Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
David Taggart: Guitar, Vocals
Rylee Taggart: Synth, Vocals
Ryan Wiles: Bass, Vocals
Joey Kane: Drums/Percussion, Vocals
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to REBELLE? How long has the band been around?
We were all a part of bands from the same town… (Wakefield, Quebec) the same street even, comes to think of it. Involved in the same scene, played the same gigs, same venues. Rylee and myself being in a band called “The Strain”, while Joey and Ryan being in a band called “Farewell Davidson”. We were all young, figuring it out. REBELLE has been around for a year now.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
The name just kind of came to me one night, REBELLE… Stuck in my head.
When we started working together, it was clear to all of us that this was something different, an entirely different animal. We toyed with other names, other ideas but they were bad. Kept coming back to REBELLE, seemed right. We are REBELLE.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
I’ll usually come to rehearsal with a song idea, a skeleton. I’ll have some lyrics, a synth part, maybe a drum part. Drive Joey up the wall with my cryptic nonsense. He’s a champ; I’m not a drummer.
We’ll hammer the song out until it takes shape, whether it’s what I envisioned or it’s something completely different. All for the better, it’s exciting. That’s what I like about this band. We are all writing savvy. We all grew up together so we don’t have to tip toe around each other’s feelings so much.
Ryan and I are a good team. He’s a songwriter as well; we are on the same wavelength. We learned how to play and write music together. We both have our own strengths that we can blend together.
I write about my life. How I deal with it, what I’m going through. I write about where I grew up. Small towns are a good place for inspiration. Wakefield is quite quirky, lots of characters. Sometimes I write about nothing. I’m not going to lie and say I have some artistic approach. I have to push myself to write sometimes. I write what comes to mind so it doesn’t linger there. Sometimes it’s nonsense. I enjoy it.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Nirvana, Muse, Death From Above 1979, Band Of Skulls, Foo Fighters, Oasis, Savages
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
When I was a little boy I went to a Green Day concert. The energy and the loud guitars gave me the itch. I thought to myself “This is it, this is what I have to do”. Been at it ever since.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …
We all have our own little things…
I get pretty quiet; try to keep myself out of my head. I’d be my own demise if I didn’t. The mind does silly things.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
I’d say being able to record our new EP with producer Ian Davenport. (Band Of Skulls, July Talk) He’s recorded with a lot of artists that we listen to and have drawn inspiration from. It was a pretty surreal experience to work alongside him. He understood what we were going for, down to earth guy. He really kicked our ass performance wise during the sessions, got the best out of us that he could. Loved it. Now we have something we are proud of, and excited to release.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
I’d love to tour with Muse. Just saw them at Reading Festival this year. Their live show is like none other. Very inspiring. Big rock sound for three guys.
Another band that comes to mind is The Stills. Had the chance to see them before they split. Loved them.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Come see us live.