I'd like to introduce you to a Toronto based band called Running red Lights.

Migrating from small towns all across Eastern Canada to the swelling city of Toronto, Kevin Howley, David Puzak, Jeff Carter and Scarlett Flynn together unite a rallied sound that cleverly weaves knowing and tuneful lyrics into simple catchy pop songs. The band has been compared to the harmonious familiarity of Fleetwood Mac, Of Monsters and Men, Hey Ocean, Coldplay, and Grizzly Bears..

We caught up with Scarlett Flynn (Vocals/Guitar) who was more than happy to let us into some her innermost secrets (in other words, she answered a bunch of general questions….)

 

Introduce yourself and your music in one sentence....  Born into a space between the notes of Fleetwood Mac and the words of Sylvia Plath

Last time you used public transport and where did you go?  A couple of days ago. Dermatologist appointment

Last time you felt proud?  Today and every day since the release of RRL's debut (January 14, 2014).

What classic song do you wish you recorded and why?  ‘At Seventeen’ by Janis Ian. The kind of fragility and raw honesty of this song in particular is something I have been striving to achieve as a songwriter my entire career. 

Last movie you saw?  Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr Hunter S Thompson

Last book you read?  ‘Generation of Swine’ by Hunter S Thompson  

What did you dream about last night?  Running Red Lights was scrambling to prepare for a major, high pressure TV interview. Nervously my bass player, Jeff Carter, kept reciting the 5 W's (5 fundamental questions of journalism) loudly to himself 'Why!? What!? When!? Who!? Where!?'

Last time you cried?  Last week while housecleaning I put on our album and allowed it to play from start to finish. Sweeping the floor in the kitchen I suddenly became overwhelmed. After what has been a difficult life and career, the realization of accomplishment in that particular moment overcame me and I burst into tears. It was a happy cry.

Biggest musical influence?  Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Jim Croce, Ryan Adams and Stevie Nicks

Best gig you ever played?  Shifting through the Rolodex of my memory I can't honestly single out a show in particular that was definitively THE.BEST. We've played many and many hold fond memories in my mind. The most recent favourite was during our West Coast tour last year. We played a show that was held in an old church converted into a music venue. The show had a 'revival' feel. The audience hung on every word and at the end of our set they raised out of their seats in grand applause. That was pretty special.

Best band/artist of 2013?  Andy Shauf

Biggest act you have ever played with (supported or on the same bill as)?  Counting Crows

The last album/record you bought?  Modern Vampires of the City-Vampire Weekend

Last time you had a fight?  I can't recall specifically but it was probably with my drummer/lead vocalist and partner Kevin Howley and it was more than likely on tour and was absolutely somehow related to the band. 

Tell me one of your guilty pleasures?  Though I don't enjoy his music I find myself softly defending Justin Bieber in the back of my mind when anyone criticizes him (which is often). I think the kid is gifted and has the potential to be a great artist and so I have a real soft spot for him...but don't tell!!!!

Best advice you ever received and who was it from?  'One of the primary reasons artists/bands fail is because they make decisions out of impatience and frustration. Have patience!'-Ivan Barry (ole representative)

Largest amount spent in a single purchase? (excluding houses)  I have never been able to afford lump sum purchases but me and Kevin are currently financing a Gibson Acoustic Songwriter worth around $3000. 

 

Whilst Scarlett was laid in the fetal position, rocking back and forth, sobbing gently after hearing that Justin Bieber had recently been arrested for drag racing a Lamborghini up and down a street in Miami whilst being under the influence of hard liquor and ‘Mary-Joanna’ (look it up), I decided to bring forth the ‘Quickfire’ heavy artillery….

 

Coffee or Tea?  Coffee

Coke or Pepsi?  Neither, never

Mac or PC?  Mac

Holidays/Vacations – Beach or ski-ing?  Beach  

Pub or 'trendy' wine bar?  Pub

CD or Vinyl?  Vinyl

Car or Motorbike?   I drive neither but a motorbike sounds about right

Cat or Dog?  Cat

Acoustic or Electric?  Acoustic

Angelina or Jennifer?  Both seem lovely

Full English Breakfast or Cereal?  If English breakfast is eggs and toast then YES! 

 

We would like to thank Scarlett for taking the time out of her hectic life to answer our questions, we chose to leave her, wallowing in the 'Bieber' induced misery that has suddenly descended upon her.....whoever would have guessed, Justin Bieber is a regular guy who enjoys smoking pot, drinking beer and driving super fast sports cars around for fun, next thing, the media will be implying that he is classed as a NORMAL HUMAN BEING, it's a long shot but who knows !!

Their debut album is available to buy now from iTunes

 

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Twitter: @rrlmusic

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