Interview: Rita Lynch Part 2

In part two of her interview Rita Lynch reveals her thoughts on the Bristol scene, and given both her longevity as an artist and the integral part she’s played in the scene there’s some real insight here. Meanwhile she has a new anthology covering her career so far (Story to Tell (Anthology 1988 – 2011)) brought to us by those lovely people at Bristol Archive Recordings. The LP launches at the Thunderbolt on Friday 6th May and if you missed it, part one of the interview is here.

What’s the best thing about the Bristol music scene…?

The best thing about the Bristol music scene is its diversity. Having lived in St Pauls for over 30 years I really appreciate the mix of cultures and ethnicity that is reflected in the music here.

…and keeping it positive, what would you say needs the most improvement in the scene?

I think more cheap venues would be good with bands playing every evening.

How has the music scene in town changed since you first started out (assuming it has changed in any significant way)?

It has changed and evolved as everywhere has in the last 30 years. I think there are more bands in Bristol now than there used to be. 

Do you think Bristol is a good place for a band to launch a career, and if so why…and if not, why not?

I think Bristol is as good a place as anywhere to launch a career. With computers these days it’s not so important where you are located as long as you have a strong presence on the internet. And, as in so many other areas, it’s not so much where you are as who you know.

What have been some of your most memorable gigs in town?

One of my most memorable gigs in town was Sound City in about 1993 or 1994. I played on Castle Park; it was exciting – John Peel was there. Playing at the Fleece as part of Ladyfest in 2003 or 2004 when the Gossip headlined; playing at the Bierkeller when I was filmed for Channel 4. All these gigs stand out but there have been so many. Playing at Ashton Court Festival was always great.

We’ve lost some great venues over the decades (the Granary, Western Star Domino Club, the Dugout etc.); anywhere that you particularly miss?

The Western Star Domino Club was totally great, a really cool venue, The Malaap was great for a while. 

Outside of town people have a perception that it’s all trip-hop round these parts; but Bristol has always had a wildly eclectic scene (the Brilliant Corners to Onslaught; the Seers to the Blue Aeroplanes), what’s your take on outside perceptions of the Bristol sound?

People always will focus on the bands that gain success and fame because they’re the bands they hear about. The Blue Aeroplanes have been very successful as well but don’t tend to get the same recognition. 

Building on that question, is there anything that you think makes the scene here unique?

I used to enjoy the squat gigs, they were always so exciting and allowed many people a platform to start from. My first band ever, Rita and the Piss Artists, played mostly squat gigs. There was always such an air of excitement and possibilities at those shows. Maybe it was the same in other cities, but at the time I felt it to be unique to Bristol. It’s a shame it’s all become quite corporate now.

Would you care to mention a few of your favourite local bands – new outfits to check out, under sung acts from the past and any defunct groups worthy of resurrection?

So many bands, too many to mention but, from the past, God Bless You were brilliant – intense and dark, brilliant melodies. They were like the Bristol sound before the Bristol sound was invented.

So we’re finally getting an arena…probably. What’s your view…what impact do you think it will have on the musical landscape?

Artists on my level rarely get to play in big venues like the proposed Arena. I suppose it will make a few rich people even richer.