Riot City Radio I found on Ginza and fuck what a
good record they have done. I was forced to
interview this new English group right away.
July 2024
Please tell me a little history of Riot City
Radio how you met and why you did start to play
together and when?
Murphy: We started about 5 years ago. We
originally started as a 3 piece. Myself on
guitar, Tom Boutwood on drums and Matt on bass.
Myself and Boutwood had previously been in a few
bands together (Upsurge/Hostile Minds/Arch
Rivals) but this was the first time we played
with Matt.
Have it been the same members all the time, or
have it been many lineup changes? Earlier bands
Matt: We’ve had a couple of changes. Boutwood
left the band not long after the release of Time
Will Tell. Naturally we were sad to see him
leave but we completely understood his reasons
and we’re all still in touch. We actually worked
together recently on a new Hostile Minds track.
So, we started looking for a new drummer and we
were really fortunate to get Tony Hopkins of
Plymouth legends Bus Station Loonies. We had a
couple of practices and things just came
together so quickly and easily. One of the
hardest things about parting with Boutwood was
that we lost a drummer and a vocalist. So we
decided to switch to a four piece, adding a
second guitar and vocal to beef up the live
sound. Sam Sharp came in and blew us away on
both counts. His guitar playing compliments
Murphy’s and he’s got such a strong voice. Since
then we’ve fine tuned the live set and this
lineup really does justice to what we captured
in the studio.
Sam: Thanks mate. I fucking love being part of
this band and can't wait to see where we're
going to go in the future.
Tony: it's coming up to nearly a year now
playing with Riot City Radio it's been a
fantastic opportunity and experience. I've had
some big shoes to fill and hopefully I can do
the band justice.
Riot City radio is the name, where did it came
from and you wasn´t afraid that some other group
would be named so? What does it
mean?
Murphy: it's so hard to come up with original
names these days. I wanted something a little
random and different. I thought it sounded cool
as wanted the bands songs sound to be like a
soundtrack to rebellion so thought it fitted
well. Funnily enough though it turns out there's
a USA band called 'Red City Radio' and a few
other bands like 'Riot City' so despite our best
efforts it didn't turn out as original as we
originally hoped haha.
You have a sound which I don´t think sound like
the typical English sound, it´s more an American
sound in some way? Or what do you say?
Murphy: Yeah I would certainly say there's an
American influence in there but I think theres
also a strong British influence too. We try to
incorporate lots of influences into our sound so
we're not just rewriting the same song over and
over again and we can have a bit of variation on
the album. I think it's just natural
progression. American bands like Rancid came up
listening to British bands like Cock Sparrer and
Sham 69 and then we listen to them AND then
Rancid on top as well. I think it's just natural
progression that it eventually becomes a mix of
everything. I guess us sharing the lead
vocals is quite american style come to think of
it as can't think of many UK bands that do that
right now.
Is it important to give out the record as
physical releases do you think? Would it feel
like you have released a record if you only
release it digital?
Murphy: Interesting question. I think for me
having some physical definitely makes it more
real.
Matt: We’re all fans of physical releases, we
grew up building our music collections and
there’s nothing like that feeling of holding a
new album in your hands. There’s definitely room
for improvement in the digital world, as
everything is tailored to single releases and
playlists. We’re an album band so physical
releases will always be important to us. However
digital releases allow us to reach people who
may otherwise never get the opportunity,
especially in countries where the avenues for
distribution are more limited.
Sam: For sure streaming is useful but if you own
the physical album you'll always have it, unless
you sell it or someone steals it or something.
Tony: I've found streaming a brilliant platform
for finding new bands. There are so many great
bands around the world I've discovered through
the streaming platforms that I would have never
had the joy to hear if it wasn't for the digital
world. But I am a vinyl junkie and I absolutely
love having a physical copy of other band’s
music. It makes it more personal and more
special.
Do you play any covers when you play live? If
you do, which then?
Murphy: We've actually played Cock Sparrers
'Take em all' a couple times as its such a crowd
pleaser. Apart from that though we just try to
play as much original stuff as possible to get
it in people's ears.
Matt: We did also play We Are The Boys by
Blitz for a little while. Always good to have a
couple covers on hand when people want more and
we’ve run out of our own songs to play!
