The band’s full length, ‘Paradise’ arrives on Pure Noise Records December 4th.
Modern punk purveyors Red City Radio have debuted the next single from their forthcoming full length, Paradise.
The track “100,000 Candles” flexes the band’s ability to write compelling, well-crafted songs that have the kind of hook that transforms a three-minute stanza into something memorable.
As for the track itself, though the flame of an actual 100,000 candles resonates as something particularly destructive, the band prefers to see it as a sort of transformative, pivotal instance of drastic change, a revelation, a call to action.
The single is indicative of the album in that regard. Less a destination, ‘Paradise,’ in this instance is more a frame of mind, a projection, a way out of a perilous situation. The 12-track compilation is the band’s means of championing resilience and persistence by reaffirming the ability to find solace in the struggle. ‘Paradise,’ for Red City Radio is the journey there, less the arrival.
The band’s guitarist Ryan Donovan explains.
The imagery of an actual 100,000 candles burning world be a site to see. There seems to be this notion of ‘grabbing a good seat for the end of the world’ in the track. Is that far off from what you were thinking when recording the track?
Donovan – Not necessarily but, the world is definitely fucked up right now. It is both figuratively & literally on fire. It’s chaos with the pandemic and the politics. Humans are fighting everywhere for basic rights with protests going unanswered with any accountable change. It’s just overwhelming, anxiety inducing and stressful. Why is the world on fire!? Life is supposed to be so much more enjoyable and beautiful than this. I suppose if we put our phones down and spent more time out in nature, it would be.
Would you say naming your new record Paradise is a slice of sarcasm or more so speaking a sense of optimism into reality?
Donovan – It definitely leans more towards the internal sense of optimism as we are all just humans on this planet trying to find our own Paradise every day, every month, every year. But, ultimately, it’s the journey – the ride. We can push too hard & torture ourselves over it. It’s fucked up. But it’s also – just right there. Right in front of us. Paradise of the mind, through your own truths, both great and bad. Paradise is something different to everyone.
How difficult is it to steer clear of the punk cliches during such a turbulent time?
Donovan – I don’t think we try to “steer clear” of any cliches – rather, we just do and are. Fuckin’ deep, right? Ha. This definitely is an incredibly turbulent time as well as the current social climate of our planet & politics. For us, we are just four dudes focused on keeping this band alive and pushing forward. Not only for our own sake, but the fans and friends who have followed us every step of the way. If we can give anyone any positive energy from this album while navigating this Black Mirror episode, that’s what’s up and it’s all love.
Given that the record was likely written before any of our current reality settled in, is it strange how some of the messaging still seems applicable for the here and now?
Donovan – I don’t think so? I feel there are loads of songs & lyrics that transcend the times they were written in – be it months/years apart, or decades. There will be a point in the future where the lyrics will still be relatable and applicable to something catastrophic happening in the world, somewhere. And also going back to the internal journey of finding Paradise for yourself, within: There will be plenty of moments through your life where you will feel YOUR world is on fire. Ya know?
It’s a very surreal time to be tasked with promoting a new record – what about these songs are you confident will resonate with fans, old and new, to cut through the white noise that society is immerse in right now.
Donovan – Not entirely sure, to be honest. These tunes and this era of RCR is about as raw and real as we have ever been and we are hoping fans, old and new, can feel that. Relate to it. But also in the new digital age of DJ’s, electronic sounds & samples – we are just hoping to keep Rock & Roll alive, however big or small of a footprint we can leave. There is just something special about the synergy of a full band together on stage playing their instruments together and having an audience feel that as well. If we ever get to play shows again.
Pre-order Paradise from Red City Radio on Pure Noise Records – HERE
Paradise Track Listing
1. Where Does The Time Go
2. Baby Of The Year
3. Did You Know
4. Love A Liar
5. Young, Beautiful & Broke
6. 100,000 Candles
7. Paradise
8. Edmond Girls
9. Doin’ It For Love
10. Apocalypse, Please!
11. Fremont Casino
12. Gutterland
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