Conversations with Ripcords

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ripcords.

Hi Ripcords, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2022, Max Sherwood (guitar) Sam Michelman (drums) & Ashlee Schwartz (vocals/bass) crossed paths in the Denver live music scene.
Ashlee and Sam had come to replace the bassist and drummer of Max’s current band.
After playing together for hours on end, Max came to the realization that our newfound arrangement was not the continuance of his current project, but an entirely new one, worthy of shifting the group’s focus beyond recognition.

Initially, we played small gigs at local bars and house parties, honing our skills and building a small following.
What was originally seen as conflict stemming from creative differences gradually became layers upon layers of different influences and passions, meshing to create a refined sound without compromise.

Today, we’re proud to have released our first single Test Drive On E, along with (possibly multiple) full-length albums currently in the mixing process.
It has been an incredible journey, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for our band.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In the first year and a half or so, the band’s biggest struggle, by far, was Ashlee’s voice falling apart to the point they thought it was beyond repair. With a rigorous schedule of simultaneous rehearsing, recording and gigging, usually taking up 6 days a week, Ashlee was unable to talk during the day, and was consistently bursting blood vessels in her neck and eyes.
The group has had an equally difficult experience finding the right crowd, not only with listeners, but other bands. They’ve found that the difficulty lies in bands being metal, punk, and classic rock, rather than the undefined space between.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Ripcords is a 3-piece alternative rock band from Denver, Colorado. Their unorthodox lineup consists of vocalist and bassist, Ash, guitarist, Max, and drummer and vocalist, Sam. The sound stems from punk, metal, and classic rock influences combining, with a priority of maintaining melodic, poppy, palatable elements, while not losing sight of the nostalgic feeling emulated. Their demo single, Test Drive on E, has accumulated 13,000 streams with little to no promotion or money to do so.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The biggest priority is keeping all writing, recording, gigging, and creating art as genuine and organic as possible, in this day and age. Absolutely no AI is used for writing or visual art. No autotuning vocals, or punching in parts you would do in one take live. No backing tracks, and no digital instruments.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ripcords_official?igsh=MW9kNnRnbGJmN2J3dw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/album/3RUWejnnPixnX8trRTFnPH?si=QrH4ELrNTf-UYJMVu6ALOQ

Image Credits
Rocky Montano Photography
Adam Siginorelli