RISE FOR ORDER Interview with Jason Kavanaugh and Trevor MacLeod

XM: Let us start off by getting our readers up to date on what the band has been up to so far this year.
RFO: We’ve been mostly writing new material, while still trying to stay interactive by playing a few shows. We’ve also been juggling around with a few different drummers. But our main focus is putting together a new record.

XM: Can you give me a brief history of the band and provide some background info for those of us who are unfamiliar with Rise For Order?
RFO: We’ve been in the Toronto scene between 5-6 yrs. The band was originally formed with Trevor and Johnny (last two original members). The band has changed musically, you’ll find we are writing more main stream songs, but were trying to stay true to the hard sound.

XM: “Rip It Up” is your latest release (from what I have found), what was the recording process like for the album?
RFO: We recorded the album at DNA studios with head engineer Steve Chahley, assistant engineer Jason Changur and owner Chris Tedesco, it was hands down an amazing experience. We have and will continue to speak extremely highly of DNA’s working environment. We all felt very at home there and will always go back.

XM: Are there any new songs in the works?
RFO: Oh ya! Tons! It’s our main focus at the moment. Plus there are always ideas kicking around.

XM: Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time? Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
RFO: We typically write the songs as a whole. Usually just starts off as jam and then we progress from there. Topics range from partying, abuse etc, basically anything.

XM: What is the band's ultimate goal, artistically speaking?
RFO: We typically want to write music that were all proud of, and that people can relate to.

XM: I understand that you are part of the lineup for the C.O.R.E. Launch party/show in September. How did you get involved with C.O.R.E.?
RFO: It was actually by fluke, Jason was looking up what events were happening at The Opera House when he came across this event. He looked in to it a little more, and here we are sharing the stage.

XM: What sort of artists do you look to for inspiration – musicians, bands, artists, writers, etc? What keeps you guys going?
RFO: Musicians are way to many to name, but a few would be bands like the Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains, Nirvana etc. We just really love their music and what they’ve done to music in general. I would have to say playing live is what keeps us going. Playing a for a crowd (big or small) is the best feeling.

XM: What are your impressions of the metal scenes in your hometown and in Canada as a whole?
RFO: We think it has definitely changed over time. It’s not like it once was. Now it’s more of a queen street rock, as we’d like to call it. We’ll leave you to decide what kind of bands were referring to.

XM: I ask all bands this question: ”If you could have been involved in the writing, recording or production of any album which would it be and why?
RFO: The Nevermind album would have been sweet, it was definitely one of those records that helped form the 90’s. And it had a great producer in Butch Vig.

XM: What are some of the band members involved in when they are not playing music? Talking hobbies?
RFO: We love hanging out, playing video games, playing cards, watching movies typical stuff.

XM: Do you guys share any favorites like music, video games, or sports?
RFO: We all love the same style of music, a few of the guys love going to the gym, playing hockey, video games and poker.

XM: Could you just briefly take us through the band’s plans for the 2011?
RFO: Were putting together a new album, we’ll be shooting a video for the first single in the coming months. And then its back to kicking ass on stage!

XM: I would like to thank you on behalf of xplosivemetal.com for taking the time to answer some questions with us. Is there anything else that you would like to add or promote?
RFO: Check us out at www.myspace.com/rfomusic you can find us on facebook too!