Steve Grantley "ZedNation" interview

 Hi Steve, it's been a while since the last RT-Zed album and so much has occurred globally so can we start by covering what's been going on with you and the band and what lead to John Magner's return?

I pretty much recorded and mixed right the way through lockdown. I got very sick with Covid in March 2020 after which I had antibodies. Once I was CD well again I just recorded and mixed. "ZedNation", the new album, "Dub Machine" with Ali McMordie from SLF. I also put together4 dub mixes of classic Stiff Little Fingers tracks to be released in the future. I also did a dub mix, alternate versions and original versions of the "FUNKPUNK" album. I was very busy the whole time. John came back from America and we started working together straight away. We'd lost touch whilst he was in the States but when he returned to the UK we went straight back to work.

When did Jamie Alleyne come on board?

 In 2019. We reconnected on Facebook and the first thing I said was "you wanna join RT-Zed?" and he was like "fuck yeah!" It was a no-brainer really, he's one of the most natural musicians I've ever met. He may not be "famous" but he's truly gifted. Watching him play in the studio is a pleasure, he's groovy, he rocks, he makes very few mistakes and he's a gentle soul. I was in his band Decoda in the 90's, in fact we supported SLF in 1996 at The Forum. It's weird how things go around.

That sounds like a great full circle or fated thing for those that believe in it! Was it these sort of gifted moments that lead to the decision to create a full band line up?

Well, yes. The guys were back so it was a foregone conclusion. I'd played all the instruments on "FUNKPUNK" apart from lead guitar and for "ZedNation" I wanted the band feel you mention. So yes, it was a more integrated, collective approach. A band, utilising the individual members talents.

And it opens up the possibilities more readily for live dates so naturally I should ask what your plans are there, I know you've already got the Westworld Weekend lined up.

Yep, Westworld is in the diary and because SLF will probably be quiet in the latter part of the year we are looking to do shows then.

That sounds promising! Have you considered what a potential set would look like yet or are you going to use it as a showcase for "ZedNation" rather than draw from all the albums?

The set list is sorted and it's a mixture of all the albums.

You mentioned "Dub Machine" and the alternative "FUNKPUNK", is there a time scale on when these will appear?

"Dub Machine" - which is Ali and I's dub album together will be released later this year. The "FUNKPUNK" dub, alternative mix album will come out sometime in the future. Not sure when. At the moment it's all about "ZedNation". We've had great reviews and I was most proud of the Modern Drummer review, the drummers bible, so to speak, they called me "The British Dave Grohl" which was pretty amazing.

The buzz around "ZedNation" and the universally strong reviews must be hugely satisfying.

Yes it is. We're trying to get it on radio but that's a whole other world mate. The sales are strong, the reviews are astounding - it's going well. We're all so pleased. We even got 9/10 from a metal magazine - I don't know if that's good or bad but we'll take it.

I can see why the metal press would pick up on it in the broader rock and punk terms there is definite crossover potential. That Dave Grohl comparison must be both satisfying and also a big help in getting the album to achieve the breakthrough potential that it certainly has?

Well, I hope it does. If we can have a bit of Foo Fighter sucess that'll be fine by me. It's hard to come from behind the kit to up front. Some people think you're an upstart! "Get back in your place!" But fuck that. I make music and if it's behind the drums, as a producer or playing guitar and singing - it's all the same. I think Dave has proved it's ok: don't panic the drummers gonna sing but it's cool. Loads of front men played drums before they were singers. Iggy, Kravitz - Stevie Wonder - Prince - all these guys play drums really well. Drummers often go to the front, Grohl, Phil Collins, Taylor Hawkins, Roger Taylor. It's nothing out of the ordinary.

As we're on the subject, do you have any words on the passing of Taylor Hawkins?

It was a shock to us all. I just think of his family. He had the hardest drumming job in the world. On stage playing drums with Dave Grohl for 3 hours a night on those songs in front of thousands every night. No wonder he had anxiety issues. I respected his playing enormously and just, as I say: my heart goes out to the family. It's a massive loss to us all and who knows where Foo Fighters will go from here?!

I think it hit home for a lot of people and we can nevr take things for granted but moving things back to "ZedNation" how difficult was it not to have the pandemic infuence the lyrical themes in the album?

I just thought that would be too obvious. Way too easy! I wasn't going to wallow in the situation, I just got on with other things. I was very ill with it as I've said and I wasn't going to let it hold me back anymore than it already had.

What did you draw on for your lyrical inspiration?

My life. It's all there. Nothings made up, nothing is a metaphor - it's all there.

What prompted you to offer a unique hand painted deluxe limited edition of the album?

I wanted to add something personal and special for the Deluxe Edition. First I thought about hand written lyrics but that's been done a lot before and I didn't think anyone would want that from me. Then I considered a bonus track but folk would already have 12 new songs on the album, so that was a non-starter. So, I was watching a documentary about Andy Warhol of whom I'm a big fan, and reading a book about him at the same time. I liked his idea of repetition with the soup cans for example - and the idea of doing 100 hand painted Zed Hed logos came to me. It was kinda extreme because that's a lot of work but I chose to do it BECAUSE it was extreme, because it was difficult. It took me 8 weeks: each one took an average of an hour and a quarter per painting. They're all in the style of Pop Art - influences include, Mondrian, Lichtenstain and of course Warhol. They're being photographed and catalogued, they'll be available all together in booklet form titled "The Same But Different" at some point so that they can be appreciated as a collection.

