Tristan and Dave of Clap Clap Riot

Clap Clap Riot by Tom Roberton

Tristan: I always find it difficult to describe our sound as we all have very different influences. This generally creates a unique sound for our music. At the end of the day I would say we are rock’n'roll with an edge.

Dave: It’s a nice blend of handful edgy guitars, dirty bass and driving drums.

Clap Clap Riot by Tom Roberton

STOLEN: Who are your influences and inspirations?

Tristan: Pop Culture from the late 80’s and right through the 90’s. I feel sorry for all you kids who didn’t really get to appreciate those decades. My musical influences are endless but at the moment I’m really into Chuck Berry, The Hives and LCD Soundsystem.

Dave: Lost in Translation, The Kinks, Japan, light shows, melodic guitars.

STOLEN: What’s your best night out or best gig so far – what happened and why so memorable?

Tristan: Public Enemy at Rhythm and Vines. It was the second night of the three days; It wasn’t as busy as the night before, in fact it was rather tame for a New Years Festival but the vibe was there and Public Enemy owned it.

Dave: Liam Finn playing with Lawrence Arabia and Connan was one of the best gigs I’ve seen recently. A rare chance to see the friends all play together and a fantastic display of musicians.

Clap Clap Riot by Tom Roberton

STOLEN: Favorite STOLEN cocktail?

Tristan: I do like to keep it pretty simple; STOLEN Gold with ginger beer, a wedge of lime or lemon and a dash of angostura bitters goes down a treat. Or even simpler, STOLEN Gold, a few ice cubes and a lime wedge.

Dave: I like to keep it pretty simple with a splash of ginger beer, ice and lime.

STOLEN: Desert Island Discs – five favourite albums?

Tristan: Radiohead – OK Computer, The Beatles – White Album, Chuck Berry – The Great 28, Iron Maiden – Powerslave, The Strokes – Is This It.

Dave: The Kills — Midnight Boom, The Veils — Nux Vomica, something by The Kinks, LCD Sound System — Sound of Silver, Beastie Boys — Hello Nasty.

STOLEN: What’s new and upcoming for the band?

Dave: Our debut album is finished, and due for release at the tail end of the year. We’ll be touring over summer with dates to be announced. And, our new singles ‘Yoko Ono’ and ‘Moss-Haired Girl’ are spinning on the radio at present.

For more, see the band’s website.