Embodying everything you love about ‘90s grunge but with a modern twist, the band has released three EPs and one full-length album. Each release was built upon the previous album but without leaving the band’s original psychedelic rock roots behind.
The Rupert Selection has left its mark on Boston with sold-out venues and heaps of praise from local media – nominated for “Rock Artist of The Year” three times by the Boston Music Awards (2018, 2019, 2023); being a finalist in the Rock and Roll Rumble; being named one of the “10 Acts On The Rise In Boston” by WGBH, and one of “10 Local Acts Making Waves” by Improper Boston.
The future is bright for The Rupert Selection as new album Crumbs for the Sun, with Brian Charles at the helm as producer, is set for a November 2023 release. The band will be touring extensively afterwards.
In your opinion, what are the essential qualities that make a “good songwriter”?
Reilly Somach: It’s hard to put into words but it’s something you know when you hear it. It just has to seem genuine, like the person singing really means or has lived what they’re singing about. Making people feel and believe what you're saying or playing is everything.
What is the basis for writing attention-grabbing music in the year 2023?
Somach: I really don’t know. I just focus on writing something I believe in enough to share and hope people like it as much as I do. I’ve accepted I was born in the wrong time and don’t fit in with this TikTok McDonald’s era of consuming music.
What has it been like working with an indie record label as opposed to working on your own?
Somach: This album [Crumbs for the Sun] was done without any label support or funding.
Can you pinpoint some specific songs and songwriters that changed the way you write Music?
Somach: The album Lulu by Metallica and Lou Reid.
Do you find it hard to be inspired by artists that are younger than you, or are you motivated by their energy? Can you name any new artists you find inspiring?
Somach: Good music is good music. Inspiration is inspiration. No limits or specific forms to any of it. I think the song “Mono No Aware” by Ruth Garbus comes to mind as being one of the more beautiful captivating songs I’ve heard recently. I’ve been really into the stripped down, less is more approach to music these days.
For your new album, what inspired the lyrical content, album title, and overall vibe?
Somach: Being alive.
Do you find that you ruminate over writing songs and hold on to them for a long time before including them on a record? Or do you prefer to write them, release them, and be done with them? Do you ever re-visit old material to do a re-write or once it’s done it’s done?
Somach: It’s always different. Sometimes a song needs to simmer for months or years, sometimes it’s ready instantly. No rhyme or reason to any of it. When it’s ready, it tells you.
Were there any lessons you learned in the writing and recording process for your current release that you will take with you into your next project?
Somach: Don’t rush or force anything.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therupertselection/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therupertselection/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0MhAs3S70CCQpBNO2EFL4Z?si=HtO6Zu36QOufCnU0qV6fYw
Bandcamp: https://therupertselection.bandcamp.com/