Our first music interview of 2023 is with hard rock American band The Rift who gives a brief introduction into their love of playing music and blending their rock influencers to create their sound.
Band Name:Â The Rift
Members: Aris Anagnos (guitar, vocals) Ovais Malik (Drums)
Genre: Hard Rock
Founded: 2015
Originated From: Los Angeles, USA
Discography: Lost Angeles, Rock Narcotic, Skeleton’s Key, Edge of Never, Bad Luck, Mysterious & Inventions
How would you describe your music?
It’s like sex for your ears lol
What is your musical creative process like?Â
Usually starts with a riff on the guitar or a vocal melody then we get together and just start cranking out thunder and lightning.
How did the band form?Â
Very naturally Ovais and Aris have played together for years before officially forming but in 2015 we decided to make it official.
How did you come up with your band name?Â
Well, we knew we had a big variety of influences so we wanted a name that could fit that. For us, The Rift was perfect because it is a space between.
Who influenced you within the music industry?Â
Foo Fighters, Metallica, Muse, System, Deep Purple and Rival Sons – to name a few.
Have you performed live much and what was your favourite gig to play at?
Vans warped Tour was just such a crazy awesome experience seeing our name on the marque next to Joan Jett and the Blackhearts was pretty sweet.
What is the best thing about being in a band?
It’s no easy journey that’s for sure but making original music and the feeling and energy that comes along with it we think is the best.
What’s the biggest problem you’ve had to overcome so far as a musician(s)?
To do this right you really need to have a team around you. We are in a place now where we have that, but we certainly didn’t always. The number one thing is always to keep getting better and believing.
What plans have you got coming up this year?Â
From August 2022, we’re currently recording our second full-length album in the studio and are working on touring dates.
What is your ultimate dream as a band?
Touring with some of our favourite bands like Metallica or Foo Fighters would be insane. Headlining the Hollywood Bowl would be sick too!
You can find out more about The Rift by visiting their website.
If you’re in a band or a musician and would like to appear on this blog, please contact me and I’ll forward you an interview template.
Also, check out my other Music Interview roundups from 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022.