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Music

DR. MARTENS SPEAKS TO THE RIFLES

Dr. Martens spoke to indie rock band The Rifles about the release of their new double album ‘Big Life‘. Find out more about the inspiration behind their new music and what they stand for, below:  
 
For those who don’t know The Rifles, how would you sum yourselves up in a sentence?
Normal people making good music. 
 

The Rifles.
The Rifles.
 
 
Can you talk us through the inspiration behind your new double album ‘Big Life’?
Our live’s and what’s going on around us inspire the songs. We are in the same boat as 99% of people out there, struggling to make a living and dealing with all life’s ups and downs, so putting those experiences into song is a way of communicating with people, and the world. I guess we are saying what it’s all about with the title ‘Big Life’; there’s so many options yet sometimes very few depending on your situation, but we all have a piece of this big life. So go do what you like. 
 
Tell us about your first Dr. Martens:
Dr. Martens represents to me a good British brand. I first heard about them when I got into a few Madness tunes a long time ago. They all had DM boots and apparently there was a shop in Camden Town where they all bought them, so of course I went there and sure enough they were all in the window shinning away. I remember thinking ‘Jesus they look hard, I wouldn’t wanna get a kick in the head from one of them! I bet you could wear them for life and they would still be going strong’. 
 
Three tracks you’re listening to right now:
1. Lay lady lay – Bob Dylan
2. Do re mi – Kurt Cobain
3. On my one – Jake Bugg 
 
What’s your favourite thing about the city you live in?
The parks in London are great. Hampstead Heath is my favourite, Primrose Hill and Richmond Park also really nice. 
 
The Rifles new album 'Big Life'.
The Rifles new album ‘Big Life‘.
 
 
How are you feeling about your UK tour in October? Anywhere in particular you’re most excited to play?
Always love playing Scotland and London but they’re all good to be fair. It’s hard to have a bad Rifles gig because the fans don’t allow it. 
 
If you could make music with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
We would love to make an album with Rick Rubén and also Jeff Lynne – they are really inspiring people. 
 
What advice would you give someone trying to break into the music industry?
Focus on the reasons. Make sure they’re the right reasons. Etch them into your mind, learn your craft well and do not give a fuck about peoples opinions. Especially people in the business. You’re there to express your take on life; some will like it, some will hate it. Accept that fast, hit the ground running and make sure they remember the next day you showed up the night before and ripped the shit out of it. 
 
And finally, what do you stand for?
Tea and digestives. 
 
Find out more about The Rifles on their website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter