Artist Interviews

Q&A: The Ralfe Band

By | Published on Tuesday 27 April 2010

The Ralfe Band

Formed by songwriter Oly Ralfe and drummer Andrew Mitchell, The Ralfe Band are known for their infectious folk-influenced songs, surrealist lyrics and classical and gypsy instruments, and draw influence from a range of artists from Bach to Little Richard. The band released their debut album ‘Swords’ in 2005 on Skint Records, followed by their second, ‘Attic Thieves’, in 2008 via Loose Music and Talitres Records. Their latest release is the soundtrack to the debut feature film from Mighty Boosh director Paul King, ‘Bunny & The Bull’, which is out now. We caught up with Olly Ralfe ahead of the band’s gig at The Borderline in London on 28 Apr.

Q1 How did you start out making music?
I started playing the piano when I was seven and the guitar when I was fifteen, after I saved up for an acoustic guitar with money I earned working on a farm. At home I had an upright piano that got more honky tonk as the years went by, and I remember the first thing I tried to write on it was a strange little four note melody. I’ve always enjoyed the hypnotic effect of playing the piano and that’s led to writing music.

Q2 What inspired your latest album?
The latest album is the soundtrack to ‘Bunny And The Bull’ and it was obviously inspired by the film. The film is mix of the imaginative, eclectic, strange, sad and funny a bit like my music, so it was a good marriage. A white wedding, even. I’d always wanted to create film music and there was something there inside me ready to explode given the chance.

Q3 What process do you go through in creating a track?
I play around with notes on the piano or guitar and nudge it in an intriguing direction, and then bolt on new sections. Occasionally, I just play something once and that’s the whole piece written and it’s all a bit of a mystery. Often the first random act or mistake is my most original thing and you have to preserve it.

Q4 Which artists influence your work?

All sorts, from a life of listening to a mish mash of different things. Anything from JS Bach to Little Richard, and preferably those two at the same time.

Q5 What would you say to someone experiencing your music for the first time?
I’d say: beware the rampant waltzing beast inside that will be released after your second listen.

Q6 What are your ambitions for your latest album, and for the future?
I hope this soundtrack invades new ears and minds in a special uplifting way. I’m hoping to get on with a new soundtrack this year, working with image and sound, and I’m also recording a new album of songs.

MORE>> www.ralfeband.com



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