Sam: Haha, I didn't know that. Before my time to
be fair. I'd love to do a Rancid cover at some
point. Maybe Radio as we're Riot City Radio. Bit
obvious maybe but that line about 'When I got
the music I got a place to go' feels so
authentic, especially in the punk community.
Please tell me a little about what your songs
are about?
a) Punk rock family
Murphy: We usually share the lyric writing
duties but I think this one was mostly my
lyrics. This one was a tribute to the punk and
Oi! scene and how I've met some of the most
genuine stand up people I've ever met within it.
I've made friends with people all over the uk
and Europe and im always blown away by the
support we recieve. It's so cool to go to
another country and bump into people you know at
shows. Its also a special shout out to my mate
Fraser who set up a group/event which inspired
the name.
b) Burning bright
Murphy: Definitely a sentimental one and a group
effort on the lyrics. The initial writing
concept for my parts was inspired by a
girlfriend I had as a young teenager who passed
away. In the short time I knew her she exposed
me to a lot of the 90s punk bands which I still
listen to now. So the track is about how people
can still have such
a positive effect on our lifes even after
they're gone.
I believe Boutwood wrote the prechorus' so
they're definitely more personal to him.
c) Anchor in the storm
Murphy:This one is probably the most personal
track I've ever written on. I wrote the first
verse and the chorus and Matt wrote the second
verse. It's not something ive openly spoken
about before but my parts on this track address
my struggles with PTSD after witnessing a tragic
event a few years back. The lyric 'i'm coming
home' is referencing trying to get back to the
person I was before and the verse lyrics a thank
you to my partner (and my dog Poppy - dog owners
will understand) who helped me through this
period and was my anchor throughout.
Matt: I’m a massive fan of Murphy’s writing
style, he has a great ability to sing about such
personal things and phrase them in a way which
is still subjective and open to interpretation.
That means that when I come to write my verses,
I can still say something true to my own life
that fits. Anchor in the Storm is a great
example - I’ve always had a desire to travel and
play music as much as I can, sometimes to
the detriment of my home life and relationships.
For me, Anchor is about making the most of my
opportunities in life while remembering that
it’s only possible with the support and love of
my family and friends. So although me, Murphy
and Boutwood were writing about very different
experiences, there’s an overall message of
appreciation for the people
and places we love that really ties the song
together.
Is it important to get out your opinions in your
music, or do you only sing about “trivial
things”? Which is your most political song or
shouldn´t you put politics into music?
Murphy: We definitely sing about politics. I
don't understand how you can be in punk band and
not. There's nothing dodgy about our politics so
we have no reason to hide anything or sit on the
fence. We're a liberal bunch of guys and we
believe in unity, respect, tolerance and we're
proud of our working class roots so these
subjects feature strongly throughout many of our
songs.
Matt: We’re all really passionate about calling
out the things we see as unfair or just
downright wrong in society and we don’t pull any
punches. Never Forgive is our take on the abuse
of power by the super rich and privileged. It’s
not particularly revolutionary to suggest that
everyone should be held accountable for their
actions and yet we sadly still live in a world
where money buys silence from victims and
freedom for criminals. As long as that’s the
case, we’ll use our voices to call it out. And
it’s important for others to do the same. So
many people in governments around the world are
out of touch with the daily lives of the people
they represent, but that’s never going to change
if people are apathetic to politics. On The
Streets is our rallying call for people to stand
up for what they believe in and be an agent for
positive change.
Sam: I think punk should address difficult
issues. It should be confrontational, disruptive
and political.
Tony: Punk is politics, punk is family, punk is
unity and respect. I strongly believe it is
important to be honest and true with your
beliefs.
Do you think that your lyrics can have effect on
other people who listens to them…any example on
it? Have you changed anyones mind?
Murphy: I think it's incredibly hard to change
someone's opinon if their mind is already made
up. Even if you present solid fact it doesn't
seem to matter these days. I think realistically
we're more aiming to reassure people out there
who feel the same as us that they're not alone
and there's a lot of us out there who feel the
same. The news can be incredibly depressing so I
think there's comfort in knowing there's other
like minded people in the world.