It also gives a reason to buy rather than stream, if "ZedNation" is to reach a wider audience streaming sites must be a necessary evil but what are your thoughts as an independent artist?

I hate streaming sites. They rip-off artists. We get fuck all! It's a joke. I don't have Spotify because it's legalised theft. They're cunts! Absolute cunts.

So given the traction, the press and reviews what are your hopes and expectations for the album?

Who knows mate - I just want those who've bought the album to like the music and use it. To drive home to, to vibe them up before they go out, to party to, go crazy - make love; just enjoy the music and the attitude.

Having heard the album I'm pretty sure all that is a given! Before we move on to the future I just wanted to go back to the Dave Grohl comparissons that we touched on earlier. I would hope that more people would be drawn to listen to the album but what is your take?

I was honoured to be compared to Dave Grohl, he is an exceptional musician and so it was so flattering to get that accolade from Modern Drummer Magazine: incredible. Because I'm known as a drummer first as is Dave and because I have my own band I suppose there are similarities. Let's hope we can have a little bit of Foo Fighters success.

It would certainly be deserved that's for sure and I truly think that "ZedNation" has that potential for a much wider audience. If the past has taught us anything it's probably to expect the unexpected in relation to RT-Zed so what's next for you and the band?

I hope we can reach a wider audience but it's difficult - we want to play more live and we are trying to get radio play but for an independent act it's extremely difficult. We are supporting Spear of Destiny at their Westworld Weekend Friday 13th May but we are looking for a set of dates in November, December time. I just want to continue to make music with these guys. When I'm not with SLF, I'm doing this - it's a compulsion. 😉

That would certainly be great to see and as you mentioned SLF what's on the horizon now that you've finished the delayed 20/20 Vision tour apart from a few rescheduled dates due to Jake being unwell?

Jake just got a head cold and it went down into his throat. 4 days rest and he was back in the game. We hope to record an album in 2023 and tour more extensively internationally. As for 2022? It's all UK shows where we are going to places we haven't been for a while. For all dates go to SLF.rocks. It's great to be back with the lads ans we can't thank the audience enough for coming to the shows. The numbers increase year upon year and we are amazed and grateful.

It sounds like 2022 is going to be a very interesting year! Steve Grantley thank you very much!

"ZedNation" is available now - order now by clicking HERE!

RT-Zed - "ZedNation" Reviewed & Pre-Order Goes Live!

 The last RT-Zed album, the aptly named "FUNKPUNK", saw Steve Grantley's project explore a mix of genres but with the return of original guitarist John Magner alongside Grantley, Jonesy and bassist Jamie Alleyne "ZedNation" is very much a gritty rock and punk album. Not that Magner's return is a backwards step, the album very much moves the band forward and bolsters a sound that is now so meaty it should be illegal for a vegan to listen to let alone have made!

Lead single "Why Did I Ever Care" whetted the appetite but when the opener "Black Heart of Love" kicks in you know that you had been lulled into a false sense of security and from then on the album just doesn't relent.

"Don't Hit The Brakes Until You Crash" reinvents Slade for the 21st Century with a massive beat and added punk vibes striaght into "Superfaker" which will please fans of both Grantley's past and present endeavours.

Grantley is definitely an underrated lyricist and on the albums most acerbic tracks such as "Little Bitch" and "Teach You A Lesson" it provides a great opportunity for him to add a sneer element to his vocal delivery that fit the tracks perfectly.

The whole sound seems a lot fuller than previous albums thanks to both the expanded band line up and also the excellent production, you get the feeling this is the album RT-Zed have been building to and have succeeded in producing something truly special.

With the obvious comparisons of drummer becomes frontman then Grantley could easily be viewed as the British Dave Grohl with all of the fight of his American counterpart but with a decidedly different accent!

Will this be the album that brings them to a wider audience? - It certainly should be!

"ZedNation" is released on April the 28th but is available to pre order now from RTZed.com

RT-Zed "Why Did I Ever Care" single release & review

 With the new album "ZedNation" due shortly and with an expanded line up with John Magna re-joining the bad alongside Steve Grantley, Jonesy and new bassist Jamie Alleyne anticipation is riding high and if lead in single "Why Did I Ever Care" is anything to go by it's going to be something pretty damn special!

Style wise it's more of a return to the punk stylings of "ZedHed" rather than the funk tinged sound explored on the wonderful "FUNKPUNK" and the expanded line up certainly sound like they mean business with a pretty full on rich sound. Don't be fooled by the acoustic intro "Why Did I Ever Care" wastes no time in kicking off with a drum and guitar assault which stay the course across 3 minutes of perfect punk tunage that will be sure to please Steve's SLF fans as well as gaining new fans.

As a single it's good, very good in fact and as a taste of "ZedNation" well the album can't arrive soon enough!

9/10

Download "Why Did I Ever Care" HERE

"ZedNation" is available in 2022.

