RHG Exclusive - Part III
Today, the Cups N Cakes Network is concluding our three part series which is serving as a “farewell send-off” to the Edmonton punk trio, Red Hot Gospel. Part I was the premiere of “Fatherhood” and an interview with bassist Jay Higgs, while Part II saw the premiere of “Dirt Nap” and in interview with drummer, Owen Lukawesky. Wedged in between those articles was a “Vinyl Unveil” of Flamenco that featured the entire band discussing some fun facts about the release and its packaging.
We hope you’re ready because Part III is a dandy! Today we are exclusively premiering the new album, Flamenco, in its entirety! On top of that we are also premiering the video for “Whats Yer Name” and publishing our interview with guitarist Kendall Orr.
So much hot new content! Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
If in Edmonton on March 13th, do not miss the Flamenco album release show with Chron Goblin.
FYI: It’s the last time you’ll EVER see Red Hot Gospel perform! Get down to Sewing Machine Factory! With every purchase of Flamenco on vinyl, you’ll receive as a bonus of every other RHG release as the fellas attempt to clean out the closet.
CnC - What made you decide it was time to close the book on RHG?
Kendall - First off, I have to take full responsibility for that one. Over the last year or so I don't feel like we've had the same focus. I feel like everybody has their own priorities and that's great, but not necessarily mutually productive. RHG always did really well when our plate was too full, but for the last little bit all we've really had is an album with nowhere to go. That being said, Flamenco truly documents us at our peak as far as songwriting, delivery, and pure frustration. Being self recorded, it had time to breath and become what it had to,as opposed to trying to record an album in two days. I'd just rather share this album with our community and leave it at that. Short and harsh, just like the songs.
CnC - What has it meant to be able to play music with two buds for so long?
Kendall - Well, Owen and I have been playing together for roughly 10 years. Starting this project together made us feel like we had a lot more control than in previous bands. Maybe because it was just the two of us? We were so dead set against getting a bass player! It wasn't until we recorded the self titled record that Owen finally shot a name at me that stuck. Jay showed up to learn the songs and play bass at the record release. He was an official member before the show. Funny thing is, it just seems like he's been in the band the whole time. For all the things these guys don't have in common, there are some important ones that they do. They're both naturally talented, they understand that less is more, and they're both cheeky as fuck! Even through the disagreements we're always laughing. Above and beyond the band stuff, these guys have helped me through some rough shit. Sharing music with these guys has been a privilege.
CnC - What is your favourite RHG memory?
Kendall - I gotta pick favorites?! My favorite memories are people, not events, and there are just too many to mention.
CnC - What is your wildest RHG story?
Kendall - What happens in Nelson, stays in Nelson.
CnC - What’s next? Any new projects we should know about?
Kendall - Jay has been working on his project, Rose Valley for about a year and a half now. I see them whenever I get the chance and they're great. Quite the departure from what you may expect from Jay. I know they've been in the studio, so i'm waiting patiently. Check em out! I had a good year with Rats Ass and despite two thirds of the band moving to Vancouver, we still have music to release and plenty of shows left in us. Watch out, we're just getting started. You can get a taste here. At the moment I'm writing in anticipation for whatever else is next.
CnC - Why is your farewell show the only place worth being in Edmonton on March 13th?
Kendall - C'mon! Chron Goblin 10 year anniversary with Machines Like These and Fear The Mammoth at SMF!!? This is where I'd be even if we weren't playing! What I've learned from staying in the same band for 8 years is that it's all about community. This show is a chance for everyone to help us say good-bye. We didn't build this by ourselves, so we need our peeps to help us send it off. Plus, in an effort to empty my closet, we'll give anyone who buys the new record a copy of each of the first two records, a split cassette that we did with Counterfeit Jeans, and a patch. We also have an extremely limited run of t-shirts that are so fresh, they're still wet.