How is it to play this sort of music in England
and which type of bands are you having concerts
with? Which is the most peculiar band you have
been playing together with?
Murphy: I wouldn't say we've played with any one
'peculiar' we've been really lucky and played
with some great bands.
Matt: We’ve had a lot of support from Dave at
Breakout Promotions and he’s got us on the bill
with some top bands from the UK and Europe.
We’ve also been fortunate enough to play abroad
with great bands such as Fatal Blow, Stay Behind
and This Means War, to name a few.
Sam: We did play on a bill with a soul band at
one show. They were amazing but they were on
just before us and it felt like a bit of a jump
from soul to street punk!
Do you have any footballteam that you support?
(I support Arsenal and a Swedish
team which is called GAIS)….have you ever done a
song as a tributesong to any team or something
similar?
Matt: I’m a massive Plymouth Argyle fan and go
to as many games as I can when we’re not
gigging. I haven’t told the guys yet, but I hope
one day we write something they’ll play when the
teams are walking out at Home Park. I can dream,
right?!
Sam: Plymouth Argyle all the way. Love the big
international tournaments too, though as an
England fan it can be a painful experience at
times.
Murphy: Funnily enough we're currently working
on a song which is about supporting our
favourite sports teams so listen out for that on
the next album.I'm actually quite into the NFL
at the moment and follow the New Orlean Saints
as well as a new local team Plymouth Vanguard.
How would you describe your music in three words
for people that haven´t heard you? Say it in
three words?
Matt: Big Punk Energy
Murphy: Energetic, sing-a-long, unifying?
Sam: Punk as Fuck
Tony: Working class punk
I like beer and also make beer.. If Riot City
Radio would do a beer , what would it be named
and which sort of beer would it be? Or maybe
you´re straightedge?;-)
Murphy: Ha definitely not straight edge. I'm
quite enjoying trying Wheat Beers at the moment
so I'd have to go with that. Call it something
like 'Wh-eat the rich'? Haha
Matt: I love Amber ales and I have a Dutch
friend who really doesn’t get how Brits
can enjoy a room temperature beer. So I’d make
one and call it Dutch Courage just for him.
Sam: I've gotten quite into my Hazy IPAs lately.
Also love a Doombar which is an amber ale made
in Cornwall.
And how is it to live in England now? Racists,
the cost of living, and is people going to
Sweden nowadays to buy things or isn´t it so
much cheaper here anymore?
Murphy: yeah cost of living is a huge issue in
the UK right now. People are really struggling.
It all comes back to corruption and greed at the
top. Sadly those responsible point the fingers
at the most vulnerable in society and try to
turn people against each other. Its really sad
to see that some people fall for their tricks.
Sam: Feel like with the recent election result
thinks might get a bit more positive. The last
government where a right bunch of bastards,
really right wing, unprincipled and also just
basically incompetent. Dragging us out of
Europe, messing up the Economy, partying while
people died of Covid. Now we've got a (slightly)
more leftwing government I'm hoping things will
improve but I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Which is your own favoritesong among your own
songs? And which song is the people choice?
Murphy: I've always been really fond of 'One
Blood' off the first EP. I would say 'Punk Rock
Family' and 'Anchor in the Storm' are probably
fan favourites though.
Matt: I was going to say One Blood as
well! There’s something about the way we all
kick in together that makes it great fun to play
live. I also love playing Burning Bright, it’s
another punchy one and great fun to sing.
Sam: I actually really like Reap What You Sow
but we haven't played that live yet. Obviously
all our songs are class though.
What´s the biggest difference when you plays
live nowadays if you compare when you first
started to play in a band?
Matt: Having a spare guitar when a string snaps,
I don’t miss those days!
Sam: I don't have to worry about getting hair in
my face anymore.
Tony: Not much has changed from when I first
started playing to now. I'm a little older,
little wiser and I think my attitude has changed
in the fact that I now strive to play every show
the best that I can, as opposed to when I first
started it was just having fun and drinking a
lot. I think the whole scene has changed a lot
over the years, there's a lot of venues that
have now sadly closed down. You no longer get to
see or play in church halls or in youth clubs
they've all gone. Used the unity in the scene is
still as strong as ever.
