Red Stone Soul has only been working together as a band for 7-8 months, but they have already made a large impression on the Michigan music industry. The rock band is proud to bring a unique take on rock 'n' roll to fans all over Michigan and they plan on setting the bar beyond just the Midwest music scene.
"There are a lot of bands out there that are better than us, but few that work harder than us at a regional level. From the day to day social media, to getting on the streets and doing to footwork, the process is a long and never ending one. We have our sights set high, and are going to do whatever it take to gain that national recognition," said Ian Kirwan, singer and guitarist for Red Stone Soul.
Fans feel that passion and energy when Red Stone Soul takes the stage night after night. Red Stone Soul will be playing a number of shows in Michigan including taking the the stage at the Loft in Lansing, Michigan on Saturday, January 19. For more information regarding that show, click here.
I had the chance to interview Red Stone Soul. I sat down with Ian Kirwan, the singer/guitarist and we discussed everything from how social media is changing the music industry to how plans for a new album are coming along. The new album is expected to be released in 2013.
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C: When did Red Stone Soul come together?
R: We have been under the name Red Stone Souls for about 7-8 months now. We were called the Nines, but we went through a slight line up change, and therefore a sound change as well. We added guitarist/singer Beau Felix, and our new drummer Travis Erikson, we have been Red Stone Souls ever since. Beau played a handful of shows with us as the Nines, but after we got Travis, it was a completely new band and needed a new name.
C: What would you consider to be some of your most notable music influences at a younger age?
R: As for me personally, I grew up listening to a lot of the great bands from the 60s and 70s. Black Sabbath, Kiss, T Rex, The Doors, Alice Cooper you name it! I grew up in a house with music on at all times. Always Rock and Roll. We all have our own influences in the band though, Beau and I grew up together listening to much of the same stuff, his forte being the Beatles, ELO, and the Stones. As for Kevin, he's always been a huge Red Hot Chili Peppers fan, I guess that why he's such a good bass player, haha, having Flea as his main influence. When it comes to Travis, he picked up a pair of drum sticks the first time he heard Travis Barker bangin it out with Blink 182, but he's jack of all trades. He's a sucker for a good groove, and his metal background definitely 'heavy's' us up quite a bit.
C: Red Stone Soul in a few words, how would you describe the band's musical sound?
R: Dirty, Bluesy, Rock and Roll.
C: What musical influences do you pull from when you are performing or writing music?
R: I love a good groove, and hook in a song. So I love pulling from bands like the Eagles, the Stones, or T Rex when it comes to lyrics and melodies. I just love the feel that a lot of those songs have. Saying that, on the opposite end of the spectrum, I learned guitar to Black Sabbath and Kiss Alive so I definitely am a sucker for fuzzed out riffs, and just gnarly heavy grooves.
C: Red Stone Souls have gained quite a large following in the Midwest, what was the process of coming up in the industry like?
R: It's all about doing the work. There are a lot of bands out there that are better than us, but few that work harder than us at a regional level. From the day to day social media, to getting on the streets and doing to footwork, the process is a long and never ending one. We have our sights set high, and are going to do whatever it take to gain that national recognition.
C: How would you guys as a band describe the Midwest music scene?
R: Lacking. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of good bands out there from Wayland out in Grand Rapids, to the Suede Brothers down in Ohio. But the support is just not where it should be. I've heard of the 'glory days' where bands could play every night of the week and have a crowd. The reality is, the economy is not at it's best right now, but hey, it's getting better. First and foremost, before being a musician, I am a fan, and it's up to us to get out there and support local music!
C: How do you all as a band feel social media has helped and will continue to help your career?
R: I feel, when used correctly, social media is one of the most valuable tools for a band now a days. Problem is, too many people rely on it for their only means of marketing. I don't want to be spammed all day long about shows, nor will I do that to any of our fans. If bands could be a little more personal, and maybe make a few phones calls, or go do some 'flyering', go to some shows to promote, and then come back and tie it all together with social media, I think they would be surprised with the results.
C: What does the future of the band hold?
R: A new album is our main focus at the moment. We are going to continue our local shows, and start recording here over the next few months. In the early spring time, we are going to be hitting the road with a series of regional 'mini tours' if you will. Some long 3-4 show weekends around the mid west for a few months, until we can snowball that into some national dates. We just take it one day at a time. "What can we do today to better the band?"
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