California pop-rockers Night Riots is comprised of childhood friends who formed a band together in high school and, with the exception of a brief split after graduation, have been playing together ever since. The current lineup of vocalist Travis Hawley, guitarists Nick Fotinakes and Matt DePauw, bassist Mikel Van Kranenburg, and drummer Rico Rodriguez released their first album, Into the Roaring, in 2010, and have since released a smattering of EPs, the most recent being their Sumerian Records debut, Howl in 2015.
Check out our 10 questions with Hawley and see Night Riots play Riot Fest & Rodeo on September 2 and Riot Fest & Carnival on September 17.
What is the first album you ever purchased?
The first album I ever purchased was Blink 182’s Dude Ranch. I was learning how to play drums at the time and remember thinking the drums were so fast. Before that I had basically only listened to oldies.
Name one band that changed your life. How?
Actually, it was probably Blink 182. I remember getting Enema of the State and it just being the sound track to my life. It what got me to start playing guitar as well as drums and to start a band.
What was the first concert you ever attended?
The first concert I ever attended was Van Halen…
What was the last concert you attended (that was not your own)?
Lana Del Rey
What is your favorite tour snack?
Sunflower seeds, poutine.
What is one book we should read?
The World According to Garp by John Irving
Tell us your best festival survival tip.
Make sure you’re in a band and have access to catering.
If you were running for president during this election, what would be the top item on your platform?
Politicians have to wear huge yellow hats with bunches of bananas on them so they and we are always reminded to not take them too seriously. Then I would not run for president.
Imagine the world is ending at midnight. What are your plans for the rest of the day?
I would probably do a lot of bad things.
What is the best song ever written?
“Graceland” by Paul Simon
The Related Rabbit Hole
