Who are you and where do you originate from?

Hi, we’re The Red Tears. We’re fromall over the Mid to South Wales region (UK) – but Abergavenny will always be classed as our hometown. It’s our mainHQ.

How did you come together as a band?

Jon Cholakian (‘Chocky’ – vocals and guitar) was one of the founding members back in 2004. The band was under a different name back then. Over time, a fewshifts and changes left a gap where the bassist should be. The band’s drummer at the time (Rich Hunt) had met Mike (Michael Arkle - bass guitar and vocals) through a mutual friend.

The band didn’t even really audition, Mike just slotted-in. Avery dark cloud formed over the band in 2009 when their drummer and best friend Rich passed-away. The band went on an immediate hiatus (which many deemed permenant) until Jon met experienced drummer Alex (Alex Bridge - drums) whilst working in Aberdovey, North Wales. What should have been a one-off gig ‘for old times sake’ turned into a full-on comeback with huge expectations.

Where did the name The Red Tears come from?

The band rehearsed for years at Ty’r Pwll Farm (pronounced like ‘Tear Pull’). The farm buildings were (and still are) red in colour. After hours of searching for a unique, original name which represented us and our roots, we drew-upon our fond memories of rehearsing, song-writing and recording at Ty’r Pwll Farm. We took the ‘Red’ from the colour of the farm buildings, the ‘Tear’ from the title and put them together. It’s a unique name that represents where we’ve come from, which therefore represents where we’re going. We’ve been passionate from the very beginning, and this is the beginning all over again.

Who are your musical influences?

Naturally, each of us has been influenced individually, but with loads of common overlaps – including The Clash, TheWho, Anti-Flag, Blink-182, Rancid, The Rolling Stones, Reel Big Fish, The Bouncing Souls, Descendents, Pennywise, The Misfits, The Offspring and Rise Against.

You’re in Wales on a tour at the end of December – can you tell us what to expect from that?

You can expect a lot of rawpassion and energy.

We’ve been away fromthe stage for two years and we’re champing at the bit to get back on it again!

We’ve written what we believe is our best material yet... some truly catchy anthems fromthe heart. Wecan’t wait to get infront of our fans again. We’re gonna raise the roof.

What’s your best live experience so far?

We’d have to choose two. In Januray 2010 we did a special showin our hometown of Abergavenny, in tribute to our late drummer and best friend. We did a one-off cover set and obviously we poured our souls out on the stage. The venue was packed-out and the crowd was electric. It was emotional, but also very special.

The second was the first show we played with our new drummer Alex. Wecrammed into this little beach-side venue in Aberdovey, NorthWales. We were overlooking the sea as we played, and once again the crowd were amazing. They demanded the whole set twice-through.

What are you working on at the moment?

Right nowThe Red Tears are finalising newmaterial for their upcoming EP ‘Embers Ignite’. It’s set for International release in early March 2013.

The band are making the finishing touches before hitting the recording studio in mid- December. Expectations are huge and we can’t wait for the finished result.

Stay posted for a fresh newsound.

The Embers Ignite Tour
December

  • 22 Hog and Hosper, Pontypool
  • 26 The Dolls House, Abertillery
  • 29 Koko Gorillaz, Cardiff
  • 30 The Moon Club, Cardiff