The Riff Randells
Virus: Do you feel it's harder to get recognized in Canada on a national level because of how spread out the country is? Especially for tours...
Kathy: Um. I think in different regions it's easy to get recognized or known. But, yah, across the country it is really hard. It's so far to drive all the way across Canada. But, I think it's also because of the fact that there aren't that many people living here.
Virus: You're going on tour soon, what was the planning like, and where are you going?
Kathy: Well, this is the first tour I've ever booked, so I was totally freaked out about it! But, it's gone ok. I think it's because of the fact that I started booking it a long time ago, and because we've been across Canada twice, so some people remember us. I'm in school full time, so it's really hard to try to book a tour and study too. I guess I've been kind of crabby as a result. We are starting out in Calgary and going out to Montreal, then back through Detroit, Chicago and Minnepolis. That's IF we get across the border.
Virus: What have been your favorite tour stops?
Kathy: We always have a lot of fun in Montreal and Toronto.
Virus: So what's up with this contest from Umbrella?
Kathy: We are not sure yet...but I think we won 500 cds. It's really funny because I didn't even realize it was a contest, I just thought we got a chance to be the MP3 of the week or something. I should read fine print more often, but this time it was a good thing.
Virus: Do you think it is possible to schieve success through DIY?
Kathy: Depends on your definition of it I guess. Some people think getting paid to travel around with your friends is success, and others think it's in record sales or charts. So, yes I think it is possible. But most hardcore DIY kids don't want to succeed in a monetary way, I guess they just want their message spread or something? I don't know really.
Virus: What are your plans within the Riff Randells? Are you doing everything DIY?
Kathy: Well, we end up doing almost everything ourselves...but it is not a motto we live by. We just want to write good and fun songs and play them all over. I have a lot of respect for people that do everything themselves, but I don't think there is anything wrong with getting some help.
Oh, and our plans are to buy a van and make an LP. Our long term plans are to make it to Europe and Japan.
Virus: Any favorite local bands to play with?
Kathy: Not really, but if you're asking about bands around here that I like right now I'd say Female Health. They are my current faves.
Virus: Any favorite clubs to play?
Kathy: I like playing shows at the Picadilly Pub. It's a small narrow club, with a cool booking dude.