Interview with AK & The Red Kites

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

Some kids at school had guitars and there were Iron Maiden and AC/DC albums kicking around so I guess that was the start of it. I would probably be an Astronaut if I didn’t play music!

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

Music is the thing I mainly love to do but I read, drink and ramble too!

How long has your band been around?

This is a new project so I guess a few months really, the debut single ‘Devil’s Stomp’ is just the beginning…

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

I’m based in The Chilterns nowadays just outside of London. The open space and nature helps me to be creative. I write about all kinds of subject matter really.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

Well where I live is Red Kite country so when I was writing these songs the Red Kites were always circling. They have always given me a sense of protection and freedom.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

So far this band hasn’t done any but playing at Kentish Town Forum with the Quireboys with my previous band Trident Waters was pretty special.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

I have lots of fond memories of The Musician in Leicester. It's kind of a second home, also used to love the Big Red in North London but that’s gone now unfortunately just like so many grassroots venues, something needs to be done to prevent it happening here in the UK.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix & AC/DC with us headlining, ha! Yeah right, we can but dream!

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

Just write and play the stuff you believe in. Don’t try to imitate or follow trends as that way lies madness.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

I love them all equally as if they were my own children. However I’m really digging one that is yet to be released right now as it's got all the parts and the lyrics were just off the cuff and take me back to the time of writing them.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

Ask me again 12 months from now as we haven’t had the privilege to play the songs live yet..s

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

I was mainly a solitary writer for my new material. I usually get ideas and inspiration from all over. Then get the tracks demoed at home before recording in a studio with a producer. In this case it was multi-platinum award winning Mike Krompass (Everybody Loves An Outlaw) who has done a fantastic job of producing my EP to come. It sounds huge, epic and will kick your ass!

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

All kinds of things really but I hope that people feel something and can relate when they listen to these songs.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

Well, all bands have disagreements, it's like a multi-way marriage. Talking things through usually helps. Alternately you can just have a fist fight!

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

The debut single and video ‘Devil’s Stomp’ is out now in all the usual places so check that out. There will be another single in a couple of months. After that the EP will drop and hopefully some tour dates will be scheduled for later in the year. Watch this space and sign up at https://www.akandtheredkites.com/ to keep up!