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Midlands-based Rainbreakers consists of frontman Ben Edwards, his younger brother Sam on drums, Charlie Richards on guitar, and Ash Milburn on bass. The band have been quietly winning over legions of fans with their own brand of “Rock and Soul”, but with the forthcoming release of their stunning new single ‘Ashes’, Rainbreakers are set to make a big noise. Here’s the background on the band straight from the horse’s mouth…
What are the origins of Rainbreakers? How long have you been playing together?
Ben: I started the band with my brother and quite quickly we found ourselves playing shows further afield. We haven’t looked back since!
How did you feel performing your first gig as a band? And how was it?!
Sam: I don’t know about the rest of the guys, but that first-ever performance really took it out of me! I was so nervous, but I think it went pretty well. I mean, no one left! I still get nervous before each show now, but it quickly turns into adrenaline!
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe Rainbreakers?
Ben: We describe ourselves as Rock and Soul. We do have some big-sounding gritty guitars but we do also enjoy some more soulful soundscapes. When we get into the studio we don’t like to limit ourselves with a genre. We go with what we like the sound of and this next record is pretty eclectic. The most important thing for us is that we feel a connection to the song and this comes out through the lyrics. Hopefully, that comes across to the audience.
‘Ashes’ is the forthcoming new single, what was it about this one that made you chose it as a single? And what are the lyrical themes behind it? It’s quite an evocative title!
Ben: Well, ‘Ashes’ is all about feeling neglected or left behind and I feel that’s quite prevalent in today’s world. Especially with everything that’s happened over the last year! But it also marks the beginning of a journey into self-discovery and just worked as a great starting point for new and current fans alike.
What goes through your head in the run-up to releasing new music? Are you excited? Nervous? – Both?!
Ben: It’s very much a mixed bag. It’s always such a lead up from conception to release. So I can never wait to just let the fans hear it and show what we’ve done. Equally, it’s so nerve-racking because you just don’t know how it will resonate for the fans. I’d have to say that I am mostly excited though. We have been working for the last two years on this material so it’s long overdue!
Is ‘Ashes’ indicative of what the forthcoming new album will sound like? And, what can you tell us about the album?
Ash: We hate to pigeon-hole ourselves too much and most of our fans know that we love playing with genres styles across all our music, but ‘Ashes’ is certainly a great introduction to that. We’re trying to not give too much away about the new album, but we can say that this new material tells more of a story through the songs than we’ve ever done before.
The single is only available as a limited edition 7” vinyl single, have you seen a finished copy yet? It seems important to the band to have a physical product out there?
Sam: I love vinyl. It gives you something tangible to hold and possess. I think it’s important for fans too. It makes you feel like you have more of a connection to the artists you love, be it on vinyl or CD. The test pressings came through the other day though and they were sounding amazing!
In what ways has the band grown over the last few years?
Ben: The last few years have been really interesting for us. Our new record is a real coming of age story and I feel like we have grown as songwriters and really been able to develop our musical ideas. Personally, I feel I have moved forward with my life and that has enabled me to look at certain situations that affect me differently. This next record explores that process.
In terms of a similar audience: who would be the ideal act for Rainbreakers to support?
Charlie: We got to support The Temperance Movement, a couple of years back now, but that really seemed to go down well with the audience. I think that if we got to choose anyone, it would probably be Doyle Bramhall II or The Black Keys or Gary Clark Jr. There’s just too many to mention them all!
The new music scene is bursting at the seams with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that a band has to stand out from the others trying to build a name?
Sam: I think it’s more important to just be you. I know it sounds pretty corny, but fans will always find it easier to connect with you if you’re being true to yourself and honest with them. No matter what kind of music you make.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
Ben: I remember listening to my parent’s vinyl before I even really knew what music was. They always had Zeppelin, Zappa, or Pink Floyd playing. Later in my life, when I was struggling with depression, someone told me that I just needed to do what I loved and I realised that was music, that’s when we formed Rainbreakers.
Personally, who has been the biggest influence on you becoming a musician?
Ben: It’s gotta be listening to Adam Duritz’s (Counting Crows) for his lyrics and how he tells a story.
Sam: Gomez. Their songs and particularly their drummer, Olly Peacock, just made me want to do it too.
Charlie: I mean Hendrix is something all guitarists say, but the mans a legend, what can I say!
Ash: Personally, my two Uncles were the biggest influence on me becoming a musician. They’ve been playing in bands for over 30 years and I went to see them a load of times around the pubs and clubs. It was hearing the bass line to Queen’s- Another One Bite’s the Dust that just really made me want to focus on bass.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
Sam: I finally got to see Gomez last year. They were doing a 20th-anniversary tour of their first two albums and I went to both of them. I never got to see them when I was younger and they did not disappoint! It was absolute fire!
What current social issue are you particularly passionate about?
Ben: This last 12 months have been a really interesting time. The whole situation is new to everyone and lots of people have found themselves having to spend more time with themselves. It will be interesting to see what we are all like after this weird time of indifference. I think people may find that they have changed direction with what they want from life and what they enjoy as certain aspects of our lives have had to be withdrawn to an extent. Hopefully, we can start getting back to being more connected with each other and not become hidden faces behind screens!
What album do you have in your collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
Ben: I don’t know if it surprises people or not, but a recent one for me is Durand Jones & The Indications – American Love Call. A great record if you’ve not checked it out yet and a great band. I had a bit of a fangirl moment the other day too as we became friends on Facebook!
Although 2020 has been a year to forget, there has been some great music released; what would be your album of the year?
Sam: Personally, I recently discovered The Milk. A great band from the UK and their record Cages came out earlier this year. It’s never far from my listening reach now.
Who would you class as an underrated songwriter?
Ben: One of my favourite bands is the Monophonics. They are from the states and they are a psychedelic funk and soul band. Kelly Finnigin’s voice is just insanely good and the songwriting is through the roof!
What are your plans for 2021 should COVID ever disappear?!
Charlie: The first thing on the agenda would be to get in the van and head to a venue for a show, it’s just been so long and I just can’t wait to play live again! Aside from that though we have big plans to release more music next year. There will be more singles from us as well as the album of course!
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
Ben: We’re pretty active and with all the new material we have lined up, there’s plenty to keep an eye out for. If you go to our site, www.therainbreakers.com you can find all the links to follow and everything that’s coming out soon. Hopefully, we can see you all at shows sooner rather than later too.
Photo Credits: Rob Blackham
