Despite a worldwide pandemic, RipTide’s Adam Smith has been able to put this time to good use. Last year, the UK thrash trio started releasing new music while recently, Adam also signed on with Evile as their new rhythm guitarist. It’s been almost 6 months since we’ve heard new music from RipTide. However, that changes today with their heavy new single “Inhuman Race”.
It’s a crushingly aggressive track that has been in Adam’s music bank since he was 15 years old. I sat down with Adam to talk about the band’s new single, as well as what we can expect from RipTide in the coming months. Check out our interview and listen to “Inhuman Race” below! At the end of the video, you’ll also find out how you can win some free merch.
RipTide’s Adam Smith on Their New Single “Inhuman Race”
VV: Back in 2015, at just 15 years old you wrote “Inhuman Race”. What made you decide to release it now and how does it feel to finally share it with the world?
AS: I am so happy to finally be able to release Inhuman Race. We have been working so hard for so long to get these songs out, so to finally be able to release it is just amazing! We decided to release the track now as we felt it was the right time to as obviously due to covid, we have not been able to play shows, so we have been trying to make the most of our time and get as many tracks released as possible! We decided that this would be a great track to start 2021 on a high!
VV: What inspired you write “Inhuman Race”?
AS: The lyrical theme of ‘Inhuman Race’ is based on witnessing the increasing numbers of homeless [people] on the streets in the cities of so called rich countries like the UK. It’s about how society, and in particular, the government generally treat them, which results in people being trapped in poverty and addiction with no avenue of escape. So I wanted to write a song that highlighted this issue as I don’t think anyone should be homeless in civilized societies.
VV: Despite Covid, you have been quite the busy bee! Not only are you on vocals and guitar in RipTide but last year you also joined thrash metal titans Evile as their rhythm guitarist. With both bands releasing new music this year, what was the biggest challenge you faced, if any?
AS: Hahaha, Yes it has been pretty busy for me over the lockdown. The biggest challenge I have faced personally is not being able to get out and gig with either band to promote the music we are releasing. With Evile it has been more about learning their back catalogue and making sure I’m up to speed for when gigs eventually come back. We have also recorded a couple of music videos which was great fun. I’ve always been a massive Evile fan so it is amazing to now be part of the band.
With RipTide the biggest challenge has been spending time together as a band to record and produce the new music due to the lockdown restrictions. Luckily before Covid hit we had 2 songs recorded, ‘Smoke’ and ‘Fatal Retribution’, which we managed to release last year and all the drums recorded for ‘Inhuman Race’ which allowed Sean and I to finish recording it while locked down. But it has all been good fun. I just can’t wait to get back to proper gigs.
VV: Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
AS: My biggest musical Influences are the likes of Dave Mustaine, James Hetfield and Robb Flynn for their technical ability, but also other great frontmen like Tyler Bryant for the soul and Joel O’Keefe for the Rock n’ Roll attitude! These guys impress me most!
VV: With “Inhuman Race” being such a killer new single, I truly think it’s going to have fans craving even more from RipTide. Is it possible we might hear more new music from RipTide in 2021?
AS: Thank you, and we’re most definitely going to keep releasing more material. There WILL be more music for you all in 2021 for sure!
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