RT-Zed "Honour The Barbarian" review

I'm guessing a fair few of you own or have heard the Punk Tribute To The Clash album which was released in the early 2000s as it has a few Alarm connections, Mike Peters contributes a couple of tracks, Chelsea's Gene October one and of course James Stevenson not surprisingly is on there too! Then there was RTZ Global featuring Steve Grantley who provided a storming version of the classic "Guns Of Brixton" which for many was one of the albums stand out moments. After the albums release the label responsible approached the duo commissioning them to deliver an album of punk standards which the band would choose themselves but unfortunately during recording the label went under and left the project in limbo....

RT-Zed (let's use that name as that's what they became and is the name on the sleeve for this release!) finished the album but then with no means of releasing it at the time it was shelved. 15 years later it has finally seen light of day and we get to appreciate what an amazing album it is!

Looking at the track listing nearly all the songs will be familiar to those with even a casual interest in punk pulling in tracks such as The Damned "New Rose", X-Ray Spex "Germfree Adolescents", Ramones "Blitzkrieg Bop", The Jam's "Pretty Green" and of course "Guns Of Brixton" from the Clash tribute. The only semi deep tracks are the Sex Pistols "I Wanna Be Me" which was the B-side to "Anarchy In The U.K." and "Safe As Houses" by Grantleys Stiff Little Fingers found originally on the "Go For It" album which was obviously before his time in the band. What is massively noticeable is that despite their familiarity these versions are in no way carbon copies of the originals and sound pleasingly fresh. It's great to instantly be able to sing along to every track whilst also discovering them for the first time.

The electronic nature, which isn't quite EBM but certain flirts with it, works well in adding something different to the source material and then of course you have Grantley's vocals which are always on point! The only track which made me initially question it's inclusion was the Siouxsie & The Banshees classic "Happy House" which starts with RT-Zed radically deconstructing it but just as you get into the groove and sparseness it begins to pick up speed and mirror the rest of the album.

This is one of those great releases where it has the ability of taking your expectations and knock them out of the park. It is destined to be one of your go to albums when you want to sing your heart out and have a great time doing it.....if only all cover albums were this good!

"Missing" RT-Zed CD released!

After recording a stand out cover of "Guns Of Brixton" for a Clash Tribute album as RT-Zed Global in the early noughties Steve Grantley and John Magner were asked if they would be interested in producing an entire album of punk cover versions. 

Choosing some of their favourite tracks they went to it deciding on 11 absolute classics however during recording the record company went under and left the project in limbo. They finished the album but now had no means of releasing it so it sat shelved for 15 years....until now that is!

"Honour The Barbarian" by RT-Zed is now available at long last! 

Get yours for £12 HERE!

RT-Zed Announce Xmas Gig!

RT-Zed featuring Steve Grantley and "Jonesy" are giving fans a rare chance to catch them live when they play the Hairy Dog in Derby this December. Tickets priced at an insanely low £11 including booking are on sale NOW! 

The gig is on Friday 20th December so a great excuse to stop your Xmas prep and go have some fun! Expect songs from both "FUNKPUNK" and "Zed Hed" and maybe a surprise or two. 

As of yet there is no confirmation on who will be joining the two Steves in the RT-Zed live line up so watch this space!

Get your tickets HERE!

RT-Zed "FUNKPUNK" Goes Digital!

A little over a year ago Steve Grantley bought us the genre blending RT-Zed album "FUNKPUNK" which was one of my favourite releases of the year.  It is only now being released digitally and onto streaming services so it seemed a great time to have a catch up with SG and talk all things FUNKPUNK as well as finding out more about his involvement in the return of The Pack and his upcoming Dub project.

“FUNKPUNK” has been out in the world for a year or so, depending if you were a Pledge adopter or not, why did you decide to wait till now to release a digital version?

SG- Yeah, It's been just over a year since the release of FUNKPUNK, I've waited until now to release a digital version because I wasn't happy with the company I had been working with. I have found a great new digital aggregator and that makes it worthwhile releasing the music in the digital domain.

Is this a straight release of the original album or have you altered anything after living with the album for a year?

SG- There's a bonus track but other than that it's exactly the same.

Will you also be making the album available on the various streaming services?

SG- Yes, absolutely! I've resisted the streaming up until now but it's time for me to embrace Spotify and the like.

You’ve added a bonus track “Where’s The Money Go?” was this from the “FUNKPUNK” sessions or is it newly written?

SG-It was indeed part of the FUNKPUNK sessions, I'd had it knocking about for years but I could never seem to get it right; never happy with it. I went through different grooves and none worked. It was only when I asked myself "What would Sly Dunbar do?" that it all fell into place.

Lyrically it seems to tackle both tax exempt religions / religious leaders as well as charities who use donations to live the high life. What can you tell us about it?

 SG- It's about charities, although it of course applies to religions as well, I've actually seen charity money being wasted, not being spent on what the people who donate think it's being spent on. It's a crime and not something I'd ever be part of. Also the piousness of some charities, giving people what they think they need, I'd rather give direct to people on the street. I know there's "fake" beggars out there but I'm prepared ti take the chance and give in good faith.

