The Red Suns Newsletter Interview

Thanks to Danny McCrum for answering these questions:

What can we expect to see from The Red Suns over the next year?

The current plan is simply to play live and continue recording.  

What will The Red Suns’ next release be?

We’ve just released our album Mojito which can be downloaded at http://theredsuns.bandcamp.com/
Our plans keep evolving, but an acoustic album maybe in the works next.   

How do you come up with your lyrics?

I think every artist has a similar answer to this… experiences etc… This is true for us too. My only other requirement is the lyrics have to make me feel something. Otherwise what’s the point?

How do you believe The Red Suns fit into the NZ music industry?

What NZ music industry?

What is the best part of being a musician?

It’s really easy to get distracted as a musician, to get caught up in the competitive side of things or the search for that big break… but I think it’s crucial to remember why you got into it in the first place, which is that unexplainable buzz you get when you create and connect with music and it all comes together. I try to constantly stay focused on that. The other stuff has it’s place, but the main reason we do it is because we love it. I think the best part of being a musician is that it can still give you that buzz after so many years. 

What inspired you to start The Red Suns?

I like to try new things and keep myself out of my comfort-zone. I decided a new musical vehicle would bring about some interesting results and I was right. In recent history I had run my own band (http://www.dannymccrum.com/) and I wanted to get back to the collaborative experience of a conventional band. I think it’s really important to be challenged by the people around you and that’s one of the greatest advantages in being in a band over doing your own thing.  

How did you come up with the name The Red Suns?

I was watching a documentary about the making of The Joshua Tree by U2 and it showed footage of the desert where the album cover photos were taken. The image of the sun over the desert made me think of the name. I completely forgot about it until a couple of months later when we really needed to think of something so we could move forward. I suggested it and it stuck. There’s no significant meaning to it, but we like the feeling of it… positive and upbeat.

What is the best gig you have ever performed at, and why?

We supported Eric Clapton at Vector Arena in 2009 which was a huge highlight. We’ve performed lots of support shows and they’re always great. But I also really get a kick out of playing at a packed pub too. I just love a responsive audience no matter where I am.  

How do you keep in contact with your fans?

Facebook baby….and our website! We love our friends and fans. They’ve always been really good to us!

What rumour would you like to start about The Red Suns?

I love rumours, but I think they’re best coming from others.  I wholeheartedly encourage rumours about The Red Suns to be started and spread!