MNZ Interview: Clap Clap Riot

After seven years away from the touring circuit, Clap Clap Riot are finally back – and not just for a nostalgia run. Armed with new material, renewed energy, and years of experience behind them, the band are stepping into what feels less like a comeback and more like a new chapter.

Muzic.NZ’s Lachie caught up with the band to talk about the long gap, the pull of live shows, and what fans can expect when they hit the stage again.

Back on the Road

It’s been about seven years since your last proper tour – how does it feel to finally be heading back out there?
It honestly just feels really great to be back together doing it again. We’re all still really close mates, so we see each other all the time anyway – but there’s something pretty special about getting the five of us in a room playing these songs. It just feels like home.

What made this the right time to return?
It’s always been on the cards for us. We’ve been working on a record for a long time and really wanted to get it out there properly. It just came down to timing – life gets busy, responsibilities grow, and for some of us, touring with other projects took up a lot of space. Now everything’s aligned, and we’ve got the time and energy to give this 100%.

The Gap

Looking back, how did that seven-year break change you as a band?
In a lot of ways, it’s made us better. There’s been a huge amount of experience gained in that time – especially from playing hundreds of shows in other projects. We’re coming back into this more focused and more determined to make it better than ever.

Was there ever a point where touring again felt uncertain?
Not really – it was more a matter of “when” than “if.” We always knew we’d come back to it.

What did you miss most about live shows?
That connection you get playing together – there’s this unspoken communication between us. A glance or a small cue and everyone knows what’s happening. You just can’t replicate that anywhere else.

Then vs Now

How different is Clap Clap Riot in 2026 compared to 2019?
We honestly think we’ll be better than we’ve ever been. There’s a lot more experience now, and we’re putting in the work to make sure the shows are as tight and exciting as possible.

Do the older songs feel different when you play them now?
It’s pretty wild – some songs we haven’t played in 15 years, and you think you’ll forget them… but as soon as you hit the first note, it all just comes flooding back. It’s like muscle memory.

Have your priorities shifted as a band?
We’ve always cared about the live energy first and foremost – but now it’s about balancing that with really solid musicianship too.

Live Energy

Your shows are known for their energy – how do you rebuild that after such a long break?
That energy has always been at the core of the band. Even early on, it was everything – sometimes even more important than playing perfectly. Now we’ve grown into being able to keep that energy and play better.

Did rehearsals feel like starting fresh or picking up where you left off?
A bit of both – but mostly it just felt natural. Once we got going, it clicked straight back into place.

Any moments you’re especially looking forward to on stage?
Definitely playing some of the older songs again, and also testing out new material live. You never really know how new tracks will land until you’re in front of a crowd.

Aotearoa Return

What kind of experience do you want to give fans who’ve waited years to see you again?
We just want people to come along, forget about everything going on in their week, and have a great time. Dance, let loose, enjoy it – that’s what it’s all about for us.

What’s Next

Does this tour feel like a continuation – or a new chapter?
It feels like both. We’re continuing what we started, but there’s also a lot of new energy around it. We’ve got a new record coming, and this is just the beginning of getting that out into the world.

Final Word

With new music on the horizon and a renewed sense of purpose, Clap Clap Riot’s return isn’t just a throwback – it’s a reminder of what made them so exciting in the first place.

And if their goal is simple – make it fun – then this tour might be exactly what fans have been waiting for.