Runcorn post-punk band Radio Psychosis are really bringing the 80s genre back to life, mixing a modern sensibility into the post-punk style. Their track, In This Country, features some fantastic guitarwork, making for one track that you shouldn’t miss out on! Give it a whirl at the end of the interview if you like what you read here!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new single titled In This Country. What can you tell us about the song?
The song came about during the times of Covid when the world was thrown into chaos and everything was falling apart at the seams. Everything was closing down and many businesses had to rely on government bailouts to help get out of the mess in which they created. The pandemic was the catalyst of things to come as nothing much has improved much since. Extortionate rent prices, limited housing, ridiculous energy rates, public services, food and drink prices on the rise and so forth. Yet wages remain stagnant and make the cost of living unsustainable.
The song was written with the idea of trying to bring up a young family whilst having to navigate all these financial hurdles. Having to resort to food banks to put food on the plate. On the other hand, you read constant articles about politicians, celebrities, high-flyers embroiled in various scandals, such as quick money making schemes and offshore tax havens.
How has the reception to In This Country been so far, and where can it be purchased?
It’s been great so far! There has been a lot of interest from various music blogs and all the reviews have been positive. The song has already been played on many radio shows across the world. The official music video on YouTube is also doing really well.
The single can be purchased from all online music stores, amazon, googleplay, itunes, etc. Also, you can purchase the single from our official bandcamp page at: radiopsychosis.b…p.com/
Do you have any more singles planned for release soon?
Yeah, there are easily enough singles ready for an album but it’s just deciding which single to release next. I’d say there should be another single release in the next month or so.
Do you have any plans to release an album or EP in the near future?
Yeah the songs are already written and ready to go. They all follow a specific theme which would be great to showcase in an album.
Your music has a post-punk sound. What/who are you most influenced by? What have you been listening to recently?
Being brought up in a small town between Manchester and Liverpool you kinda can’t escape the influence of some the north-west bands. For example, Joy Division, Echo & The Bunnymen, New Order, The Smiths, The Beatles, The Stone Roses etc. The post-punk scene was something we gravitated towards because we feel we have a lot to say in our music and it’s also a good way to vent our frustrations and spit some venom. The sound is influenced by all kinds and not just the post-punk scene, but I’d say that it will undoubtedly be pretty dark, gritty and moody.
You’re from Runcorn. What is the local music scene like in your area at the moment?
I’d say Runcorn hasn’t really got much of an original music scene to be honest. It’s quite a small town and most places have karaoke, cover bands and open-mic nights. We have got a nice bridge over the Mersey which flashes different colours at night. We also have a cool local bar under the arches called Society ltd, which has various vinyl nights, Giggle Shack comedy and loads of great beers on offer. There is also a busker in the old town that plays the accordion for plenty of shrapnel.
You have to venture out into the nearby cities such as Liverpool or Manchester to find some kind of original music scene happening.
How did the band get together?
It all kicked off during the times of Covid when there was nothing much else to do apart from watching crappy TV shows, get drunk on cheap booze and songwriting.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?
Releasing new music and videos with Radio Psychosis, so stay tuned…
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
Hopefully at some point in the near future. At the moment, it’s good to focus on putting out a few more singles and gauging the reaction. It would be great to keep building a following and gaining more momentum with each single.
Any last words for the fans?
Just like to say a big thanks to everyone who has listened, watched, liked or commented on the music so far. If you like music that is raw, dark and gritty, then there is plenty of good things to come. Please come aboard our vessel, you’ll be greatly welcome!!!!