The Rupert Selection took the time to tell us about their music and how they make it. Let’s see what they have to say!
First off, What’s up with your name? Is there a story behind it?
Reilly Somach: We were selected by our friend’s cat Rupert to form a band.
Tell us about your musical past, would you tell us about your early years?
I’ve been obsessed with music for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a musical family it was always around and I wanted to start playing guitar as soon as I could.
How would you describe your sound?
Psychedelic grunge music, early ‘90s vibes but also modern.
Which artists have the biggest influence on your sound?
We all have our own influences, but I’d like to think our sound could be what happens when you mix bands like Nirvana and The Mars Volta.
What’s the last song you listened to?
Property by Tim Heidecker
What’s your source for hearing new music?
Friends, going to shows, the internet.
Who is your dream producer?
Brian Charles. Steve Albini. Richard Swift
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
My current Rupert Selection bandmates Peter W. Bartash and Sam Bouvé.
What led you to music, and what motivates you to keep making it?
Growing up around it and realizing how amazing it is. Writing a new song or playing with friends is a high that can’t be replicated.
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
There isn’t really a set process, it’s always a little different. Typically I’ll have a verse or chorus riff or some sort of starting point we build on as a band but sometimes Sam will have something or we’ll improvise during practice and stumble across a riff or groove we think is cool – which is what happened with our song “Astronauts.” We try to never force it and just let it happen when it happens.
How do you connect with your audience? What is the easiest way for them to connect with you?
We are on all the social media channels. Instagram is our most used but you can find us anywhere and also on our website TheRupertSelection.com. All our music can be streamed wherever music is streamed.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therupertselection/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0MhAs3S70CCQpBNO2EFL4Z?si=1nFfTjSaQI6o_TQPEbIV7Q
Bandcamp: https://therupertselection.bandcamp.com/
Press Release: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OXiAzGL6opKQrt3RtPoO2SsKjEx413A7c3pmBYXNsNI/edit?usp=sharing
What’s next for you?
Writing, recording, shows, repeat. We’re playing Faces Brewery in Malden on March 4 with Quietly and Clamb and we’d love for you to be there.
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
Keep an eye out for new singles we’ll be releasing these next few months and an album out at the end of the year. Also follow us wherever you use social media and stream music.
BIO: The Rupert Selection is an American psychedelic grunge band from Boston, Massachusetts. Comprising Reilly Somach (guitar/vocals), Sam Bouvé (bass/vocals), and Peter W. Bartash (drums), the band has created a loyal following throughout New England with their “original voice” and “sound anchored in hard rock” (Boston Globe). Improper Magazine had this to say about the band’s live shows: “The Rupert Selection sparked the loudest crowd interaction, with fans shouting to fill the pauses in the trio’s deft, dynamic mash of Nirvana-esque blasts and math-prog rhythm shifts.”
Embodying everything you love about ‘90s grunge but with a modern twist, the band has released three EPs and one full-length album. Each release was built upon the previous album but without leaving the band’s original psychedelic rock roots behind. The Rupert Selection has left its mark on Boston with sold-out venues and heaps of praise from local media – nominated for “Rock Artist of The Year” back to back in 2018 and 2019 by the Boston Music Awards; being a finalist in the Rock and Roll Rumble; being named one of the “10 Acts On The Rise In Boston” by WGBH, and one of “10 Local Acts Making Waves” by Improper Boston.
The future is bright for The Rupert Selection as a new album is in the works, with Brian Charles at the helm as producer. The band will be touring extensively after the release.
