Rich Kid Express On the Making Of ‘Under The Purple Lights’
What was the creative process like for this particular 'Under The Purple Lights?'
For me, a typical scenario for writing is to come up with a riff or part of the song I may find the catchiest. Then build the rest of the song around it. It could be a ten-second snippet of something, but if it feels good, it's probably worth using. I proceed to add various parts and I always typically do any vocal melodies last. A lot of people write with a melody already in their mind. I write the music first, then add the vocal melodies. So it's weird because sometimes I never know what's going to transpire that way as the song is being completed.
Can you talk about the recording and production process for this album?
Originally, this was supposed to be completed in 2022. But I had a number of things slow the process and put me behind. Musical and medical issues. The medical issues worked themselves out, but the musical issues were actually a good problem to have. I had already slotted six songs for the EP. But upon writing some newer ones, that were actually better ideas....I reworked the EP and came up with a few better things to add. That being said, recording is always pretty quick, but the mixing takes time and time was what was the biggest problem. I lost track of time and everyday life has to come first. So it got basically shelved until I could devote time more time to work on it.
What is your personal favorite song from 'Under The Purple Lights' and why?
Probably have to say "Hard Time Lady" just because it feels the most like what I like about rock and roll. Upbeat and drivin'! It's got a catchy guitar riff and everything just flows good in the song. I always prefer uptempo music. This type of song is right in my comfort zone. It's what I do best. But having a favorite is like asking someone which one of your kids is your favorite child or what's your favorite food? You love everything about each and every one of them, and they all strike you differently because each is a new and different idea. So it's hard to say one is your favorite. I like Chinese food and Mexican food, but I couldn't eat it everyday...you have to have some variety.
Can you share a bit about your musical background and the journey that led you to where you are today?
Thanks to my cousins getting me into KISS in 1978...I knew I loved music! In the Eighties, I began to explore all sorts of hard rock! The scene was booming and music was a real thing for me. Coming home from school and listening to records all evening, every day. I got my first drumset at thirteen that my Grandfather bought for me. Once I got into high school I started getting the fever to have a band of my own. Soon after, I was in one and we were playing the clubs in North Carolina. Moving ahead...the hard rock scene started to die around '92, Alternative and Grunge music was coming in full force. But in 1995, I decided to put another band together, and with the help of two good friends, Timothy Beeman II and David Barker, we formed HEAVENS SAKE. We played regionally along the East Coast. Did shows with bands such as: Warrant, Jason Bonham, and Quiet Riot. Recorded two independent CD's and thought we were on the verge of being signed. But, sadly that didn't happen. We ended up going our own separate ways. I was in a cover band called Busted Uncle from about 2002-2008 and then decided to take a break. I formed the label Squib Kick Records in 2016 and the ideas of Rich Kid Express came about around 2017. I also still work with my buddy David Barker from the HEAVENS SAKE days, we formed a duo called "The Bad Somethings" and we have an LP release and a single out. My main focus over the last three years has been RKE though. Moving forward I already have an EP slated for an early 2024 release, so that is my next project. Just trying to stay busy and have fun.
Do you have any memorable on-stage moments or performances that stand out to you?
Probably the biggest two things (shows) that stand out were opening for Warrant in 1996 because the crowd was huge and that really gave HEAVENS SAKE a big boost of popularity at the time and when you hear the crowd over the music you are playing....that feels really cool! Then years later playing a show with Blackberry Smoke. They were great guys to share the stage with and it was right before they took off and got real popular. We enjoyed having a little fun with them after the show and I'm still a fan of theirs to this day. They work hard and have found nice success.