The Rumjacks – Hestia

By starrymag | June 7, 2021

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

Q) How would you best describe your sound?

 

A) Heard it being described as a blend between The Pogues and The Clash…I’d say that’s pretty close.

 

Q) Who would you consider your Top 3 musical influences?

 

A) The 101ers, The Clash and The Mescaleros [winks]

 

Q) Why did you decide to name the album Hestia, after the Greek Goddess of home and hearth?

 

A) The song “Hestia” came before the album being named that. Strong song about and even stronger character, protecting what is hers and not backing down. The song itself was intended to be pretty opened ended and interpreted however the listener seemed fit. So, the album being named the same seemed fitting.

 

Q) On YouTube you started releasing acoustic versions of the songs off of Hestia, recently including “Rhythm of Her Name,” “Motion,” and “Light in My Shadow.” What did you love lost about creating acoustic versions of your songs?

 

A) In a weird way loads of the songs kind of started that way, so it was awesome to go back and revisit them in way. I think the good thing about our songs (especially the ones off Hestia) is that they translate well to acoustic versions. We love doing it so we figured while we were all still in the same city we may as well get together and see how they sound. I think they came across really well and fans seemed to really enjoy it.

 

Q) With posting the acoustic videos, are there plans to post more or any thoughts to a potential acoustic album in the future?

 

A) I think we will do it again for sure! We honestly really enjoy doing them and changing them up a bit, so for sure! Album of acoustic? … Maybe.

 

Q) “Rhythm of Her Name” and “Lizzie Borden” have become my favorite tracks on Which songs were your favorite to write and record?

 

A) “Rhythm of Her Name” is probably our favorite track for most members. Mike, Pietro and myself were in the studio in Milan and doing a whole load of pre-production and putting loads of ideas or demos in one place so we could start working on them more. We were pretty much finished for the day and Mike checked some of his voice notes in his phone. One of them was an acoustic, quick take idea for “Rhythm of Her Name.” Possibly just chords and hummed melody, can’t really remember. But the second we all heard it we kind of had that “oh moment” and started building it from there. Seeing that song go from a voice note in Mike’s phone to what it became was incredible. For me that was the most fun one throughout the whole process.

 

Q) What do you hope your fans take away from Hestia?

 

A) We just want people to enjoy them. Take them for what they are and apply it however they like. That’s the good thing about music. For the first time in a VERY long time, we really enjoyed the whole process of Hestia. So, having fans enjoying listening to it as much as we enjoyed making it would be amazing.

 

Q) On your website it shows you will be touring starting in June. As live music is making in a comeback, what do you look forward to the most being back in front of live audiences?

 

A) I know loads of bands say it and it almost sounds “typical” or bullshit to say but that connection you get with the audience when you play. You can honestly feel it and for any musician it’s the best feeling in the world.

 

Q) While you are touring in Europe, are there any plans for dates in the United States?

 

A) 100%! We recently signed with Atomic Music Group in the USA and they are currently working on a whole load of dates in the USA for 2022. We have been trying for years to get back over there and repay the amazing support that we get from the grand ol’ USA, so we are definitely heading your way in 2022.

 

Q)  Which songs are requested the most during live shows?

 

A) “Irish Pub Song” for sure. The power of the internet had a hand in that one hah.

 

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

 

A) A genuine and honest thank you. It really does mean the world to us that you support us and have done for so long. We love you and can’t wait to sit and have beers with you once again.

 

 

 

 

All Questions Answered By Bassist John McKelvey