And have you opinion about punk changed through
the years? What do punk mean to you, only a
musicstyle or a lifestyle?
Murphy: I think the punk, skin and hardcore
subcultures all share the same mentality just
have different wrapping paper. I think it's
definitely something more than just a music
genre.
Sam: For me it's a feeling of community. You get
the odd arsehole but for the most part people at
punk gigs are so friendly and welcoming. It's
like the pit, on the outside its aggressive but
actually its the feeling of being in the crowd
with people who are passionate about the same
things as you that makes it.
You released your single too on your CD? Is the
single sold out?
Murphy: The debut ep was only released on vinyl
and digitally originally. Vinyl seems to sell
much better than CDs at the moment so it seemed
a good way to allow people access to it by
adding it as bonus tracks to the 'Time Will
Tell' CD album.
Did you ever talked about that you only would
release the record digital or wasn´t that an
option??
Murphy: When we recorded our first tracks we
just put them out on YouTube as just wanted to
people to hear them. Luckily for us Chris from
Sunny Bastard Records really liked them and
offered to put them out on vinyl. This
eventually came out during covid so we're really
grateful that Chris did this for us. Sunny
Bastards are absolute diamonds and have been
really good to us, we really appreciate the
support they've given us
What´s your biggest livegig you have done this
far? The biggest band you have played with? And
which is the best gig you ever have done? Are
you only playing in UK?
Murphy: We haven't done any massive gigs yet but
have played with some great bands. Our first and
third gig with the new line up was Oslo,Norway
for the Oslo Skin Julebot and Essen, Germany for
our label Sunny Bastards. We love playing
outside the UK so hoping to do a lot more.
Matt: We’re
also really looking forward to playing with Gimp
Fist and United Bottles at 100 club in
September, that should be a cracking night!
What do you know about Sweden? What is
typical Swedish?
Sam: I know Sweden is supposed to be quite an
equal society isn't it? You guys are also quite
good about the environment. I'd probably say,
meatballs and IKEA are two typically Swedish
things I can think of but I don't want to
stereotype.
Have you ever been here? Any good bands from
Sweden that you like?
Murphy: I've never been to Sweden but would love
to play there one day. (Promotors get in
touch!). I enjoy Perkele and a bit if
Millencolin! Also still enjoy revisiting some of
the older Gothenburg death metal too.
Matt: I love The Hives, their songs have so much
energy and I’ve definitely had them in mind when
trying to match lyrics and rhythm.
Tony: I don't know a lot about Sweden, my mate
Stu moved to Malmo many years ago. Hopefully one
day I will manage to get over to visit him. What
I know of the Swedish punk scene………. I have a
few old 7 inch singles by Mob 47 and Anti-Cimex,
both old Swedish hardcore bands, that I've had
for years. The Refused were cracking band.
hopefully one day we'll get to play in Sweden I
think that would be really cool.
Your audience when you play live, which type of
people comes, age?
Sam: The gig we played in Norway was mostly
massive Norwegian skinheads(who were absolutely
brilliant by the way) but at other shows it's
been a real mix. Punks, skins, men, women, older
and younger. Our shows for everyone, as long as
they like punk and aren't a fascist, everyone is
welcome.
What´s the best of playing live?
Murphy: Meeting the people and seeing people
sing with us.
Matt: There’s nothing like the feeling of
playing music in a room full of people letting
loose and enjoying themselves. I’ll never get
tired of that.
Sam: The adrenaline, the energy, all of it!
There's nothing else like live, loud music.
Please tell me a funny thing which have happened
during a livegig with your band?
Matt: I’ve fallen over more times than I’d like
to admit, tripping over cables, drum stands and
guitarists.
Murphy: the most embarrassing one for me was was
enjoying a lovely couple mouthfuls of ice cold
beer mid set which basically shocked my vocal
chords and made made me completely lose my
voice for the next couple tracks. No sound came
out at all. Was awful but learned valuable
lesson.
Sam: When we played in Essen I did a bit of
stage banter in German which was good fun.
Someone posted about it on our socials so it
must've been alright.
Is there any good bands in England today? New
and young bands which is good?
Murphy: bands like The Chisel, Chubby and the
Gang and Home Front are absolutely crushing it
right now and making waves internationally. Same
with Grade 2, those boys are doing so well and
really deserve it.
