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Introducing Leeds-based alternative rock outfit Radio Aftermath, play them loud…louder!
What are the origins of the band, and how long has Radio Aftermath been playing together?
Rob (Burns, Bass, and Vocals): The band started in 2014 as Chris’ baby. Me, Sam, and Jack came along a couple of years later and that’s when things started coming together. We’ve been together in this line-up since 2020.
Sam (Moran, Guitar, and Vocals): I was going mad during lockdown looking for groups who needed another player and saw the guys had a me-shaped hole. So, I dropped them a message, and the rest is history.
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe Radio Aftermath?
Chris (Dennett, Vocals, and Guitar): Catchy songs, big hooks, ripping riffs…
Rob: Stupid sexy bass parts. And an energetic live show.
Sam: I think we’re best live. Expect riffs, but stay for the catchy pop hooks if you’re checking us out online.
How did you feel performing your first gig as a band, and how was it?
Chris: The first gig this band played was great, it was just loads of family and friends, but it was a good night! We handed out free booze for everyone so they’d get pissed and enjoy us more.
Rob: My first gig with this band was as a stand-in for their then full-time bassist who was away with work at the time. I was trying to be professional since it wasn’t my baby at that point. I don’t remember the finer details though, since I’ve slept since then…
Sam: The first gig in our current line-up was absolute carnage, as it should be. They’re still chaotic now, but intentionally.
The new music scene is bursting at the seams at the minute with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that a band has to stand out to build a name for themselves?
Rob: Social media, which we all despise doing, and adapting our release strategies to try and fit people’s listening habits. I feel that the traditional album every couple of years route doesn’t really work for a smaller band. It’s too easy to get lost in the shuffle if you only wind up every couple of years. So now we’re trying to get out EPs and singles at a more regular clip so we can keep annoying our friends and loved ones with it!
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
Rob: Our latest single Cup of Coffee in the Big Time came out at the start of May. We’ve got another one due out at the end of July, (keep an eye on our social media channels!) and then our self-titled EP in August!
Chris: We’ve got EP II for the most part mapped out, starting to get that together now so we’re not dawdling after August.
Sam: We’re also in the process of collaborating with a great food company in Leeds to make some Radio Aftermath hot sauce. We’re some pretty spicy boys, and Chris is a chef by trade, so it’s a match made in Heaven.
In terms of a similar audience, which band out there at the minute do you feel Radio Aftermath would be best suited to open for?
Rob: Turnstile, and or Alexisonfire would be the dream!
Chris: I agree. Sum 41 too, they’re quite a diverse band so I think we’d do well playing to their audience
Excluding yourself, which new band would you like to see break out and become a success?
Rob: Our friends in When They Riot are the first ones that pop to mind. We’d still be bitter about it, but since we like them, it’d be an easier pill to swallow if they blew up!
Sam: I agree with Rob, also the guys in One Million Motors from Newcastle are excellent if you’re into your punk.
Chris: As long as they don’t forget their small league friends – Give us a support slot here, a mention there. Live vicariously through their success, as any good friend would.
What are your own first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
Rob: Nirvana changed my life; they were my first musical love and the reason I picked up a guitar to begin with!
Sam: I got taken to Download when I was 15 and had just been given my first guitar. I saw Strapping Young Lad play songs that 95% of the crowd were unfamiliar with, and they absolutely tore the place down. Devin Townsend is now a firm fixture on my musical Rushmore.
Chris: Iron Maiden made me want to play guitar, Green Day made me want to start a punk band.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
Rob: I just came back from Slam Dunk North yesterday; I still can’t walk. I screamed myself hoarse to Alexisonfire.
Sam: Maybe not the coolest, but I saw an ELO tribute band in Hull and it was sublime. Those songs will always be amazing, and I won’t be told otherwise.
Chris: Probably Metallica, 2019 at Twickenham Stadium
What current social issue are you particularly passionate about?
Chris: I hate the Tories, bunch of money-grabbing crooks that don’t actually care about the welfare of the working-class folk in this country. I don’t know if that counts, but I stand by it anyway.
Sam: It’s ridiculously hard to just pick one! I was drawn to the name of the group as I’ve always had a morbid fascination with nukes and the Aftermath (pun intended). Seems more poignant than ever sadly.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
Chris: Probably my Hip Hop playlist, it’s full of a wide variety of artists from Kendrick Lamar, A Tribe Called Quest, MF DOOM, Mos Def, Wu-Tang Clan, all the good shit.
Rob: Chris was surprised to find out how much I love hip hop when we met. So, I guess Dr. Dre 2001, which coincidentally was one of the first albums I ever bought.
Sam: I’m into all sorts, but generally the first album I download on any new device is Aphex Twin’s selected ambient works. I’ll argue to the death that it’s a perfect album.
Although 2021 was another year to forget, there were some amazing new albums released, what would be your album of last year? And, what new music have you been enjoying so far this year?
Rob: Radical by Every Time I Die was my album of last year, and then the bastards went and split up. This year I’ve been checking out the new Alexisonfire singles and can’t wait for the album. I’ve also been enjoying the new Kendrick album but haven’t listened to it too many times yet.
Sam: Kid Kapachi’s This Time Next Year is absolutely class and I’d love to play with those chaps if we ever got the chance.
Chris: Glow On by Turnstile is amazing.
What does the remainder of 2022 hold for Radio Aftermath?
Rob: New music galore. And maybe a tour in the back half of the year if we can sort it.
Sam: it pretty much boils down to ‘write and record more songs and play them to more people’ – can’t wait to share the ep with everyone later in the year!
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
Rob: Fair to middlingly active.
Sam: you can find us on all the usual offenders… Even TikTok. But we’re probably most active on our Instagram. Sling us a follow if you like photos of sweaty men with guitars and bad memes.
Rob: He means great memes.
All our links are here: https://linktr.ee/radioaftermath
See you in the aftermath…
