I spoke to Skarlett riot shortly after they performed on the Jaegermeister acoustic stage at this years Bloodstock to talk to them about the band and their plans.
Festivalphoto: OK for anyone who isnt familiar with Skarlett riot, can you tell us a bit about the band?
Tom: We’re an agressive hard rock band normally – obviously today was acoustic.
Skarlett: Four piece female fronted.
Festivalphoto: How did you find it today, doing an acoustic set?
Tom: It was brilliant. It was a change from what we normally do.
Festivalphoto: Was it difficult to prepare for it and make sure things worked acoustically?
Tom: We have been rehearsing like crazy – it’s something we don’t normally do. We’ve only ever played two acoustic sets ever, this was one of them and the last one was when we supported Breed 77
Skarlett: It was quite tight though
Tom: Yeah it was good, enjoyed doing it.
Festivalphoto: You have an EP available – Villain. Where can people get it from?
Tom: The usual – itunes, Amazon, and we’ve got the Skarlett riot bigcartel site where you can get hold of physical copies.
Festivalphoto: What’s the song writing process in the band – is it a collaborative thing or are there one or two main song writers?
Tom: Me and Skarlett tend to come up with the ideas, general ideas and then we’ll put it across to the guys and develop it from there. That tends to be the set way of doing it.
Festivalphoto: What are your inspirations for writing the lyrics?
Skarlett: That’s a question for me. All sorts really, previous life experiences I tend to write about. A lot of them are past experiences with guys, others are general life experiences. I take influences from many different bands – Shinedown, Halestorm, bands like that.
Festivalphoto: Have you got any Tour dates planned for later in the year?
Tom: Yes we’re going out on tour from the 18th August for two weeks then a few other bits after that.
Festivalphoto: Are you here all weekend to watch bands or are you heading home later?
Tom: No we’re doing a load of press stuff now then we’re heading off – we’ve got rehearsals to get back to up North, so we’re doing that.
Festivalphoto: What bands do you think have influenced your music?
Skarlett: Many different ones really, but for me Hard rock – Shinedown, Halestorm, but also going back to Joan Jett and the Blackhearts for me.
Tom: The same for me too but I also listen to the heavier stuff, Blessthefall – that kind of thing.
Danny: I’m the complete opposite – I like the more hardcore stuff – While she sleeps, Blessthefall, Asking Alexandria -the more heavier thing, but I do still listen to John Mayall and stuff, so anything that I’m in the mood for really.
Festivalphoto: Which do you prefer and why – CD or legal mp3 downloads ?
Tom: I’m definitely CD’s, always buy CD’s. I just like to have the physical thing there really
Skarlett: I prefer CDs too.
Festivalphoto: What was the last album you bought?
Tom: I think it was Mark Tremonti’s new one, the guitarist from Alter Bridge – it’s absolutely excellent.
Festivalphoto: It’s been a busy year for you with touring, playing Download and here. Are there any plans to record new material
Skarlett: Yes when we come off tour we’re going to be writing a load of new material. We’re hoping to release our album next year around March time, so we’re looking to record another six or seven new songs.
Festivalphoto: Thanks for your time.
