Northern Ireland alt-rock band Stratford Rise have released their new single, Gunshow. We asked Orion of the band the BIG questions . . .
We need your consent to load this Spotify contentWe use Spotify to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
They supported The Jesus Lizard in Belfast's Limelight, Just Mustard at Limerick’s Féile Na Gréine, and further support slots for Crows and Junk Drawer.
Stratford Rise play: 21 May - Deer's Head, Belfast. 31 May - Workmans Cellar, Dublin. 6 June - Ulster Sports Club, Belfast.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I am interested in film photography, but I'm comically bad at taking photos. I love free improvisation music and play in the Queen's University Business & Engineering ensemble in Belfast. My current favourite food is charcuterie. Cold meats and fancy cheese parties with my girlfriend while we watch the Twilight series and giggle are a weeknight staple.
How would you describe your music?
I would describe it by borrowing and quoting the title of Billie Eilish's third studio album, Hit Me Hard and Soft.
Who are your musical inspirations?
When writing on guitar, I’m very inspired by bands like XTC, Deerhoof, and Women, whose two guitars interlock and complete the picture for the other guitar. The guitars on Trout Mask Replica by Captain Beefheart also fall under that. I'm also personally inspired by DNA and Arto Lindsay's solo work, and Gilla Band.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
My first gig was Santana in West Palm Beach Amphitheater when I was about six, although I was too busy running around like a maniac and swinging a Geico (American car insurance) fan with their lizard mascot's face on it like it was a deadly weapon. My first concert of my own choosing was Muse on their Drones tour at about 12. I'm sorry.
What was the first record you ever bought?
The first record I bought with my own money was XTC's Drums and Wires when I was 18 and got a player and stereo for my birthday. I think it was the 2014 (?) Steven Wilson remaster. Before that I had accumulated a few records from family like In Rainbows and Abbey Road.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Nobody puts baby in the corner! You get three songs, and that's final: Cenotaph by This Heat, Sun In Your Eyes by Grizzly Bear, Omnibus by XTC.
Favourite lyric of all time
From XTC's Mermaid Smiled: "Summoned by drum-rolling surf, As laughing fish compel, The young boy woken in me, By clanging diving bell, Breakers pillow-fight the shore". I've always been a massive fan of Andy Partridge's spectacular imagery.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I think Ankles by Palm, because it's such an awesome mix of Icey, bare guitars and interlocking free rhythms that make a really haunting track. The constantly stumbling rhythm causes me to unconsciously lean forward - if I stand up every time I listen to it, I'll end up with toned calves and can then fool people into thinking I'm an endurance runner.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Our music is on the vast majority of streaming services like Apple or Spotify and is also on Bandcamp. Our Instagram @stratfordrise is the easiest way to keep up to date, followed by Facebook. We keep our linktree updated with all our happenings, and we're looking into getting a mailing list soon!
Alan Corr
