Coming at you from Scunthorpe, England, Skarlett Riot is here to rock your world with their new album, Invicta. Skarlett Riot formed in 2010 and are signed with Despotz Records and Record Union. The members consist of smashing phenomenalist lead singer, Chloe “Skarlett” Drinkwater, with Danny Oglesby on screaming guitar, Luke Oglesby killing it on drums and Tim Chambers bringing the thunder of the bass. Everyone’s pretty excited for this album, for good reason. The hype around Invicta hints at a darker, melodic-metal album, in contrast to their last successful album, Regenerate, which was heavy, with a quickened pace and edgy insights.
In one of those cosmically Universal turn of events in life, one of my friends, Adam, is good friends with the band; and they live around the corner from one another. He was telling me how much he missed catching a cup of coffee with them, thanks to the current situation with Covid, and hoped that they could catch up soon. This piqued my interest to ask the band a few questions about this kind of situation, about energy, and how they overcome restrictions when trying to create musical art.
For those new to your music, what would you want them to know about you and your style starting out?
We combine hard rock with metal, to infuse our own signature Skarlett Riot sound. Catchy choruses and hooks are what we are all about and we love a good breakdown!
What was the inspiration for your new album?
Our new album was written about the struggles we’ve had individually and as a band over the last 10 years together. We come from a small town, and we didn’t know that many people who would be able to direct us. We pushed ourselves to get to where we are today and we pushed ourselves to be heard. It’s been full of ups and downs, it’s a tough industry, but we are still here, undefeated and unconquered and have each other’s backs. It’s a positive message to people to not give up, and to be the fuel to your own fire.
For those who haven’t heard it yet, would you mind breaking down the message behind your new single, “Stronger?”
“Stronger” was written about not allowing people to belittle you just because you’ve taken a different path in life to someone else. Everyone has their own life, and just because theirs is different to someone else’s, doesn’t make anyone inferior to anyone else. We are all equal and we are all human.
What is your favorite song on the album and why?
Hmmm, I’d say Black Cloud. It comes the New Metal elements as well as pop and rock. I think it’s got a good balance of catchy and heavy! I can’t wait to play this one live, I can imagine our fans singing it back to me!
How has the lockdown in the U.K. affected your creative process?
We went into record INVICTA March 2020, and as soon as we arrived we were sent home and couldn’t go back to record until August 2020, where we all had to record individually and not together. The album was meant to be released Sep 2020 but because of the pandemic this couldn’t happen. It was so strange recording individually too, and not having the full band experience together. We haven’t been able to see each other, and have only had contact over video calls, so we are looking forward to getting back together again very soon.
What kind of energy do you hope to share with the world at this time?
We want to share positivity and hope with the world, I think that’s what everyone needs right now. INVICTA was written to do exactly that, and we hope it gives people strength to get through whatever they’re battling in their life on a day to day basis!
What’s the most interesting fan encounter you’ve ever had?
I remember our last headline tour, one fan flew over from the USA to watch us play in Manchester, it was so so nice to finally meet him. I had been talking online to him for a fair few years, he also made these awesome dog tag necklaces with all our album and EP releases on them. That sort of dedication is amazing. We really appreciate our fans.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
I’d love to do a duet with Myles Kennedy or Jacoby Shaddix.
Who are your favorite musicians, and favorite bands?
I love Papa Roach, In This Moment, Myles Kennedy, Jinjer, Trivium, BFMV, Linkin Park. They’re big influences of the band as well as some of my favourite artists to listen to.
What is one message you would give to your fans in the USA?
Thanks so much for supporting over the years, we hope we can come and meet you all on the INVICTA album cycle. We would love to come and tour the US and meet all our supporters. Feel free to message us on social media, we reply to comments and try to reply to every message!
Last, but most definitely not least, What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Haha… mmmm I’ll go with the classic – mint choc chip.
I’m Music Magazine Contributing Writer Breezy Blake