At the beginning of the year you appeared to be considering some RT-Zed live dates, are these still potentially happening or is that too difficult considering how active SLF are currently?

 SG- We always want to play but with Jonesy's and my schedules it's difficult. But there will be shows - at some point.

How have you found reactions to “FUNKPUNK”?

SG- Positive. It got great reviews, sold well and continues to do so. I know some people don't "get it". How can you mix punk rock with funk music> But think about "This Is Radio Clash" that's funky, so is "Rock The Casbah". I think grooves matter but it's not disco, it's funk and that's a powerful medium. It makes sense to me; songs with a message that make you want to move! When I was 17 I was listening to "Nevermind The Bollocks" and James Brown - it all meshed together and FUNKPUNK is the result.

You obviously would have had a lot of reactions from the Punk & Rock communities but have you had any from the Funk community?

SG- Yes, Bootsy loves it!

What can you tell us about the “FUNKPUNK” Dub album….do you consider it to be a companion release or an album in its own right?

 SG- I've recently made a dub album with Ali (bass player in Stiff Little Fingers) it sounds wicked and I plan on doing more Dub productions. There won't be a complete FUNKPUNK Dub album but definitely a few tracks like "Guilty", "Clone" and "The Disconnect" which lend themselves to Dub treatment. 

With Pledge no longer an option what are your plans for its release?

SG- I will self finance.

What is your take on the collapse of Pledge and were you burnt in any way?

SG- I believe they were victims of their own success. I think there will be a new version of Pledge at sometime in the future. I got out just before the shit hit the fan; I was lucky.

How did you come to be involved in the amazing live return of The Pack at the beginning of the year?

 SG- Spear Of Destiny have toured to support SLF in the past as have Theatre Of Hate. Also RT-Zed have supported Spear at 2 Westworld Festivals. Also I've known Kirk and his manager Liam, who managed The Alarm for a time, for years. Kirk asked me to do it and I was honoured, I enjoyed working with Kirk, he's a completely honest artist. There is no side to Kirk, no bullshit, no pose, no image. I like him but the music was a bastard to learn. So fucking complicated - it was a great feeling once I'd got the tracks down but boy it was tough.

Was the recording of the “Salford Sessions” originally planned or was it too good a chance not to document the return?

They are in fact rehearsals recorded before we really knew how the songs went. I didn't really expect them to be released.

The second run of The Pack live shows clashed with SLF dates so you were unavailable for them. Are any future dates likely at this point?

I think Kirk wants to do more Pack shows and if Kirk wants me to do them and I'm available; I'm there!

Steve Grantley, thank you very much - FUNKPUNK is available now through RT-Zed.com and via streaming services very soon!

Steve Grantley Talks "FUNKPUNK" (Interview)

The RT-Zed duo of  Steves Grantley & Jonesy return with their new album the aptly named "FUNKPUNK"  I recently caught up with Mr. Grantley after his return from the SLF Australian tour to find out more

"Zed Hed" was a fantastic album, did its sales and reception meet your expectations?

The reviews were exceptional and the response from people was absolutely tremendous. The reviews were so good I thought my Mum had written them! (laughs) It's still selling now so I would say Zed Hed exceeded my personal ambition for the record. Although I would prefer world domination!!!!!!!!!!

Was there a temptation to produce a sequel that was in a similar vein or did you always know that you wanted to travel a different path with the new album?

Yes. I suppose there was an option to recreate Zed Hed but I went with my gut instinct, which is what I've done with all the records. I wrote a bunch of songs and FUNKPUNK is what came out. I just followed what felt good, I stayed out of my own way and let it flow.

How quickly did the sound take shape, was it a case of the song writing influencing the sound or the sound influencing the writing?

The sound took shape quickly, the dub bass, the solid beats, less straight-ahead hackneyed musical tricks, the aggressive attitude all came naturally. The songs were written before I went in to record but once I was in the studio the sound influenced the writing and I started creating new tracks on the spot. So it was a bit of both; the songs influenced the sound and then that blueprint influenced some new songs.

What artists were you listening to while writing "FUNKPUNK", did you look for inspiration?

Like all of us I have eclectic tastes, so down through the years I've always liked Parliament and Funkadelic, James Brown, Prince, Rick James as well as rock music like The Who, Led Zep and punk; Pistols and The Ruts plus reggae - Sly and Robbie, Marley, Steel Pulse and FUNKPUNK just grew out of those influences. It's subliminal not deliberate and definitely not what someone would expect from a punk rock tub thumper. The legendary session drummer Jeff Porcaro was a mentor, he gave me a lot of great advice and he was all about "the groove" so there's grooves on the album. My publisher is a punk rocker and he said he didn't own any records that sounded like FUNKPUNK and I said "yes you do", The Clash's "Magnificent 7", "This Is Radio Clash" maybe even "Rock The Casbah" plus Talking Heads, Ian Dury and the Blockheads. He felt it was a very odd combination of styles; funk music and punk rock but to me it was perfectly normal. Trouble Funk used to have punk rock bands support them all the time. Also why would I want to try and recreate 1977 or something RT-Zed had already done? What's the fucking point of that? I just went my own way and thought fuck it; I have to do what I feel comfortable with.

