or
digital? What's your format of choice?
(SIMON) : Audiotapes & Laserdiscs
Whiskey or
beer? And defend your choice.
(TOM) : Both of them because... Why to choose?
We, at the Ripple
Effect, are constantly looking for new music. What's your home town, and when
we get there, what's the best record store to lose ourselves in?
(TOM): We are currently based in Poitiers (West of France), but it changed
quite often in the past years. So let's say, if you get here, go to PLEXUS
RECORDS and LE TRANSAT. That’s where we go.
What's next for the
band?
(TOM) : Going on tour and release a new album. 2018 will be
a busy year, believe us!
Any final comments or
thoughts you'd like to share with our readers, the waveriders?
What happens to us right now, happens because fans were
there and supported us from the beginning! So thanks for everything & keep
reading!
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