What is your name?
Dan from Red Light Runner
What is your genre of music?
British Alt Rock / Power Pop
Give us a little bio about you.
We’re a Four Piece from Kent, UK – Dan (Vox/Guitar), Russell (Guitar), Lee (Bass/Vox) and Harry (Drums). We’ve been about in various forms since 2006.
What made you go in to music?
We all have a passion for music and have been in bands for as long as I can remember. We love watching shows and discovering new bands as much as we enjoy playing.
Are you signed?
We’re signed to Engineer Records in the UK.
You have released your new single ‘Breaking Out’, tell us more about the single.
‘Breaking out’ is the first single from the forthcoming EP, ‘Under the Weather’, due for release this Summer through Engineer Records. Engineered by Charles Lancefield at Black Cat Studios, it is the first new material from us in over two years and the first with our new drummer Harry.
What is the meaning behind the single?
Breaking Out is all about understanding that no matter how bad things seem at the time, there are always better times around the corner if you put yourself out there. This theme is prominent throughout the new EP, symbolising the end of various chapters in our lives and the beginning of new ones.
Describe the track in two words.
Upbeat vibes!
What was the writing process like?
This song came together quickly at rehearsal based on a loose structure that I had kicking around. The lyrics are representative of a transitional period in my life which took me a while to get my head around.
What was the recording process like?
We tracked the whole EP in my lounge and the garage of our friend and producer Charles Lancefield. It’s the first time we’ve released a DIY record and we really enjoyed the process and how it came out; it feels raw and energetic which is reminiscent of our live sound.
Who did you work with on the single?
Our friend Charles recorded, mixed and mastered all of the tracks.
We also see a video for the track, tell us all about the planning and making process.
The video stemmed from an idea that Russell had to utilise popular snapchat filters. It has divided opinions; some people think it’s funny, some think it’s stupid and others find it terrifying. Either way it’s got people talking.
Who did you work with on the video?
No one. We recorded the sections in our rehearsal room on our phones and I edited it. DIY rules!
Will we see an EP or Album and if so, what can we expect?
Yes, the ‘Under the Weather’ EP is due out in the next few weeks.
Do you have any shows coming up?
Our next show is with our pals in Slackrr at the end of September.
If so where will you be heading?
It’s a local show for us, in Folkestone Kent.
What else can we expect in 2019?
We’ll be looking to put on a small Launch Show when the physical copies of the EP arrive, following that we’ll be playing more shows to promote the new release. “
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
Not at present, would love to work with some of the other very talented acts we are lucky enough to have in Kent though.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
As per above, absolutely. Drop us a message on our Facebook page or an email at redlightrunneruk@gmail.com.
Do you play any instruments?
We all play instruments!
Who are your influences?
Jimmy Eat World, The Get Up Kids, Saves The Day, Coheed and Cambria, Blink 182 and The Gaslight Anthem definitely all have an influence on our sound.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
From listening to other bands usually, we come up with ideas at rehearsal which often turn into songs. Lyrically it tends to be how I’m feeling and what’s happening in my life at the time.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Doing what we do now but with greyer and less hair!
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
Harry teaches Drums, Lee loves cars, Russell does muddy assault courses and I have just started getting into printing merchandise.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
On a personal note, it would have been something from Dookie by Green Day. That was the record that really got me into guitar music.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Might be a cliché but treat people how you would want to be treated is something I say to my kids a lot and try and adhere to myself.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Do it because you enjoy it, and if you don’t enjoy it anymore stop doing it. Otherwise what’s the point?
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
As per above, treat people how you would want to be treated, if you do that you can’t go far wrong.
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
For music The Harp Restrung, for good vibes there are a couple of good bars called The Chambers and Jam Jar Music Cafe, The Harbour Arm is great in the summer – with lots of pop up bars and eateries as well as live music.
Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first? Home!
2/ Who do you see first? Our families
3/What do you eat first? Whatever is in the house probably
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Spare strings and picks, set list, the merch box, to engage with and watch other bands on the bill, to enjoy yourself!
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – just search for redlightrunneruk. We also have a Bandcamp page where you can download our entire back catalogue.
