Indie pop rock alternatives Ransom and the Subset have been focused upon writing and recording for what would be their latest edition to date "No Time to Lose". Singer/songwriter/guitarist RanDair Porter discusses this release and touring plans to promote it with so much more in-store for them.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
RanDair: The band formed summer of 2013 initially as a recording project. Previously RanDair Porter, the singer/songwriter was part of a trio called “Subset”, a high energy pop rock band playing around Seattle and San Diego. The thought initially was to record the album as “Subset” including the other members of the band. However, for various reasons the other members could not participate in the project so RanDair began the effort using other musicians
2. Why did you pick the name that you did for your band?
RanDair: At the time when selecting a name for the band I wasn't sure who would be singing the lead parts of the songs I wrote. I was open to various members of the band singing on different tracks. I wanted to select and name that did not single out any one member. I selected the name “Ransom” because I always felt it was a cool name. In fact, it is the name of my uncle. One day I was eating lunch with him and when the waiter took the credit card for payment the waiter said “Ransom, what a cool name”. I thought at that point it would be a cool name for a band. So I called the band “Ransom and the Subset”.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
RanDair: We are based out of Seattle. Seattle has a well-known rock n' roll scene and great legacy. While well known for the birth place of grunge, of course other famous rock pop oriented bands such as the Posies, Presidents of the USA, Death Cab for Cutie, Harvey Danger are from Seattle. As far as band I’d recommend in this area; Kurtis Dengler and his music is something that should be heard. Extremely talented musician. Very busy playing in a variety of bands but the self-titled album he made is great.
4. How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?
RanDair: Ransom and the Subset music is a craft-full, high energy, melodic songs. Current in sound and production, at times makes subtle vibe references to great song styles from past decades. Not just musically but emotionally. The music sounds very modern and is far from being overly “throwback” or “easy retro”. As far as influences there are fewer big bands, and many small ones that provided influences for the album.
5. What have you released so far and how were your releases received by the public/media?
RanDair: We released a single back in October 2013, “Million Out of Me” it was the first track recorded for this album. It got some attention because it has won top placement in some songwriting contests. It was also getting some interest for film and TV. We currently have a few tunes for streaming on SoundCloud and YouTube. We have had some excellent comments from industry veterans.
6. Do you play live as well? What do you have planned in terms of shows and touring, if any?
RanDair: We will have a CD release show in October then plan a tour to support the album.
7. What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?
RanDair: Ransom and the Subset is making music that is incredible energetic with songs that you experience in a way that makes you want to keep listening.
8. What plans do you have for the near future as a band?
RanDair: After the release of the album our focus will be putting together the plan to get on the road and support the album. There’s plenty to do here locally in Seattle. Initially a west coast tour and likely a trip to Japan if the album does as we expect over there. We’ll write more songs and eventually get into the studio and make another album.
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
RanDair: Prior to the release in October a few songs can be heard at SoundCloud.com/SubsetMusic.The album “No Time to Lose” will be available on all the major digital retailers. The physical CD can be purchased from Amazon, CDBaby and RansomandtheSubset.com October 7th.
10. What is it you'd like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
RanDair: We really sought to make this album a collection of songs where one minute you’re minding your own business and the next you find that you can’t stop thinking, humming, or singing the songs on “No Time To Lose”. There aren't a lot of albums being released today where that can be said.
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