Sam: Riskee and the Ridicule are fantastic.
Clobber are another great band who are really on
the up. Definitely check out Grade 2 if you
haven't already.
Tony: There are so many good bands coming out of
England at the moment but there's not enough
space in this fanzine to list them all! There
seems to be new bands coming out every month. A
few bands definitely worth checking out are The
Chisel, Grade 2, Fatal Blow, Riskee and the
Ridicule, Splitdogs.
Which is the record that you always must have in
the tourbus?
Murphy: We get through a lot of music. Last few
trips Sam has been the resident DJ in control of
the stereo, I think 'The Drowns' featured quite
heavily recently.
Matt: it gets pretty eclectic too. I’m pretty
sure we went from Pink Floyd to Cypress Hill on
the last drive.
Sam: And Out Come The Wolves... I mean that
record is never far from my music system but it
does go really well with driving.
Do you buy much records, or is it only Spotify
and those type of things to listen to music? Is
there any good record shop in your hometown?
Murphy: I do use Spotify a lot. I find that and
youtube both great resources to find new bands.
However if I love an album I will buy it.
Sam: I do stream but I buy quite a few records
too. There's a shop in Plymouth called Really
Good Records where I'll often go. Don't tend to
buy vinyl at gigs though as I don't want to
carry it around all night.
Tony: Yes is the simple answer, I'm a vinyl
junkie.
Which was your first record, the latest you
bought and the most expensive you have bought?
Murphy: The first vinyl I ever bought was a 12"
single of Anthrax/Public Enemy 'Bring the Noise.
Last vinyl album I got was Beastie Boys 'Ill
Communication' which was a gift. That one was
probably the most expensive as well so was nice
that I didn't have to buy it.
Sam: The first record I bought was 'Brewing Up
With Billy Bragg'. Last record I picked up was
Power in the Darkness by the Tom Robinson band
for about £8 which I thought was pretty good.
Most expensive was London Calling which was
about £20 reduced from £60 as it had a slight
tear in the sleeve. I'm not a serious collectors
so I don't mind things like that as long as the
actual record is alright.
Tony: Unfortunately I can't remember the first
record I bought it was a very long time ago I've
been collecting records and CD's and tapes since
I was at school. Some of the latest records I’ve
bought are; Lions law new album, Claimed Choice
new album, Violent Times new album and just
pre-ordered Gimp Fist’s latest.
Do you care about reviews? Which is the most
peculiar you ever had, with this band or any
other band you have been to?
Murphy: I think everyone likes getting a good
review. what matters most to us though is that
we're happy with what we're producing. We've
been fortunate so far not to have any negative
reviews.
If you could choose five bands from the past and
the history and nowadays and both dead and
living bands to have a concert together with
your band. Which five have you been chosen?
Murphy: I think my perfect lineup for RCR to be
part of would be Cock Sparrer, Rancid, Booze &
Glory, Gimp Fist, Dropkick Murphys. Luckily
they're all still alive.
Sam: Yeah I can't really add to that. Doing a
show with Rancid would be amazing.
And if you been paid for do a cover-record with
four songs,which four songs have you done then?
Murphy: I've always thought it would be cool to
cover some hardcore tracks in more of a
streetpunk style. Maybe:
1. Sick of it all: Step Down
2. Wisdom in Chains: Dragging me down
3. Knuckledust: Bluffs, Lies, Alibis
4. Life of Agony: Through and through
Either that or just cover 4 Gimp Fist tracks, I
love a bit of Gimp Fist.
Futureplans for the band? And for yourself?
Matt: Now that we’re up and running with the new
line up, we definitely want to book some more
shows. We’re also in the process of recording
the second album, it’ll be exciting to start
playing some of the new songs live.
Tony: Love for the band to do a European and
Scandinavian tour.
Wisdomword?
Murphy: don't let the bastards grind you down
Matt: And always wipe front to back.
Sam: Life Won't Wait
Tony: Stay tru to yourself.
Anything more to add to the interview?
Murphy: Just a big thank you for the questions
and for anyone who's taken the time to read
through this.
Matt: Hopefully see some of you out on the road.