Rain Parade Talk New EP, Favourite Instruments And More

Rain Parade is a highly acclaimed neo-psychedelic group that gained popularity as a leading light in LA’s fabled ‘Paisley Underground’ scene of the early 1980s. Their new EP ‘Last Stop On The Underground’ is out now with June 2024 UK live dates getting near. The band kindly sat down with us for a chat:

Matt Piucci (songwriter/guitar) and Steven Roback (songwriter/bass) have been in the band since day one in April of 1981. Matt and Steven’s brother David were college roommates in the 70s, and started the band with Steven in LA in 1981. David left the band after one LP at the end of 1983 and was replaced by John Thoman (guitar) who has been in the band ever since, John went to the same school as David and Matt and played with the both of them in the 70s. Stephan Junca is the drummer and he has been playing with Matt for about 25 years, with the Billy Talbot Band, the Hellenes and boatclub, now in Rain Parade. The newest member is multi-instumentalist Derek See, who we met at our first reunion show in 2012. He has played with he Gentle Cycle, Dean and Britta and the Chocolate Watch Band.

What is your earliest musical memory?

Matt: I remember seeing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show and listening to the  “In My Room/Be True to Your School” single of my brother’s when I was a wee lad.

Your new EP ‘Last Stop On The Underground’ is out now. How did you want to approach making the EP? 

The EP was recorded in Oakland at the same two studios we used the last time- 25th Street and Skyline Studios. Our producer/engineer is Jim Hill, the same guy as our 1984-5 recordings, “3X4”, and  the “Last Rays of A Dying Sun” LP. He is basically a member of the band, at least in terms of the preproduction and recording process.

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

We hope to have avoided any really dumb mistakes! But seriously, our goal is to bring some peace and comfort to those who have taken the time out of their hectic days to attend our shows. Sometimes we forget what this is all about. Art is important and to the extent that we can bring people some enjoyment, that is what gives everything meaning.

One of the tracks is ‘Surprise, Surprise’. What is the story/inspiration behind the track? 

I think the point of all of our songs is to address larger themes within the context of interpersonal relationships. I think that in particular, this song is about reassuring someone you love that everything will be Ok.

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

We are huge fans of vintage guitars. I think the newest main guitar we have is John’s 1971 Gold top Les Paul, Derek uses Gibson SGs from the 60s, a 1966 Fender 12 String and a ’66 Jazzmaster. Matt uses a 1963 Gretsch Tennessean, Steven uses a 1966 Fender Jazz Bass. We all use Fender amps, either Princetons or a Deluxe. Stephan has both a Pearl and a Ludwig kit from the late 60’s. We love Fulltone pedals. As for mics, we almost always sing into a Neumann U67, 47 or 87.

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

We all live in or near Oakland California, except Derek, who still lives in LA, which is where the band was formed. Oakland is a gorgeous city-diverse and culturally rich, but a bit messy.

How do you look after your voices?

We don’t smoke or drink much when playing, use aloe vera spray when needed, and warm up vocals before playing.

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?

We get asked all sorts of questions, usually similar and we’ve never heard that one. That is like asking about a favorite song, it changes daily. So for today, how about if Denis Villeneuve calls us and ask us to score his version of Arthur C. Clarke’s “Rendezvous with Rama”, a tremendous SciFi novel and it should be a great film, coming out in a year or so.

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