Posted on January 31, 2010 - by Editor

Thinking Back And Looking Forward: Random Hand

All words by Emma Stone. Photo by Imelda Michalczyk.

Random Hand represented by Joe Tilston

Emma:  So, 2009 has been a pretty damn busy year for the four of you. Does 2010 show any signs of you slowing down?

Joe: Well we kick off with a month on the road with The Skints, Mouthwash and Chris Murray swiftly followed by a month on the Mainland then a bit of time to get writing the rest of album number three, then off again with the awesome Strung Out… so no it doesn’t look like its slowing down any time soon.

Emma: When can we expect to hear any samples of new material, and when does the band hope to complete any recordings?

Joe: The demo’s will most likely be staying close to our chest, we may try and get a few teasers out on radio shows and things but most will have to wait till album three drops. The current plan is to have an album out in the Summer but that could all change.

Emma:  ‘Inhale/Exhale’ took a more metal approach to your style than ‘Change of Plan’. Do your new songs return to your ska-punk roots, or will you continue in this vein as it seems to be working well for you?

Joe: I wouldn’t have really said we made the last album more metal, if anything it was a bit more hardcore, but the Random Hand mix will always remain a balance of its parts. The new songs we have so far feel like the best things we’ve written and the mix doesn’t stray too far from what people have come to expect, it does all feel a bit more frantic though, which is a good thing.

Emma:  Not only is it the end of the year, but the end of the decade too! In 2000, did you ever imagine yourself to be where you are now?

Joe: Not at all, but I’m in no way disappointed. We knew when we started the band that it was for the long haul, so I’ve hoped to be doing this since 2003.

Emma:  This year’s Rebellion Festival saw a very triumphant headline spot on the Arena stage. Can we expect to see you working your way up to the Empress Ballroom next year?

Joe: I don’t know too much about that yet, we can’t headline the arena stage again, so assume the Empress will be our mistress next year.

Emma: You’ve made it on to Spotify! Do you think free music applications help or hinder the bands efforts to make a living and get their name out there?

Joe: The free music debate is such a huge subject, and I could easily argue for both sides. I feel it needs to be embraced as it’s definitely here to stay, it impossible to gauge how giving away music effects show attendance, but I like to think it’s helped us.

Emma:  Some of the more clichéd questions now, I’m afraid! Who was your favourite band/person to tour with in 2009?

Joe: We’ve had an amazing year for touring this year; there hasn’t really been a point where we haven’t had amazing friends with us. But if I had to be honest it’s all about Dan Potthast who came on our last tour, he really helps to put what we do as musicians in perspective and not to take shit for granted, we’re in a very lucky position. The Skints and The Boom also made this year amazing for us, and how can we not mention the Reel Big Fish tour? It really has been crazy, also Oliver Hutchinson deserves a special mention, he came and engineered and drove for us for seven months and he made the whole experience much more enjoyable, miss ya Ol!

Emma: What was your most memorable gig of the year?

Joe: Without a doubt Rebellion festival.

Emma: Who was your weirdest fan you’ve met this year?

Joe: There was this Viking in Newcastle, he was a dude!

Emma: Any records you can recommend from this year?

Joe: Rebel Alliance Recordings has consistently released amazing albums all year go check that out! I’ve been over indulging in hardcore all year, if you haven’t already go listen to Cancer Bats – “Hail Destroyer” dirty riffs for the win.