You got Jon Astley to master the album, he has one hell of a CV so that must have been a massive coup for you. How did he get to be involved?

Yes, he's a legend among legends. I didn't know him at all; he heard the music through the engineer on the album Jamie Masters. Jon costs a fortune and I could never have afforded his usual fee but he loved the album and offered his services because he was a fan. I was highly honoured and very encouraged by the fact that he agreed to master the record. He's mastered The Who, Zeppelin, Townshend solo stuff, Bad Company, ABBA - all sorts of artists but all of them million sellers so for him to master FUNKPUNK was fucking brilliant.

You and Jonesy handle all the instrumentation on the album, did you consider inviting guests?

No - I was tired of explaining to bass players to "keep it simple" and leave room for the grooves to breathe. In the end I played the bass on the whole record, largely due to necessity. I used all the reggae dub tricks; flat-wound strings, foam dampening at the bridge, to wound off, bottom wound up, play with your thumb and keep it groovy with the drummer - like a proper rhythm section. Jonesy played some great lead stuff and bought some real flair to the whole proceedings. His sd is muscular and aggressive without being cliched "Rock geetar"! He wasn't always around so I covered all the funk guitar parts and synths - I just got on with it. We may use guests next time - we know enough fucking people; we'll see. I like doing everything ourselves as it means we don't have to explain and waste valuable time negotiating with people.

How easy was it to fit in writing, recording, mixing and generally everything that made the album happen in a time of increased activity and a resurgence in popularity in Stiff Little Fingers?

It was easy really. Even though Stiff Little Fingers have been incredibly busy I was still able to use time off to work on FUNKPUNK - I play all the time, I don't see it as work - It's pleasure so when I had some SLF downtime, I was in the studio.

"No Conspiracy" featured on the live album "Crunch" albeit in a more raw form and devoid of the wonderful funk guitar of the new version, was this the only song to be reworked for the "FUNKPUNK"sessions?

Yes, it's the only song that was reworked because it was never really finalised. We recorded it on the live album Crunch because we were a song short and the rest of the band said lets do "No Conspiracy". I was never that pleased with it so this was the perfect opportunity to record No Con the way I heard it.

When did you decide to make the release a Pledge campaign?

Siren who manage SLF suggested it and it was good advice. It's going extremely well.

Have you been surprised at how quickly you achieved your Pledge target?

Yes, my fear was we wouldn't reach 100% and look like fucking idiots but we got there in 9 days. It was a relief and very exciting!

Have you got "stretch" goals in mind now you are fully funded?

We aren't fully funded - we just chose an amount that we felt we could reach.

Will there be any possibility of live dates and if so is this likely to be another one off or might we see a short tour?

Yes, we'd like to do gigs but there will be no tour unless we can get a good support slot.

Have you considered whether the songs from "Zed Hed" would be played "straight" or would you be tempted to give them a funk vibe live?

No, the songs are the songs - we'll play them the way they are.

We spoke before about the possibility of a dub version of "FUNKPUNK" or maybe a couple of dub mixes, is this something you've given any more thought to?

I'd love to but I'm not sure there's enough of a market to make it worthwhile.

For those that follow you on social media some of the lyrical themes won't be that much of a surprise (conspiracies,Police brutality/misuse of power, religion, animal rights/veganism) is this a case of writing about what interests you or do you hope that listeners will question the status quo in true punk fashion?

Well, firstly it's about self expression. I can't see the point in writing about anything else. I abhor animal cruelty of any kind, I'm anti-religion, I feel our governments regularly lie to us, so I distrust them enormously. I think the Police are often out of control and corruption and racism is rife; look at the Stephen Lawrence case plus all the shit that's going on in the U.S. Police look like Militia under the pretence of protection when it feels like mass control. I'm anti-Royal and the Civil List that accompanies them; I'm pro free speech! I'm not trying to teach or preach but if the songs touch people in some way then great but the lyrics are my opinions - make of them what you will.

One of the highest tier Pledge rewards is a snare drum that you used in both The Alarm & SLF....what can you tell us about its history?

It's a rare Dennis Chambers (Parliament/Funkadelic) signature snare that I've used on Alarm records and shows plus SLF records and a track on the new RT-Zed album. I don't use it anymore and thought it would be something someone would like to own.

This is a great opportunity for a fan to own such a unique item, was it a hard decision to let it go?

Yeah it was a hard decision but if it finds a new home, that'll be fantastic.

How do you ensure "FUNKPUNK" reaches as wide an audience as possible?

No idea! The music industry is fucked so I'm as lost and confused as everyone else.

What are your expectations for the album?

I have no expectations - I just want people to use the music. Enjoy it and have fun with it - that's my desire. I stopped having expectations years ago.

Steve Grantley, thank you very much! 

"FUNKPUNK" is available exclusively through Pledgemusic which you can find by clicking HERE!

RT-Zed "FUNKPUNK" Reviewed

Steve Grantley returns with a new RT-Zed studio album but this is probably not the album most were expecting! "FUNKPUNK" does exactly what the name suggests, Steve's snarling vocals, fat bass lines and punky tunes all dripping with jangly funk guitar that wouldn't be out of place on a Prince album! Imagine if The Ruts had been influenced by funk instead of reggae and you'll be on the right track!

