Tonight I had the pleasure of speaking to RCR’s trombonist, Brandon Rainer. However, as he was working the merchandise as well, my tape came out bad. Very bad. Luckily lead singer, Dan “Bopper” O’Day was cool enough to do an email interview with me and help out this very green journalist! This s what he had to say…
To introduce those who aren't familiar, tell me who you are and what you do in the band?
This is The Bopper, singer of the River City Rebels. We play straight up roots punk rock with substance, no songs about breaking up.
First of all, we've had a sad week in the punk world, and since I note The Clash's influence on your music, how has the untimely death of Joe Strummer affected you?
To me The Clash is the greatest band ever! No one will ever top them. Great songs, great lyrics and a killer look. The death of Strummer hit me hard. I felt like I knew the guy even though I had never met him. He was a real fucking person, not some shitty pop star with nothing to say. The guy lived an amazing life, and did so much. I'm kicking my self in the ass about missing the one chance I had to see him perform.
How do you feel your music affects the listeners?
I hope they relate. I'm a bitter young American. I'm not happy with what I see every day. People are misinformed. They could care less about anything but money and how cool they look sporting the latest MTV style. They live the same boring lives that their parents lived. Go to college, get a job have some kids, and die! Fuck that life; I'm making my own rules. The last thing I want to do is be like my parents.
Tell me about "No Good, No Time, No Pride". Is it different from your other records?
All 3 albums are different. There's no point in recording the same record. It's still 3-chord punk rock with attitude and snot but with different elements thrown in. This time around the lyrics are more personal, and that comes with getting better at writing. The production is by far the best on the new album. Also our new guitarist Chris Radd added a ton of guitar leads to mix of things. The horns are still there, and the pop sensibilities are as well.
I saw you back when the first record was out and Dan McCool was singing, tell me about the changes you've been through since then. You've been through numerous line up changes, has it been rough to keep momentum?
People have come and gone. Every change has been for the better. I'm now singing instead of playing guitar. We also acquired NYC's Rylan Perry to play sax. Many of times I wanted to fold the cards, but I hung in there. I'm glad I did, because things have never been so good.
How does it feel to be so young but have three records out on Victory? You must feel well accomplished.
It's amazing, feels great. It's something I have wanted my whole life…. Put out albums, tour and meet people that are in the same boat as me…
What do you do in your spare time? Work? School?
I work with troubled kids as a mentor, and that’s about it.
How have the dates been so far on this outing?
Every outing is good these days.
Give me some dirt on the RCR. Any skeletons in the closet?
Haha, we hate everyone and think music sucks!!!!
