We’ve been lucky enough to sit down and have a chat with These Wicked Rivers ahead of their sold out show in March. Grab a Bodega lager and see how it went! 
Hey guys, we’re really looking forward to having you at our place! How are you feeling ahead of the tour?
We’re excited to get back out on the road, we’ve had a good break now since the last tour, so we’re absolutely raring to go! In 2022 we had the chance to share our message of love to so many people and this is a chance for folks to come out and see us doing a full headline show with more lamps, more rugs and new tunes.
You’ve been in the studio recently, how have you found tackling another album?
We’ve been having a great time, it’s been a whole different ball game to the last album where we went to live in Wales for two weeks. For this album we spent our days off work and our evenings in the studio as we were so busy out on the road. We’re really excited about the record, we feel it’s the perfect representation of the sound of the band with (new members) Dale and Rich now involved and we can’t wait for folks to hear it.
The fan interaction and participation with These Wicked Rivers is really refreshing to see, whether it be crowdfunding or shooting music videos with the fans. Have you always felt that this is integral, especially moving into an even more digital age of enjoying music?
I think the fans are more important than ever in a time where anyone can get their music out there and in front of a huge audience through social media. It’s great that we have such a dedicated family of fans that are willing to get involved whether that be with the crowd funding, making music videos or sharing our music. We really encourage anyone that’s never been to a rivers show to come down and join the family!
How have you found the reaction to some of the new tunes from the forthcoming record?
So far the reaction to the New songs has been great, we played a few of them out on the road with Hayseed Dixie last year and also released a music video for Lonely Road. We recently had a listening party with the fans for the new album and the reaction was amazing and we can’t wait to play some brand new tunes on the road. 
Last year was jam packed for you guys, with lengthy tours and an impressive festival season. How do you compare the bigger festival stages compared the more intimate gigs?
We absolutely love playing stages of any kind, I think the big festival stages are a great platform to play in front of people that have never heard us and to win over new fans, while the smaller shows are a great opportunity to put on a great show up close and personal then get to meet and get to know the people that make it all possible.
Lastly, do you have any crazy pre show rituals we should be prepping ourselves for?
Just the standard things normal bands do, we pray to a shrine made of lampshades, Arran practices his high kicks for 4 hours and Rich tunes his tambourines. If you’re able to come to a show, come and chat to us and you can find out whether it’s true or not.
Interview by Fin Heighton – Jupp
