ICSCOTLAND speaks to Laura McClure of Reverend and the Makers and musician Maticmouth on their new project RSS - which also includes Laura's husband, Reverend frontman Jon McClure and Jimmy Ocelot. Developing a new musical genre is no mean feat, but these guys and their "Indiestep" genre are taking over house parties and the music scene in Britain. With a line-up from different musical backgrounds and a bucket-load of talent, Reverend Sound Systems (RSS) are playing their way across the UK, offering to perform at house parties, much to the delight of their fans. Destined to go down a storm, their first single, 'Wife Her Up' will be released on November 22. How did you guys get together? Maticmouth: Jon and Laura have been in bands together for years, me and Jon have known each other for years, went school together etc and have always kept in touch, we spoke a few times about mashing it up and throwing something together. Jon and Jimmy are label mates who started working together about a year and a half ago, I suppose we all wanted to try something fresh and new...was just good timing really. Has this project been in the making for some time? Maticmouth: Erm, yes and no. Me and Jon always spoke about ‘something’ but when we all first linked up it was more of an experiment with music, with us all being from a different musical background. As time went on and we were in the studio more, we realised we were on to something special. We all knew it was time for something fresh and innovative to hit the table again. Indiestep is that something...we already see the unity it brings, there’s a little something for everyone in there. Songs like 'Bassline' and 'Wife her up' are immensely catchy, tell me about the process of writing your songs? Maticmouth: ‘Bassline’ is a homage track of sorts, to the bassline/4x4/Niche music scene in Sheffield...this is one of the most exciting types of music out there right now, the kids love it, clubs love it and to be honest it gets the party going. But also, the general message of that track is most people just wanna party and have a good time....to a little bit of bassliiiine!! You are calling this genre Indiestep - is it starting to catch on? Laura: It already is! We've been doing these house parties in various cities around the country and people love it. You get the dirt of dubstep but then also the sing-along-ability of an indie song. It brings different people together that might not party with one another normally. Everyones invited into indiestep. The Boxfreshers tour went really well, tell us a bit about this. Laura: The tours got better and better as we've gone on. There have been some real blinders. Everyone’s been on a sleeper bus together and we've had a real laugh. The mix of different genres works really well and its quite individual - is this why you chose such a varied line up or did it just happen that way? Laura: RSS is all about pushing things forward n keeping things interesting. Getting all of us together was natural cos Jon went to school with Matic, I've been in bands with Jon for 8 years n Jimmy’s on the same record label n we all loved his innovative approach so Jon started writing with him. In England we seem to love pigeon-holing people into one thing but life isn't like that n neither are we. Mash it up we say! What is next in line for RSS? Laura: More insane house parties. They're amazing to be a part of. I think people struggle to find a way to connect with one another these days-everyone’s about online chats n mobiles but you can't escape connecting with people when you're squashed up against a stranger in a dark sweaty room jumping about to indiestep. Maticmouth: Yeah and anyone who wants to host one of these infamous house parties get in touch with us at www.facebook.com/thetruerss What are the future plans? Laura: Spread the indiestep word mother trucker! Unity through a fusion of styles. Where can people buy your music? And will there be an album? Maticmouth: The first single will be ‘Wife her up’, which is released on 22nd November, digital download because we’re futuristic like that! Anyone wanting to know more then give us a shout via twitter, myspace or facebook. | 
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