Interview: The Wake With The Ritualists
Written by Lindsey V. Britt / Photo by RP
New York’s Gothic Art Rock band The Ritualists has recently released their new album Too Pure To Cure, which includes “The Plastic Crusade,” “You Know Better,” and “King of Air.”
What first got you into music?
I know it sounds cliché’ but I’m not sure of anything in particular. I was born with a love of music and always saw myself as a performer. I also had older sisters who introduced me to bands, but I was always drawn to hearing more and more new stuff.
How did the band get started?
Jeffrey Andrews (keyboardist) and I have been together the longest. We’ve always shared a common love of post punk & dark psychedelia. We wanted a band that reflected this vision. Upon securing our first record deal, we added David Andreana on guitar. Eric Kuby, our drummer, is the newest member, who joined the band shortly after we released “Baroque & Bleeding” on Suite484 Records.
What led to naming the band The Ritualists?
It was actually during a conversation with a clever friend of mine who is a music fanatic. He mentioned that attending a recent concert was like being in church, with all the sorts of rituals, pomp and communal elements you’d find at a mass. I thought to myself, “I agree!” I think The Ritualists name plays on this idea of music being something sacred to so many, and more than just sound.
You’ve just released your new album Too Pure To Cure, how excited are you for fans to finally hear the album?
We are really excited to get this one to the masses. It is actually the first record we’ll be releasing that isn’t somehow (fingers crossed) impacted by COVID! Within weeks of our first release, the lockdowns started. Our second album was recorded during the lockdown. So, this was a refreshing process. We all tracked together in the gorgeous Clive Davis Studios.
What is your favorite song on the new album?
Mine is “The Wake.” It was the last one we recorded and I insisted it be included on the album. I think that it is a slightly poppier direction for the band, but still retains our essence. I’d say we’ve managed to keep our souls intact. The elements of who we are still resonate, but I think it is just more accessible and it successfully captures the four of us in a room, rocking. The song deals with adversity and my admiration for people who overcome it.
My favorite song off the album is “1000 tears”, where did the inspiration for that song come from?
I’m glad you like it! Interestingly, I don’t think I would’ve written “The Wake” without first writing “1,000 Tears.” That song is also about adversity, but it is a bit sharper & more accusatory in tone. It has something of a '60s vibe, which is a sound I’ve always loved and the vocals get croon(y), something else I also like to do on occasion.
What is your songwriting process like?
As a multi-instrumentalist, I take inspiration from wherever it comes, whether it be a drum groove, a vocal line, a lyric or a bass riff. Some of my best ideas have come to me in the shower. I guess the shower, for me, creates an environment of very little distraction. Once I put the skeleton of the tune together, I usually present it to the guys, and they give me their thoughts & we start to play with different textures, tones & voicings.
How would you describe your genre of Gothic Art Rock?
I think that word sums us up pretty well. There’s a heavy core of post punk to what we do, but we also don’t shy away from ostentation. Hence, the “art” part of the thing.
Who are some of your musical influences?
Bowie, The Doors, Echo & the Bunnymen, The Verve, Suede, Roxy Music, Duran Duran to name a few.
If you weren’t doing music, what do you think you would be doing?
I’d be an archaeologist! I’m a history buff & would love to play the role of an Indiana Jones-type.
Is there an artist alive or dead that you would love to see in concert?
If I could see a dead one, it would be The Doors.
Being The Ritualists, do you have any preshow rituals?
Yes. Too many! I don’t like to talk much before I have to sing. So, I’m usually mute. I drink copious amounts of tea with honey. The band then usually has a long, drawn-out text battle about the set list.
If you could listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
That could become torturous. But I guess one of the masterworks, like Abbey Road.
Do you have a recommendation for readers? Music, book, film/tv, etc.
Music: The Horrors newest album Night Life
Book: The Last Temptation of Christ by Kazantzakis
Film: Tombstone (in honor of Val Kilmer’s recent passing)
TV: I try to avoid it, but Rome was an incredible mini-series
You can listen to Too Pure To Cure now on your favorite music streaming service.
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