It’s that time of year where we set out to interview as many of the Sophie, New Blood, and Jager bands as we can in the lead-up to one of the most anticipated festivals of the year, Bloodstock. Answering our questions here are RipTide who play the New Blood Stage on Thursday.
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
Adam: RipTide are from Huddersfield UK but Jason is the only true Yorkshireman! Sean is from Kettering and I’m from the Midlands. But we both have lived in Yorkshire for many years so we feel as though this is our home.
How long have you been playing together as a band?
Adam: We have been playing as a band since 2018, but we knew each other and rehearsed together a little before that.
Where does the name of the band come from?
Adam: The name really came out of nowhere – we wanted something that was short, snappy and people could upon the first time hearing the name – we wanted it to not really mean to much – the brainstormed a ton of names and RipTide seemed to fit perfectly!
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Describe your music. What makes you unique?
Adam: I wouldn’t say we are a stereotypical neo-thrash band – we like build ups, fast thrashy riffs, guitar solos and breakdowns to create dynamic. I’d describe it as a bit of a rollacoaster ride.
What’s your live show like? Why are people going to watch you instead of another band?
Sean: We provide music for all metalheads. Our classic thrash metal roots mixed with modern metal influences allows all lovers of Metal music to headbang and mosh to a RipTide set.
Have you been to Bloodstock before? What did you think?
Adam : Neither me or Sean has ever been bloodstock, but from what we have heard it is awesome! We cannot wait to get there and see it!
Jason: I first went to Bloodstock indoor back in 2006. Since then, it has been great to see the festival grow to what it has become now, but whilst somehow still retaining the feel of togetherness between the festival and the fans. This has especially shown this year, with how everyone has come together through a pretty hectic time to make sure we have something to enjoy this summer. I haven’t been to Bloodstock recently, but am over the moon to be returning this year, and absolutely blown away to have to chance to be a part of an immense lineup. Bring it on!
Which M2tM region did you win, or did you come through other channels?
Adam: We applied directly to Bloodstock and were lucky enough to be selected so eternally grateful to Simon Hall and his team for giving us this opportunity.
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Can you put into 10 words or fewer how it felt when you realised you were heading to Bloodstock?
Adam: “Absolutely Stoked!” We have been striving to get to bloodstock for many years and to be a part of this years is just incredible!
What sort of setlist can we expect?
Adam: We have chosen a really strong, fast paced and aggressive set that shows what RipTide are about in as quick a time as possible! Y’all are gonna love it!
Which other bands do you most hope you’re not squished up next to so you can see them play?
Adam: Looking forward to seeing a whole bunch of bands, but I’m gonna try and catch Tortured Demons set if I can before ours!
Jason: Some of our good friends that we’ve met through gigging and work are playing the festival, so would be gutted to miss any of their sets.
What are you working on at the moment?
Adam: We have been working on a ton of stuff these past couple of months writing and recording…
Sean: I am focusing on completing the production of our long-awaited and highly anticipated debut EP!
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
Sean: Witnessing a multitude of maniacs stage-diving straight on to their heads at Rebellion, Manchester when we ed Annihilator in 2019!
What drink do you throw back to get yourself fired up before going on stage?
Adam: What I do is drink a bottle of water – then on stage have a Lucozade sport – then afterwards another bottle of water and then a nice cup of tea – SO METUL!
Sean: A bottle of water or a cold beer helps keep me focused!
Jason: usually just a nice cold beer to relax- depends if I’m the designated driver or not. Always followed up with plenty of water to keep me hydrated through the show, it’s important apparently…
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