So what about the album itself? Well if you are a keen RT-Zed fan you'll recognise "No Conspiracy" from the live "Crunch" album but here it seems to have found it's true calling, it's more effortless and now has a different groove that is more fitting to this release. Clocking in at just under 37 minutes, in true punk fashion, this isn't a long album by any stretch but not a minute is wasted. After the first few plays I hit the repeat button every time and each time I found more reasons to love "FUNKPUNK" and every time it still sounded fresh.

Lyrically there are the no holds barred topics that you'd expect from Mr. Grantley, the misuse of power, the challenges of organised religion, the treatment of animals, consumerism etc....with a massive bass line throughout  Guilty" tackles the brutality of some members of various law enforcement agencies while "Got No Style" even manages to squeeze in a nod to the legendary Funkadelic! Album closer "Clone" wouldn't sound out of place in an episode of Black Mirror especially with it's spoken coda of "the lifestyle you have ordered is currently unavailable, goodbye" and it would be fantastic to see it get that sort of exposure!

With the weather beginning to get warmer things are about to get a whole lot hotter and this will be the soundtrack to your summer!

"FUNKPUNK" took the Pledge route so you won't find it in the shops or the usual download sites but don't worry you can get your hands on it in just a few clicks by visiting the Pledge store HERE!

Become a Pledge....Punk!

Just got back from the Gathering or maybe you didn't go....either way it seems the perfect time to think about getting your Pledge in to support Steve Grantley in releasing the new RT-Zed album "FUNKPUNK".

Pledges start at just £6.99 which will get you the download but there are also CD's, Vinyl, T-Shirts, Drum sticks, signed Drum heads, exclusive listening party and one lucky person will get a signed snare drum that was played on both SLF & The Alarm shows!

Head over to the Pledge page before you forget, it takes 2 seconds!

PLEDGE HERE!

RT-Zed album news....

Keep an eye out on Wednesday as Steve Grantley will be making an announcement regarding the new RT-Zed album.... for those of you on Facebook make sure you have liked the RT-Zed page which for your convenience you can find by clicking HERE!

RT-Zed site gets a face lift!

Steve Grantley's RT-Zed web site has had a rather nice face lift. Steve has also revealed that a follow up to "Zed Hed" is under way promising  "to take the electronica of "Return To Zero" and combine it with the more organic "Zed Hed" plus adding a Dub element..."

That's definitely going to be one to look out for and in the meantime make sure you check out the new site rtzed.com

Steve Grantley Interview

Much has been said about the terror attacks on the French capital earlier this month and normally a music blog wouldn't be commenting on them but this time I will be for a couple of reasons. Firstly a music venue was targeted, not a high profile stadium gig but a normal concert venue, secondly mere days after the attack one band decided to buck the trend of cancellations and actively made their scheduled gig in Paris go ahead - that band was Stiff Little Fingers and on the drum stool as always was Steve Grantley. While the SLF tour continues Steve found time to answer a few questions about what it was like to play that Paris show.

Where were you when you heard the news of the attacks in Paris?

We were in Dublin. We had just come off stage and our tour manager Tony informed us of the tragedy.

Did it immediately sink in that you were due to play there in a matter of days?

Yes. We all looked at each other with immediate realisation - "we are due in Paris in 2 days!" It was a sobering moment!

What were the discussions within the band as to whether or not to go ahead with the show?

We all agreed that we must go and play - however we knew we would have to have the support of the promoter and the permission of the authorities. At the time large gatherings were forbidden by the government and there was also a period of mourning in place so it was a bit up in the air but it was lifted by the Tuesday when we were due to play.

Did it ever occur to you to cancel?

No, never!

Were the venue and promoter eager for you to go ahead or did they need persuading that it was a good thing to proceed with?

They wanted us to go ahead. We all collectively felt that we should play.

The reviews coming out of the show say the reaction from the audience was amazing with chants at the beginning of the set, how would you describe the experience?

Yes, it was heart warming and elating. The Paris audience were exuberant and unnecessarily grateful to us for playing. You see, we WANTED to perform. Their warmth was palpable and the atmosphere was electric.

Jake made little comment of the attack itself until near the end of the set, was this an intentional decision, almost a return to normalcy for the audience?

Absolutely, we didn't want to remind them of the atrocity: we wanted to make it business as usual.

U2's Adam Clayton in Belfast this week (pic Nick Thom)

Did you make any changes to the set?

No we didn't. We wore black arm bands as a mark of respect to the people who lost their lives but other than that we went out and played a SLF show.

What do you think of U2 and Foo Fighters cancelling their dates?

U2 had no choice: there was a ban on concerts the night they were due to play. In terms of security, it's a lot easier to guarantee a level of safety for 500 people in a club rather than thousands in an arena.

U2 were due to play the night after the attack and made the decision to visit the street memorials, it's unlikely the authorities would have allowed the show to go ahead. Was there any discussions with the police or politicians about whether or not you should go ahead with the gig?

No discussions, the concert and large gathering ban was over as was the national mourning period so it was up to us and the promoter. U2 had no choice, they weren't allowed to play!

Have you had any messages of support from other bands?

