Interview Answers

A recent interview I did with a fan who sent in his questions. If you guys are interested in knowing anything else just send your email to wolf@roninriot.com and I'll try my best to answer everything! Ask anything you want. Thanks!

> 1. when did you guys meet, and tell us how your name came about?
Every member of Ronin came from the same school; Victoria School. The best years of our lives really. But the funny thing is we never actually knew each other

in secondary school. We only formed when most of the others were in JC and everyone just wanted to form a rock band together. Initially, we all hated

each other's guts. We still hate each other's guts but it's very amiable and productive now! The name RONIN came about when Bang and Derryn were

deciding on the philosophy of the band. If you research on what the word RONIN actually means, you'll know that it follows through (and true) to what

we represent. We're all quite fucked up people but we do have a sense of humour and aren't afraid to laugh at ourselves. That's what works for us.

>
> 2. tell us more about your music influences.

Most of us listen to the classic rock stuff. Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Black Sabbath etc. Bang listens to a variety of things that go beyond

normal human comprehension. Sean digs Pink Floyd and the works, Derryn's into Metallica and Simon was into Canto Pop in the past. I'm a fan of KISS

and U2.

>
> 3. what do you think of the local music scene?
I honestly think that it's been striving and thriving a lot lately. There is a lot of interest amongst youths now; everyone wants to form a rock band and become

a rockstar these days. But the main problem with the local scene is the lack of foundation. Even if you're signed to a major label like Electrico, Pug Jelly or us,

you're still left to fend for yourselves in the media circus anyway. Bands are still in charge of their album production, video productioon, media exposure,

radio airplay etc. It's all VERY tedious and very hard work but few people realize that. The local music scene has a long ways to go, but it is getting there. But it's not gonna get any easier.

> 4. is there enough exposure for local artists? are you personally struggling
> for support?
There is sufficient exposure for local artistes, but it could be better. Radio is making efforts into giving more exposure to local music by making airplay much

more frequent. But for every step forward, there's always a mile ahead to go. The main problem is that nobody is yet willing to finance bands and their

marketing side. These things aren't mutually exclusive.

>
> 5. do you think the lack of support is due to the existence of music from
> overseas artists?
Our scene is still young by international standards. So as long as we keep the momentum up and keep the quality there, the support will come. Too many fuckers whine about the lack of exposure and do nothing about it. All bands should take that extra initiative to gain exposure if they don't have it.

> 6. do you think a competiton (e.g. school of rock) or a long-term project is
> better to promote local artists? any suggestions?

The thing about competitions is that they tend to be fads. They do support the scene and make it the new cool for a bit, but it is up to the bands themselves to keep the whole machine operating, the whole scene alive. Competitions are temporary solutions and they don't really promote a new level of support. They just give the band's families and friends a few weeks for something to cheer about before the popularity sizzles and fades. Kinda like Singapore Idol and the whole fucked up thing with Sylvester Sim the moron. The best long term solution to keeping the scene up is simply convincing the government bodies to push for bigger exposure, better venues, more publicized events, and to lay the groundwork for musicians to survive with their craft.

> 7. do you think locals should support local music? why?
Yes, they most definitely should; for the simple fact that it's easier to relate to a local musician than with 50 Cent singing about his 'ho girls', overweight american people talking about President Bush and Mariah Carey slutting herself. I'm not saying local bands should talk about Katong chicken rice, but somehow local musicians will be able to give a more accurate perspective of how our culture thinks and comment on it.

> 8. tell me how important you think it is to have a programme to promote
> local artists in Singapore.

It depends on the programme. If the programme is well produced, it's a definite gem and green light for local musicians,a and it'll help tons. But if local programmes are forever portraying musicians as the poor struggling musicians, the general public won't give a fuck. There's nothing to idolize and to look up to; only a sympathetic nod and a 'carry on you sad poor fuck' commentary. To push local music to new levels, the portrayal of local musicians needs to change for the better. Perception and first impressions are KEY to creating that buzz.

> 9. Any advice for young musicians?

Do what thou wilt, and just fucking never give up on your dreams and ambitions. Believe in yourselves and the world will believe in you. If anyone gives you shit, ignore them for now but plot your revenge later! haha!

> 10. plans for the future?

Rock n roll till my bones start to grind themselves to dust. Either that, or retire and start a cafe or start a label to help promote local bands in marketing and promotions.

> 11. if there is a gig held to promote local artists, will you be willing to
> perform?
Most definitely.