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With RAMfest 2014 in our midst we hooked up with rock band, Black Market Riots who scored themselves a headline spot on the Carnival Stage at RAMfest on the Thursday night, 6th March. We interview the band about this awesome opportunity and what South African music fans can expect from it.
Give us some insight of who the Black Market Riots are?
4 random guys set on a common goal – music, rad music. Danie on vocals and rhythm guitar, Pierre on lead guitar, Rudolph on bass and Fano on drums.
How did you guys get started and what genre of music would you class yourselves in?
It all started in 2008, with a totally different feel of music and members. As the years progressed we had to get some new members in, changed our music a bit and played everywhere imaginable. We actually won a battle of the bands in our very first year, then moved onto winning a slot to play Oppikoppi, which was one of our biggest highlights of being Black Market Riots. Many people have different opinions of our genre, and so do we, but it really just comes down to Rock & Roll. Loud, fast and odd.
Tell us about your journey of winning the headlining spot on the Carnival Stage at RAMfest JHB 2014?
To us this didn’t feel like a competition, as the evening had such great talent and many bands/ musicians we have met over the years, so it totally felt like one fat band night! Every single band deserved a spot for this year’s RAMfest, luckily we just landed a awesome slot…and in JHB! We did however prepare a lot, long hours in the rehearsal room to put on one of our best/shortest sets ever. We were very happy with how we performed that evening regardless the outcome. Sometimes nothing else matters as long as you can really feel that the music one creates takes over you. This is what it’s all about.
What has this opportunity done for the band and what do you think it is going to do for it in the future?
One really cool thing, our logo is on the same poster with super international acts. In all seriousness, I think preparing for this slot made us rethink our entire approach to our live sets. Interesting how opportunities like these make you reconsider how to make your own music work in a different way. It actually made us change some songs, which is a plus. In terms of the future, no one knows! This is the beauty of it all.
What are you looking forward to most about performing at RAMfest?
To perform up North for the first time in 2 years is amazing! Cannot wait to share our new tunes with the people.
What can the Joburg masses expect from you performance?
A jam-packed set. Really jam-packed. No time for faffing around, just music and a lot of energy. If they liked our set we will pop in a surprise.
Which local and international bands have influenced who Black Market Riots are?
This list can go on forever. Internationally definitely Thrice, Brand New and in our own country we really enjoy a wide variety of artists/ bands.
Which local and international act are you looking forward to watching at RAMfest?
Definitely Biffy Clyro, they are one of our biggest inspirations, but then again, Trivium makes it hard not to choose.
Any words for your fans?
Thank you for the support over 5 years and here’s to many more!