We've had an amazing reaction from all over the world. It's been a huge surprise. To us we just did what we do! We played a gig!

You return to France early next month when you play in Rouen, do you think that the Paris show will influence it?

I've no idea - who knows? For us it's business as usual. We play music, that's what we do. If we stopped, changed our routine or adapted to accommodate fear - the terrorists have won! And we can't have that!

RT-Zed "Crunch" reviewed

Steve Grantley follows up the fantastic "Zed Hed" album from his RT-Zed project/band (delete as appropriate) with "Crunch,  a limited edition cd of the bands debut live gig recorded at the Bullingdon Club Oxford in 2012.

So with only an albums worth of source material to draw from (not including the RTZ Global album) it's just a live run through of "Zed Hed" right? Wrong! Of course there are tracks from "Zed Hed" accounting for 6 of the 10 songs on "Crunch" but it's very noticeable just how different these versions are live.

The band is spot on and full of energy, the songs raw and bursting with attitude even in "Room No. 5", a track that deals with the loss of Steve's father, there seems more anger in the live version making it totally different from the "Zed Hed" original and just as essential.

"You Are Free" makes a great set opener and it is obvious how well that Steve paced the set slipping in a few covers just to give those present something familiar rather than exclusively presenting them with material they hadn't heard. "Rebel Rebel" works well with a vocal sneer that merges glam, punk & rock, "Crazy Horses" is more Osmonds than Alex Harvey and is beefed up to the Nth degree while "Saturday Nights (Alright For Fighting)" goes full pelt as the gig races towards its conclusion...Elton John this ain't!

 "Get What You Want" is left to close the proceedings and by this point you can almost feel the floor bouncing while the sweat runs down the walls and the smell of beer hangs in the air! This is a club show, warts and all by a band doing what they do best and playing up a storm while they do it. From the heartfelt thanks that Steve gives to those that have travelled to make the show so special you know he is moved and you know he is happy!

With so little downtime at the moment afforded to him be the reinvigorated Stiff Little Fingers it is hard to tell how many chances you will get to catch RT-Zed live which makes this release even more essential....get it before time runs out!

TO ORDER CLICK HERE!

Steve Grantley Interview

With the imminent release of the brand new live RT-Zed album "Crunch"  and upcoming appearance at the Westworld Weekend it seems a great time to catch up with Steve Grantley to find out what's new!

What made you decide to release a live RT-Zed album?

Well, it was initially recorded for reference - just to see what the fuck we sounded like, (laughs) no big deal. We could only record on 8 tracks and weren't even sure if the bloody recording desk would work. It did work, thankfully - and when I got round to listening to the result I was surprised by the quality. I decided to give it a proper focused mix and I went into Blue Moon studios to get the job done.

"Crunch" is actually a recording of the bands live debut. What was it that drew you to release this show above others?

Simple- it's the only show we recorded! (laughs) Actually I thought it was cool to release the debut - you know; the first ever gig? Fuck it: why not?

There was a different line up for the live shows so who appears on the album?

It's Jonesy, who played bass and guitar on "ZED HED" - he's on guitar hero duty, Simon Turner on bass and Beny Reid on drums; I sing and play Neanderthal guitar! (laughs)


How different are the live versions of the songs?

They are as close to the "ZED HED" versions as possible just more raucous. I arranged the songs on "ZED HED" to be played by a traditional 4 piece rock n roll band. The well trodden path of bass, guitar and drums, so it would work in a 'live' setting. As opposed to the first album "Return To Zero" which was much more about electronica.

Was the set list mainly taken from songs that appeared on "ZED HED" or did you include a mix of older tracks too?

It's mostly from "ZED HED", with a brand new song "No Conspiracy" and a few covers. The album wasn't even out when we did this gig so that's why we included covers - I didn't want people to stand through 45 mins of music that they didn't know, so we added the covers to give people something to latch onto.

You've been working on this release for what seems to be a pretty long time, was this just a matter of fitting it in around your heavy touring schedule with SLF or were you being a perfectionist?

'Perfectionist' sounds a bit wank don't it? (laughs) But yeah, I did want it to sound as good as possible and I spent a long time mixing and remixing - getting the best out of the recordings. But also 2013 was "ZED HED" - then 2014 was "No Going Back" plus a world tour and that promo is ongoing. This was the first chance I had to get anything done.

The album is priced at just £7.99. Why did you decide on a lower price?

There's only 10 ten tracks and it's live. I felt that price was reasonable, I see it almost as a 'sampler' record. I think people may not feel like paying 12 or 13 pounds for an album by an artist they don't know but may well give it a go at 8 quid! It's a limited edition so it's almost sold out now. I just felt this price was fair. 

You made available the 'found' copies of the "Return To Zero" CD last year and they sold out pretty much instantly, were you surprised at how high the demand was?

A few people had asked me if there were any other albums so I knew a few would sell but we shifted the fifty in a day - that was a shock. I just found a box of them at an office I used to work out of and put them up for sale - wish I had a few more! (laughs)

RT-Zed are at the Westworld Weekend this year, it must feel pretty good to be asked back again?

