Ra Ra Riot [rank: 150] based on users subscribed

"Ra Ra Riot is an American indie rock band from Syracuse, New York, consisting of vocalist Wes Miles, bassist Mathieu Santos, guitarist Milo Bonacci, cellist Alexandra Lawn, and violinist Rebecca Zeller. Ra Ra Riot formed in 2006, playing at houses and venues around the Syracuse University campus. The band started to attract attention due to their energetic live shows, enough to gain an appearance at the CMJ Music Marathon, less than six months after their formation."

[reproduced or excerpted from the Wikipedia article "Ra Ra Riot" and its use is thus licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License]

Bandega Interview with Milo Bonacci of Ra Ra Riot (September 2008)

Ra Ra Riot v. Syracuse University

Q: How have your shows changed over the years? Has your perspective on performing live changed?
A: We still like to keep a balance...we have fun playing large shows and small shows. We are lucky, in the sense that we do get to play some festivals, and intimate art spaces and house parties and things. It's good to have the variety- it keeps things interesting, and I don't think we'd have it any other way.

Q: Describe the most memorable live show you've played.
A: I think it's a tie between our first time headlining the Bowery Ballroom in New York, and getting to play at the Iceland Airwaves festival. We were all just completely ecstatic during both of those shows. We couldn't stop grinning, and I think that excitement translated to the crowd. Both experiences are unforgettable.

Q: What venue do you consider to be your "home", where you feel most comfortable, with the crowd and the place itself?
A: I think we feel at home with any of the Bowery Presents venues in New York. We've played at Mercury Lounge and The Bowery Ballroom a number of times, and it is always a good experience. They have really good sound in those places. The only problem is finding parking for the van and trailer in Manhattan. On the other hand, we're right in our element when we get to play in more intimate settings - like a house party, or art space. Those shows can be a lot of fun!

Q: Describe the most enjoyable show you've ever experienced as a fan.
A: When I was in 8th grade, my Dad took me to see Weezer. Pinkerton had come out a few weeks prior, and I was completely in love with the album. Weezer was the first band that I "discovered" on my own - without the help from my brother or sister... It was an amazing show from my perspective, and it was my first real rock concert. It was thrilling, even though I spent most of the show trying to keep from getting crushed by the currents of the crowd.

Q: Is the band constantly weighed down by a guilty conscience for preventing some of its members from graduating (from Syracuse University)? Is it difficult to create and play music under such an oppressive force?
A: Mathieu and Allie both deferred their studies on their own accord. I'm pretty sure they were both waiting for the slightest excuse to leave school...and when things with the band started to pick up a little bit, they were happy to re-direct their attention.

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