Red Sun Rising are set to release Polyester Zeal, their debut album with Razor & Tie on August 7th. The band has been touring non-stop, having just finished up a stint with Nothing More and label mates Wilson before kicking off their tour with Pop Evil on July 10th, and it doesn’t seem like they plan on slowing down any time soon, with even more touring plans for September and October.
Polyester Zeal doesn’t drop until August 7th, but fans can preorder it now on iTunes HERE.
Interview by Shannon Shumaker
Your debut album Polyester Zeal is dropping in a little over a month! How exciting! What does Polyester Zeal mean to you?
Polyester Zeal is the juxtaposition of what’s cheap/obtainable (polyester) and what we strive for or what our goals may be (zeal). To me it’s about the obtainable dream of an individual. What makes one happy in life no matter the cost or sacrifices made to get there or even how insignificant it may seem to others. Our Polyester Zeal is in the stories on this album that talks about past life experiences, our long road to get to where we are today (recording an album with Bob Marlette in Los Angeles, touring and performing our music for new faces every night) as well the nostalgic scenes that made us who we are.
Was there anything you wanted to be able to accomplish with this album, it being your debut?
We don’t want to reinvent the wheel but we want to bring “rock” music back into the spotlight. Somewhere along the way what, at least this country, considers rock seems formulated and stale. I realize we aren’t doing anything off the wall but we do however focus more on the organic nature of a song and it’s melodies.
Another accomplishment would be to make someone, anyone, feel something when they hear our music. This is how art should be. Art has many forms and we chose silence as the medium.
What would you like listeners to take away from Polyester Zeal?
The connection to their own lives on our music. The feeling we speak of in these songs are our own but not uncommon. So when you come to our shows and see us putting it all into the performance we want to you singing back. However want you singing for you and your meaning. Not ours.
You also recently premiered your single, “The Otherside” – can you tell us a little bit about the song?
We purposely made “Otherside” one word. This represents that The Otherside is a place or an idea. We have seen many people overcome trials and tribulations in their life and this is an anthem of sorts for finding that destination of triumph or success. This is what the song means to me. However to Ryan Williams (guitarist) it means something completely different. And without speaking for him I would say his meaning is about the insignificance of our actions here on earth when we will all come out on the otherside. So it’s your choice and your will to make good decisions here. We wrote these lyrics together as we have done on just about every Red Sun Rising song ever written. And that’s what’s great about music. We wrote the same song with our own meaning and made the lyrics work.
What are you most excited for listeners to hear on the album?
Our growth as songwriters. The band learned a ton from Bob Marlette that have affected us and will continue to moving forward. I think this album shows maturity in that way.
You’ve mentioned before that you write all of your music on acoustic guitars – how do you feel that this helps the songwriting process?
Making the song good from the core. Of course you can rely on effects and sounds but a good song is a good song PERIOD. No matter what genre you wish to represent it in. This idea basically stems from our love for The Beatles. They didn’t let a genre pin them. They just wrote songs they loved. Acoustic guitars allow you to focus on the essential elements of the song. THEN you can color it with weird sounds, textures and tones.
What is the music scene like in Ohio? Do you feel that it has impacted your songwriting or sound as a band?
The Music scene in Ohio is phenomenal. Specifically in Akron. So much talent there. On any given night there is a show either at a venue, an acoustic night at a coffee shop, a house party show. Doesn’t matter but I can always assure you will see other musicians supporting the performing act. I think the scene in Akron being so strong and full of relent definitely makes you want to be better and you are pushed constantly by the support of your fellow musicians. The comradeship is such a great feeling.
You just finished up some dates with Wilson and Nothing More – how were those shows?
Those shows were a blast. This was the first tour we got to play with other upcoming bands that were closer to our age. Which brought a whole new energy to the entire show. Again it pushed you to be better but yet maintain that healthy competition and support each other. The crowds at these shows were a lot of fun and very energetic which made us perform as well as I believe we did. That was just a fun round of shows.
You guys are also just about to hit the road with Pop Evil for a little over a month! What can people expect from these live shows, especially after Polyester Zeal drops?
Each tour we try to up our game live. Always trying to better ourselves. With the album dropping I’m hoping to hear some voices singing back the songs for sure! We have been out with Pop Evil before and looking forward to seeing some familiar faces in the crowd as well. But people can definitely expect the same energy and emotion we bring to ever performance.
After the album drops and after this tour with Pop Evil, do you have any other plans for the rest of the year? If there anything you can share with us?
Our label and management has full intention to help us stay on the road. And that’s also what we plan to do. We love performing and meeting new people. So we are already working on September and October tours.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Polyester Zeal drops Aug. 7th, however is available for preorder now HERE.
Find us online we are very responsive to posts and messages. Stay connected and we will see you on the road. www.redsunrisingmusic.com
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1 Comment
We have followed this band for over 5 years! When you see them live, you will automatically become a fan! WE GUARANTEE IT! WE DID! When their album drops on August 7th, they will be a "national’ band who have worked very hard to become so! Get their album, go see them live, and, I dare you not to become a fan! Red Sun Rising is that good!