The Riverwinds Interview

I just did a new interview with The Riverwinds. Their new self-titled album is a really great release and these guys are taking the DIY route so make sure to pick up the album and support them. Click read more to check out the interview.

-First off thanks for the interview

No, thank you! Thank you very much.

-You guys just released your new self-titled album. I had the chance to check it out and I really like the style. It almost feels like a feel good record with kind of an alt-country-alt-rock feel. Can you tell me a little about the recording of the album (where was it done at, with you, and where were your heads while making the album)?

Well, we tracked the drums, bass, and rhythm guitar at Shorefire Studios in West Long Branch, NJ. Then we did all the overdubs at our producer, Jeff Plate's apartment. We had a small budget and we got more then our moneys worth. As far as our heads go, we were just concerned with making the best possible record we could with the material we had.

-Now I read at this point you guys are an unsigned band. About 5-8 years ago that would seem like a bad thing but more recently the indie/DIY approach is almost the way to go versus a 360 record deal. What made you guys decide to go this route and do you guys want to sign to a label? If so what kind and what kind of deal would you like to get?

Well, being an unsigned band does sometime have its perks but we didn't exactly decide to take this route we just started the band and kept rolling along. We never have been too concerned with getting signed but rather we've been more focused on making the best of what we have and working as hard as possible. If we were to sign a record deal it would be with a label who we think truly believes in us and the music.


-As a promotional item you have your first EP up for free download on your site as well as a bonus single. Why did you guys decide to give the EP out for free and what differs from the EP to the album as far as recording and sound?

We decided to put the EP up for free download because we want people to have an opportunity to listen to our music. Selling CD's is extremely difficult these days and we would rather have people listen to the CD then to not listen at all. As far as the difference between the EP and the LP goes, we took a totally different approach this time around for the LP and even brought a producer (Jeff Plate) on board. Rather than recording track by track, we did this album mostly live with some overdubs. We think the difference in sound from the two records is that the LP has a more mature feel to it.

-The artwork for the new album is really impressive and kind of captures the vibe of the album. Who did the artwork and did you have to choose a few or did it just work out first time around?

Our good friends Greg and Kyle helped us out with the artwork. We just got stoned one night and were brain storming ideas for the layout and Greg came up with the idea. We wanted something that portrayed the music on the album. We made a 4 x 4 frame and took a bunch of magazine clippings and before we knew it we had a really awesome layout.
-To anyone who hasn’t checked Riverwinds out yet what do you think sets your band and your music out and makes it unique from other artists/bands?

We're a young band in the year 2009 that still plays good old American Rock 'N Roll. What more could you want?
-With 2009 in the latter part of the year what plans do you have for the last quarter of the year (tours, music video, etc.)?
We plan on playing regionally mostly and maybe a small DIY east coast winter tour. We're also working on new material.

-You guys released the album independently. Can you give the readers all the info on where they can pick up the new album and how they can help the band out?

You can pick the new album up at a show, Itunes, Amazon, or through our website. As far as helping us out goes come see us live, burn our CD, and tell all your friends.