RiotWeekend Talk New EP, Favourite Instruments And More

May 27, 2026 | Interviews

Words by Glenn Sargeant

Feature Image Photo Credit: Tom Elliot

RiotWeekend’s latest EP ‘Table4Four’ is out now and we chatted to guitarist Rab McGowan all about it:

Who is in RiotWeekend, how did you meet and what do you play?

Holly Nunn – Vocals & Bass

Rab McGowan – Guitar & Backing Vocals

Salvatore Bertolone- Drums

Tomma Moulard – Guitar & Backing Vocals

Holly put together the band. The rest of us all answered social media ads and we met up and had a jam and just instantly clicked.

What is your earliest musical memory?

I got my first guitar when I was about 6. It was a nylon string acoustic and I put a skull sticker on it!

When did you begin songwriting?

I wrote my first song when I was about 9 and it was the cringiest song ever, but it definitely gave me the bug.

You have latest EP ‘Table4Four’ out now. How did you want to approach the making of the EP?

It has been a while since our debut ep was released and we knew we wanted to put something new out. We already had 3 of the four tracks written so it was quite an easy natural process

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

We recorded at Blackberry studios in Chichester and self produced it ourselves. Tomma did the mixing and it was mastered by the legendary Pete Maher who’s worked with Linkin Park, Liam Gallagher and other legends.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

Holly is a firefighter and had a medical training leg in her car which ended up being put in all sorts of places…I say no more!

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

On ‘Last of the Autumn Leaves’ we ended up using a baritone guitar in the choruses to give it some extra beef. We also added in some synths to add some atmosphere on all the tracks.

Which of your new EP tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

A) Last of the Autumn Leaves

B) Smile

C) Days in December

Was it a difficult EP album to write?

No, as I said most of the tracks were already written so it came together really quickly.

Who designed the artwork?

The artwork was done by our good friend, photographer, videographer, graphic designer and general helper, Tom Elliot. It’s not a particular point at anything apart from that we wanted it to be clear we’re a UK band.

One of the tracks is the single ‘Smile’. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

It’s about trying to move on from a relationship when your ex has found someone new and you genuinely want to be happy for them but can’t help feeling like you’re stuck in a rut.

The track is accompanied by an official music video. What was the thought process behind the video and who directed it?

Obviously the chorus is “digging my own grave” so we wanted to tie that into the video. Again it was directed by Tom Elliot with the help of his assistant Aiden.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Our hometown is Guildford. In five words I would say “good venues, not much else” haha!

How do you look after your voices?

Personally I don’t really! I smoke and don’t really do warm ups or anything but it seems to work ok

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2026?

We have loads of gigs lined up including some great festivals like Shynefest and Guilfest. We’re also lucky enough to be supporting Lake Malice at their Download warm up show at the Boileroom in Guildford.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

To have not broken a string/dropped a drumstick (this is a regular occurrence) and to have entertained the audience and left them with our songs stuck in their heads.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

My main guitar, it’s a Gibson Les Paul Florentine with a Bigsby tremolo. I always wanted a Les Paul with a Bigsby so when it came up for sale I had to have it.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

I don’t read many novels. I tend to read more biographies and things like that. However, Holly is a MASSIVE Lord of the Rings fan so I’d probably say that.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

I like all sorts of stuff but recently I’ve been listening to a lot of LOWLIVES.

What makes RiotWeekend happy and what makes you unhappy?

We’re happy when people sing along to our songs. It’s still the best feeling in the world.

We’re unhappy when people are treated unfairly or unjust. Just be nice to people and the world will be a better place!