Ransom for the Captives is a young alternative rock band from BC. Though they first began practicing together in 2010, these artists have already built a solid fan following and bold musical style. Led by distinctive vocals and fearless guitar riffs, Ransom for the Captives brings a mellow, feel good energy that translates well on to the live stage. The band also shows a ton of versatility when it comes to genre tripping, helping to broaden their audience among indie fans.
After a string of impressive performances and tons of great fan feedback, we had to grab an interview with this rising talent. Introducing Ransom for the Captives:
Rochelle - lead vocals
Nik - rhythm guitar and management.
Paul - bass and music/songwriting.
Robert - lead guitar.
Zach - drums.
Lauren - keys.
So guys, what is your band’s history?
We started out really hopeful and naive. It became a matter of finding out what we wanted to do musically and balancing that with what we wanted to do in the long run. Because of this, problems rose on a daily basis and it came to be too much to handle, until the band was basically destroyed from members leaving.
As a last drive, Nik and Paul decided to gather a completely new group of musicians with similar attitudes and personalities. We've gotten this far because we've worked hard and gotten through rough times. Because of this, we're willing to put in more time and work even harder for the future.
It's a blend of old classic riffs from the 80s, fused together with some of the more modern melodies you hear in today's music. But we always want to bring it back to pure unabashed rock. We want to be the new generations sound, that makes the music of the old days come back to inspire people everywhere to accept real music.
How did you end up on the Supernova stage?
A member of a different band let us know, so we checked it out. It turned out a be a great resource. For other bands, I'd say it's a lot of work to build a set, sell tickets and manage all your equipment; but if you're willing it's a great opportunity to play, and you learn a lot about the music industry and self-promotion.
What is the most rewarding thing about being in a band?
Working and spending time with everyone in the band. Sometimes when we're not feeling it in our practice, we just take a big break, talk and eat pizza. And once we pick up our instruments again, we play better then ever. When we can work as a unit, each contributing our own ideas and have fun while doing it - that's the experience we've always loved.
What's the hardest thing about being new on the music scene?
Getting live shows and getting heard by the right people. It's about more than just playing for your parents and friends. You have to make an impact on anyone else who happens to be there. When you can do that, you can suddenly go from a band who just splurges and doesn't know what they're doing, to a band who may be remembered because they have something that others don't.
Do you have any musical mentors?
That's more of a personal question... However, if we were to list any bands who have inspired us, Marianas Trench, Bon Jovi, My Chemical Romance and Def Leppard would be high on the list.
What would be your band’s ‘motto’ for putting on a good show?
We always have a little band huddle before the show, just to take a deep breath, say anything, or even give a pep talk. But when it comes to the stage, we have to have fun with the music and what we're playing. We have to get people to enjoy us, and to do that we have to be enjoying it in the first place. Coupled with spending a ridiculous amount of time picking the set list, and it becomes a simple yet effective formula.
In your view, is there such a thing as ‘bad’ music?
Bad music is something considered as a point of view. For us though, we want to make music that we like and we enjoy. What that music is to another individual is irrelevant, as long as we always look for ways to better ourselves.
What is your most memorable moment (so far) as a band?
The most memorable things were unfortunately the bad times. But because of that, we're always grateful for what we have now. We'll always remember the bad times because somehow it reminds us to appreciate the coherency we have today. It's a huge blessing to be able to be where we are, and we're only beginning.
Is there anything else that new listeners should know?
Well... the only two members from the original band lineup left are Paul and Nik... We've got a couple custom instruments, and we have a band stalker already. But that's about it.
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Your next opportunity to see Ransom for the Captives LIVE is coming up this SUNDAY – February 12th, 2012 at The Mansion. In this final HYSTERIA event, the band will compete for part of over $50,000 in prizing designed to kick start their musical career.
We also expect to hear more new music and new show dates from the band soon; in the meanwhile, check out the band’s original music and leave them a comment to let them know what you think!
