The Rumjacks – Dead Anthems

By starrymag | February 19, 2025

By: Mariah Thomas

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) A band that grew up listening to the Bouncing Souls and The Pogues

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Ah, didn’t know this question was coming next. But aside from those two mentioned above – Roaring Jack, The Specials, Madness, The Clash and all the punk ska and hardcore bands I’ve played shows with growing up.

 

Q) What was it about “Cold Like This” that made it perfect as one of the singles chosen for the new record?

 

A) It is CATCHY. Written as a sea shanty, I wasn’t sure if it was too cheesy to record, but people seem to like it!

 

Q) Talk about working with Ken Casey of Dropkick Murphys on the song.

 

A) He was keen to help us out, so I met up with him in a studio in Boston, and we hammed out the track. He’s very meticulous in how he records his vocals, so he did a bunch of takes to make sure his delivery was that iconic sound. We should all learn from Ken because he is so cool to watch in the studio.

 

Q) What kind of feedback from the fans have you been receiving to “Cold Like This?”

 

A) “BROOOOOO that f****** song is stuck in my head!!”

 

Q) As a band where all instruments are important and lend to the song, is there a certain order that things are recorded in the creation process?

 

A) Well, in the writing I wrote the lead on whistle, so all the instruments followed that. I also recorded an Irish flute on the lower octave and it really fills in the sound giving it a ghastly vibe.

 

Q) You have an upcoming album, Dead Anthems, out February 7th. How does the album title tie to the songs/concept of the album?

 

A) Honestly, it’s a commentary on the current state of the music industry. If you don’t *play the game* and appease the social media algorithm gods, you’re at a disadvantage in the music industry and I don’t think anybody is happy about that.

 

Q) In a recent video on your YouTube channel you talk about branching out to experiment while keeping the traditional Rumjacks sound. What are the most important elements or sounds to keep when trying new things? 

 

A) Well, we definitely didn’t want to write “the boring album” and slow all the songs down. Commonly bands will try to “make it” and write pop songs that usually end up feeling soulless and forced. We weren’t doing that, but we added in strings here and there, shortened some tracks for a punchier delivery and had the album mixed to fit in with the modern landscape sonically speaking.

 

Q) Of the new tracks, do you have one you look forward to performing live?

 

A) “They Kick You When You’re Down” is a really fun one. Also, the “woah” section in “Father’s Fight” is a song that you don’t need to know to enjoy watching for the first time.

 

Q) In a vlog Mike mentioned a big St. Patrick’s Day show. What can you tease about this specific show?

 

A) Thanks for checking out my YouTube channel! It’s a lot of work but I’m really trying to grow it. We’re playing the big room at Melkweg in Amsterdam. It’s going to be one of our biggest headline shows to date and tickets are flying!

 

Q) You are going on tour soon! Are there specific cities you are excited to be playing?

 

A) Milan is like a hometown for us! Paris is one of my favorite cities to play. Our connection with the crowd there is something special.

 

Q) Who are some dream collaborations you have? 

 

A) We really want to get Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson on a track. Fingers crossed.

 

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of your music?

 

A) Thank you for sticking with us all these years!!

 

 

 

ALL QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY VOCALIST MIKE RIVKEES