Articles

Ruth, Roving reporter

FReeZA Presents: Rise Electric

[Listen to "Get Out" by Rise Electric - lyrics at the bottom of this article]

What do you get when you experiment with rock, funk, metal, pop and grunge? The answer is Rise Electric, a modern rock band that has been described as "damn catchy". The five-piece act hails from the depths of South East Melbourne with an agenda to entertain, sell out shows and solidify the rock genre.

Front man Paul Morris takes us back to the beginning of where it all began.

Please introduce us to the members of Rise Electric.

The members of Rise Electric are:

• Paul Morris ("The Front Man") - Lead Singer/Guitar
  
• Lachy Collins ("The Shredder") - Lead Guitar/Vocal Harmonies
• Danny Din ('The Quiet Achiever") - Guitar/Backing Vocals
• Jay Pittas ("The Entertainer") - Bass Guitar
• David Brearley ("The Ladies Man") - Drums

How did Rise Electric form?

Being long-time friends through school, Paul and David jammed with various side projects, as did Danny and Lachy. Deciding to collaborate for a corporate gig, we sought the help of previous bassist, Jay.

In an effort to cement the line up, we played two back-to-back gigs at school. From there, we gigged around local areas doing underage shows and finally made a name for ourselves as Rise Electric.

What was your music like when you formed back in August 2008?

We started off doing a lot of cover gigs and parties and festivals, playing well-known oldies to not much of a crowd. Then once we had a vision of where we wanted to go we developed our sound of rock/pop with tasty hints of classic bands like The Darkness and The Living End.

How would you describe your music and style now?

We would call ourselves a modern rock band. Not many acts out there make much of an effort to solidify a 'rock' genre, so when experimenting with styles of funk, metal and even dance, we always have it in the back of our mind that indeed we are a rock band.

At the end of the day we're always being influenced by our favourite rock or pop or metal acts. We just try to incorporate different styles into our music.

How have FReeZA and The Push helped to get you guys to where you are today?

Well, having always gone to live FReeZA events, we loved a lot of bands we saw, and that is probably what inspired us to become what we are. FReeZA are just so great with bands like us. They have really embraced us and supported our band. We are really appreciative.

What was it like supporting 28 Days? What was the event? How was the crowd?

We worked with a company called MLG who are great. Being the only underage group that have entered one of their Last Band Standing competitions, we worked really hard for crowds and ended up winning $2500 in the grand final.

MLG managed the supports for the 28 Days gig and put us on the bill. We were so psyched. The crowd was amazing, the energy was great, it was definitely an experience we'll never forget.

What has been the most interesting or outstanding experience you've had as a band so far? Are there any specific memorable moments?

Winning the Last Band Standing was a massive shock for us. We just never thought something like that would happen to us. We got such great responses at the shows and it really helped us to develop as a band.

I also remember the first time we played a show as Rise Electric: we played to the whole Year 7 level, we had a massive stage and a full lighting show. After an hour-and-a-half set we came off and just knew that we had ourselves something we could work with. It was then when we probably all knew we could make a real go of things.

Please tell us about your new EP.

Actually we released our EP On The Rise on Saturday 24 April 2010 at the Cherry Bar. That was truly another huge step forward for us. We sold out the Bar and played an hour show to a packed house.

You literally couldn't walk - it was amazing to see so many people there. The CD has five tracks recorded at two different studios, with a really broad range of genres ranging from rock, to ballad, rockabilly and anthem.

What are the future plans for Rise Electric?

Well, there are so many things we want to do. We are such a young band and we just want to get out there and experience it all. We would love to do an all-ages launch sometime. We are also looking at playing bigger gigs like Pyramid Rock and Falls Festival.

Anything we can get, like some people down for a big ol' rock 'n' roll show, would be great. We are currently working with a great manager, Mr. Thomas Pittas, and are still unsigned, so that's also something we can work towards.

Where can we learn more about Rise Electric's shows?

You can find us on www.myspace.com/riseelectric-contact (new window) or search for our name on Facebook and join our fan base and or join the band site.

For more information about the FReeZA program, check out www.freeza.vic.gov.au, and for more articles about Arts & music, check out our Articles archive.

Lyrics: "Get Out" by Rise Electric

dont know just how to say
but lately u just talk away
sittin talkin oh sittin' talkin
dont mean zip unless youre walkin

and i know that its so cool
that spit you spray around the school
of talking heads the rumours spread
and oh how it feels...

Get out Get out Get out Get out Get out Get out
get outta my head
Get out Get out Get out Get out Get out Get out
get outta my head
Get out Get out Get out Get out Get out Get out
get outta my head
Get out Get out Get out Get out Get out Get out
get outta my head

oh no it's sad to see
the way the things they used to be
they used to sit and watch
but now they whinge they sit and talk

no signs of decency
theres no respect for what they see
theyre judge and jury and we
just dont agree...

Get out Get out Get out Get out Get out Get out
get outta my head
Get out Get out Get out Get out Get out Get out
get outta my head
Get out Get out Get out Get out Get out Get out
get outta my head
Get out Get out Get out Get out Get out Get out
get outta my head

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