RISE
RISE discuss their emotional new single “Talking To Your Ghost Again,” honouring Steve Kinley’s memory while exploring grief, hope, melodic rock, progressive influences, and their upcoming EP.
1. “Talking To Your Ghost Again” is a deeply personal song inspired by the loss of your original singer, Steve Kinley, in 2022. How did the idea for this song emerge, and what did writing it mean to the band, particularly Paul as Steve’s twin brother?
The track has been worked on by the band for over a year; but we came up with the basic idea quite quickly. We then developed elements of detail and emotion over a couple of months. This didn’t feel like a song to rush…it was always a track that would be ready in its own time.
2. The song explores grief and loss while maintaining an uplifting atmosphere. How did you balance the emotional weight of the subject with the desire to create something ultimately hopeful?
Ste was not a guy to dwell on negatives, he was a man that would always move forward positively, no matter what, so we took that focus into the track. The subject matter is obviously dark, but the song does carry warmth and positivity.
3. stayMellow delivers a powerful vocal performance, with prominent harmonies and twin 12-string guitar parts adding depth to the arrangement. How did these musical elements come together to capture the song’s emotional intensity?
We have always been a band to try ideas and work through suggestions. If the idea improves the track we use it; it doesn’t matter who came up with the idea…it’s always about the track.
4. RISE’s sound combines melodic rock with progressive influences, which are particularly evident on this release. How do you approach blending these influences while maintaining the distinctive sound you have developed over the years?
We do work hard to maintain the “RISE” sound and yes, it’s a blend of melodic rock mixed with progressive rock…we have always tried to be true to what we are inspired by, not what is trendy at any one time. I would never have described us as trend setters at any time in our career. Men out of time would be a good description I suppose.
5. The track was recorded at Whitewood Studios with producer Rob Whiteley, and its accompanying video combines animation and live-action footage. How did the recording process and visual concept help bring the song’s message to life?
We often video the recording process, we have footage over quite a few tracks now. It seemed natural to use the recording footage in the video. Matt @ Lodge Productions is a really creative guy to work with. I think we have done about 6 or 7 projects with him.
6. You are currently working on a new EP planned for early 2027. How is the upcoming release shaping up, and what can listeners expect from RISE as you continue to evolve musically?
This will be released towards the end of January 2027. It’s 6 tracks at the moment, we are just finishing some mixing in November, again with Rob at Whitewood studios. The overall feel of the EP is more of the same…which is true to what we wanted to produce. If you like RISE, hopefully you will like the EP.