Ra Ra Viper

Ramona Again' is uptempo and nostalgic musically, while dealing with loss and illness. What drew you to that contrast?

I think for us, music is a form of expression and a way to release emotions both happy and sad. I think this one arose really naturally around particular things going on in our lives, and this track was a way of talking about it. Although it may not have been talking about it directly, it was a way of expressing how we felt in a particular moment in time which is really healthy and helped to overcome challenges.

The song captures someone slowly deteriorating. Tell us a little about turning such a difficult experience into a song?

As I mentioned above, using music as a form of expression is such a great privilege and tool and to be able to get the opportunity to use it as that tool is amazing. I think a lot of the most powerful songs written use dark experiences to emote a feeling amongst the listeners and I like to think this is what we were trying to do with this song. Whilst it was a tough song to write at times, I think it made it more special once it was complete.

The lyrics are full of specific memories, from driving in the rain to 'Ramona on repeat.' How important were those details to bringing the story to life?

For everyone, specific moments hold different memories with people. Being able to portray these moments and what they mean to us is really important and this is what we tried to do throughout the writing process of this song. Certain memories such as listening to the album “Ramona” by Grace Cummings and driving in the rain can be taken both literally and metaphorically depending on who you talk to in the band, they are all subjective to all of us yet also have a special place in each of our journeys.

How did you approach the recording and production to balance the song's forward momentum with its heavier subject matter?

To be honest, I don’t think it changes anything. We go about each song in the same mindset, no matter how happy or sad it is. I think by the point we actually record the song, most of the deliberation on the subject matter of the song is already done and we have already opened up to each other and spoken about it. When we are recording, its about trying to create the best thing we possibly we can and portray our stories as effectively as possible.

The new album 'RA RA' is now available to pre-order on vinyl. What does it feel like having the record, and hearing this new chapter of Ra Ra Viper, become something people can actually hold?

Music is obviously so digitalised these days, so having a physical copy of the music and just something you have put so much time into makes it feel a lot more rewarding. Having a vinyl is not about an ego thing or doing it for the sake of it, but it is something that we can physically hold onto forever and hold close to our chests knowing we worked so hard to achieve that.

'Ramona Again' ultimately feels like a celebration of memories and the people who shape our lives. What do you hope listeners take from the song, and how does it set the tone for 'RA RA'?

We would like people to listen to this song and perhaps think about being in the moment with friends and family, we’d like it to almost act as a reminder to cherish every moment you get with loved ones. In regards to the album, I think it is a nice transition to a lot of the tracks in the album. It has the emotional side whilst also evoking some of the old school rock and roll sounds that we were looking for. Overall I think it combines the soft delicate emotional side from a lyrical sense with the hard hitting rock and roll sound.