Interview: THE RUMJACKS

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today? 

 I would say it would have to be my friends growing up. Music was always around me with my family etc but I guess it was my friends playing guitar and starting bands that made me really want to be apart of it all. Ha! Good question, I used to paint houses for a living once upon a time so I guess that.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

 When covid lockdown was in full effect I started going for some really nice walks. While touring etc you don’t get much of a chance to get out and just relax and see what’s around. I am lucky and live in Northern Ireland and during lockdown found some amazing places, so now when not playing music I like to get out and do some different walks as much as I can. Having time to just clear the head helps with playing and keeping your head clear. I guess its hard to stay away from music so always like to head out and see some shows when I get the chance.   

How long has your band been around? 

 Since 2008, formed in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, Australia. 

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

 All members are based in different countries at the moment. Myself, I live in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Not sure if it has a huge impact but I am sure somewhere in there it would effect it because of such varied environments we live in. 

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

 To be honest there was no real deep meaning to it. Hah. I think we were just ting sitting around in a pub in The Blue Mountains and somehow we just came up with it. I think we already had a show lined up so we needed a name asap. 

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

 I would have to say Woodstock Festival in Poland. I think there was like just order half a million people or something like that. I had never seen so many people before in my life and to stand in front of then was terrifying but also one of the best feelings in the world. Having that many people dance and sing our songs back to us was incredible. 

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

I have always wanted to tour around South America. It looks like an incredible area of the world and hope one day we can tour there. Hard question, so many good ones out there. We did an acoustic tour around Greece last year and playing in some of the most incredible amphitheatres I have seen. Can’t remember the names but they were mind blowing.    

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

 The Clash, The Pogues and Cock Sparrer 

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

 Play as much as you can. Really plush it. So many people ‘play in bands’ but are lazy. If you want to make something of it don’t be lazy. I would tell myself to not quit the music lessons I was doing. Would have helped a lot more these days ha.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

 Practice more. 

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? 

 Probably Hestia. A song about fighting back and standing up for yourself. I think people can relate to it in some way or another, including myself. 

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

 I love playing Bullhead live. It’s a fun one to play on bass and that song seems to really get the crowd up to the next level and start really getting into it. I would say Irish Pub Song or Light in my Shadow.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

 It would depend on the song really. Some have pretty obvious messages and others leave it pretty open to the listener to get out of it what they feel. It can be different for everyone. 

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

 Honestly, not now with the new line up. Everyone is honest and straight up. We get along fine and honestly have no dramas. In saying that, we do know when its time to maybe take a break from each other and just be alone and re charge etc. 

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

 A few days away from starting a month long tour with Dropkick Murphy, so that’s super exciting. The we are right back to Europe for a bunch of shows then back in the USA again for out own headline tour in May. Also, just released our EP ‘Brass For Gold’.