Interview: Funeral for a Friend
9th September 2011
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Over the course of the last decade Funeral For A Friend changed British rock music forever; a bold, brave, yet undeniably true statement. The band’s journey from hardcore roots and DIY shows in Bridgend to major label records and worldwide tours has built a long and prosperous road that many home grown bands from across the alternative spectrum have been travelling along ever since. Paul Blakeman caught up with their drummer, Ryan Richards, for a chat.
First things first, how is everything going? How are preparations for the tour?
Good cheers, We are off to Japan, Australia and Malayasia. Japan and Australia are two of my favourite places in the world, to do gigs at and just in general, and we're also are going to Indonesia for the first time, so can't wait for that.
Where has your favourite gig been?
Some of our best gigs. We played at the Big Top Luna Park in Sydney. Usually, we are used to turning up to a gig out of town, middle of high street next to greggs bakery so turning up and seeing the Sydney opera house out of the window was pretty amazing.
Can you give me a brief history of the band? How did you guys meet?
I think it's apparent to everyone what a strong scene there is Wales, particularly South Wales. Bullet For My Valentine are also from Bridgend, we've grown up with those guys, and there was a large community of musicians who always went to the gigs. You get together, meet friends, find out what instrument they play and before you know it you are in a band. That's how BFMV did it, and that's how we did it. Its a good scene here [in South Wales] and there are a lot of talented people.
How would you say your new music differs from your old records?
Having Gav in on guitar and Rich in on Bass, this is the third time we've been together in a band and one of the bands was a really heavy metal band, and I think that comes through.
Who writes the lyrics?
Matt writes the lyrics but we all like writing our own parts to a song. I think a band is all about the chemistry and everyone does their own thing. With everyones personality going into the songs, that's what makes it us.
Where do the band get their influence from for the lyrics ?
Just from daily observations and feelings I guess. Certainly for the last record, just looking around and being influenced. Whereas in the past, for example on the "Tales don't tell themselves" record it was a concept based on a lot of metaphors, whereas this one is as simple as looking round, taking it in and writing it down.
You say that you've read the reviews for the last album?
Yeah, it's up to you whether you read them or not. I buy the magazines to read about the bands I like, so I get to read about us too.
Are you influenced by other bands from the area?
I am not sure that we are really. We have always been influenced by a lot of different things, so I don't know that we are. It is hard to pinpoint where influences are really. Different people in the band do their own thing with their own instruments, and then it all comes together, I hope!
Where are you hoping to go from now?

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