Yes it is indeed. Gonna be fun. I know all the guys in the band and their manager, I've toured with Spear and I was the original drummer in Kirks band Dead Men Walking. It's great to be returning to Westworld; it's a great weekend - I went last year and had a ball. We are looking forward to playing in front of people who will actually know some of the tunes this time round. (laughs)

The track "Room No 5" was released from "ZED HED" as a single in early 2014, how did it do?

It did well under the circumstances, kind of a 'turn-table-hit' (laughs) but with no record label or press agent it's difficult to get attention. The radio play was steady and stayed on their lists for weeks. I could see the response by the downloads & CD sales, unfortunately it wasn't enough to bother the charts but a healthy response for a band who had no help whatsofuckingever!

Have you started working on the next RT-Zed studio album yet?

I'm always writing - there's a few demos - after Westworld I'll get to it - focused. At the moment I'm concentrating on demoing, preparing for the upcoming gig and releasing "Crunch". I'll go into the studio to record something new early next year I reckon.

What are your plans for it?

World domination! (laughs) It'll be different to "ZED HED". I can't see the point in making the same album over and over so this'll be different again. It won't be a straight ahead 'rock n roll' record that's for sure. Occasionally we got compared to the Foo Fighters with "ZED HED" for some reason and that was not our intention. It's the drummer, front man bullshit - I don't want to sound like them! I wanna be like Kraftwerk meets the Pistols with a bit of Cypress Hill and Parliament thrown in! (laughs)

SLF took a big risk going the crowd funding route for "No Going Back" but it seems to have paid off in a big way with great sales and critical reception. Did it exceed your expectations?

Fuckin' 'ell Yeah! We were shocked at the response - it was WAY more successful than we ever expected. It was a completely new thing for us so we had no idea what to expect, didn't know what would happen. When we saw how quickly the Pledge items were going we were truly astounded and we can't thank people enough for their support.

The new Pledge campaign will start shortly for a live DVD to be filmed on St.Patricks Day next year in Glasgow on the 25th anniversary of SLF playing at the venue in a row. Do you know what sort of Pledge rewards we can expect or is it veiled in secrecy?

It's more than my life is worth to reveal such secrets! (laughs) All I can say is that there are some exciting pledge items that will give unique access to the band. I suggest you keep an eye on SLF.com for further details.

The "No Going Back" tour has proved really popular and taken in many venues, festivals and countries...what's next?

Yeah - last year was incredibly successful for the band - worldwide.

96 gigs in twenty countries across 4 continents - mental! The "No Going Back" tour continues this year too. We are doing The Isle Of Wight Festival which we've never played before, back to the States in the summer to play places we didn't get to last year and we do Europe around October. No UK winter tour this year I'm afraid but - there may be a few one-offs. Things are still to be confirmed so I can say no more. (laughs)

How do you get time to do both bands?

SLF comes first and then I work RT-Zed around the Fingers schedule. It's two completely different things - schizophrenic. (laughs)

Where and when can we get "Crunch"?

It is available to order now from our website rtzed.com and shipping begins on May 11th although you will be able to purchase it at Westworld.

RT-Zed Live Album

RT-Zed have announced that their live album "Crunch - Live At The Bullingdon Club" will be available to order from the 25th April. The album, a recording of their debut gig in Oxford from 2012, will be dispatched from the 11th of May and is priced at only £7.99 but will also be available at the Westworld Weekend on the 9th.

Demand will be high and this will be a limited edition release. The final copies of the "Return To Zero" album sold out instantly so where this album won't be as limited as that I would suggest getting your order in sooner rather than later!

Order yours HERE!

Westworld Line Up Announced.

Well I've been a bit quiet on here of late sorry about that! Since my last post the site turned 3 and we had an amazing Gathering!

So first bit of news for you this year as I'm sure you know all the Strength tour dates and all about the Strength and Majority releases....

The final line up of the Westworld Weekend has been confirmed and as previously announced Theatre Of Hate will headline the Friday night with Spear Of Destiny taking top billing on the Saturday. Guest slots are Death Valley Surfers on Friday and Steve Grantley's RT-Zed returning to the Westworld for Saturday. Folk Grinder will have a Saturday afternoon spot hopefully previewing material from their upcoming second album and Kirk Brandon will be performing an Akoustik set.

Weekend tickets are nearly sold out but the remaining ones can be snapped up HERE!

RT-Zed debut limited CD run!

The first RT-Zed album "Return To Zero" (released as RT-Zed Global) is to have a very limited CD run. Preorders will start at 9a.m. on November 14th with the CD shipping in early December.

Fans will need to keep a close eye on the RT-Zed Facebook page to snap up one of these Steve Grantley rarities so get signed up HERE

Limited RT-Zed vinyl available from Friday!

RT-Zed release the gorgeous white vinyl limited edition version of their album "Zed Hed" this Friday (the 10th). If you want one get in quick to avoid disappointment - it goes on sale from 9 a.m. HERE

SLF & Glen Matlock confirmed for Rebellion Festival

Stiff Little Fingers have been confirmed for the Rebellion Festival as well as Glen Matlock & The Philistines and other high profile acts such as Killing Joke. The festival takes place over four days with over 200 bands from the 7th to the 10th of August 2014 in Blackpool. Weekend and day tickets are on sale now HERE