After years of paying their dues and working hard to find their voices in the NYC underground scene, The Ritualists are finally gearing up to release their debut full-length album, Painted People this Friday, August 2nd. The new album serves as a direct reflection of the band’s hard work and dedication while also showcasing their unique blend of post-punk and 80’s influences, which landed them the brand of Gothic Art-Rock.
With the album out this week, a new music video coming soon and tour dates on the horizon, this summer and fall are poised to be incredibly busy for The Ritualists, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon. Already looking toward the next step, the band is already working on demos for their next record as well. Read more about the new album and listen to the first single, “Ice Flower” now below.
Can you tell us a little bit about The Ritualists for anyone who might not be familiar?
Yes, thanks for taking the time to speak with me. We are a NYC-based band, our sound has been described as Gothic Art-Rock, which is not a phrase I coined. However, I think it suits us.
You guys are just getting ready to release your debut album, Painted People in August. What are you most excited for fans to hear on the album?
They are all my babies. I’m most excited to hear feedback from people who’ve listened to it as a complete work. I’d like to think we’ve created something that, while featuring diversity of sound, tempo & feel, has an overall, palpable vibe. I hope people catch on to that.
It being your debut full-length, was there anything you really wanted to accomplish when you first began working on the album?
I wanted to create something that properly introduced us to people, particularly with the lead single, “Ice Flower.” I think it perfectly encapsulates what we are all about.
The album has a real 80’s feel to it. Which artists would you say influenced or inspired you during the writing process?
So many artists! To name a few, Bowie, Duran Duran, Echo & the Bunnymen, and The Doors.
Do you feel that your hometown music scene and the musical history of New York has had an affect on the music that you’re writing today?
NYC has had a gigantic impact on all of us. It really taught us to be fearless in our approach to writing & performing. All of the artists we admire from here, old & new, have that common thread. They are unique in their unwillingness to compromise their sound, style & live show.
What was the most rewarding part about writing and recording the album?
Hearing the mixes for the first time was very special for me. Noticing all the happy mistakes & interesting nuances that sort of spontaneously occur when you mix all of the sounds together.
Did you come across any challenges when working on the album?
The biggest challenge for me when it comes to recording is always the same. In my head, I have a concept of how something should sound. Unfortunately, there have been several instances in the past, where I’ve felt that I have failed at replicating this particular sound. In this instance, I think we have come close to accomplishing my inner vision.
With Painted People out soon, do you have any other big plans for the summer?
Yes, we are working on a video for our 2nd single, “Starry Night.” We are also playing a string of tour dates up and down the coast! And, of course, finishing up demos for our second record!
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thanks again for taking the time to listen. We hope to see you at a show sometime soon!
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