Ra Ra Riot (KEXP interview)

About This Footage

The grainy footage of Ra Ra Riot's KEXP interview at Sasquatch 2009 is a time capsule of the indie rock scene in its heyday, a snapshot of a band on the cusp of stardom. Filmed in the summer of 2009, this 4:04 clip captures the quintessential charm of the era – the scrappy optimism, the DIY ethos, and the sense that anything was possible.

At the time, Ra Ra Riot was one of the most buzzed-about bands on the indie circuit, having just released their debut album "The Rhumb Line" to critical acclaim. Their unique blend of baroque pop and post-punk sensibilities had already garnered them a devoted following, and this KEXP interview with DJ Sharlese is a rare glimpse into their early days.

What makes this clip so significant is the context in which it was filmed – Sasquatch 2009, one of the most iconic music festivals of the decade. Held on the Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington state, Sasquatch was a mecca for indie rock fans, featuring an impressive lineup that included Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, and TV on the Radio. Ra Ra Riot's performance at the festival would have been one of their biggest to date, and this KEXP interview provides a behind-the-scenes look at the band's psyche during this pivotal moment.

The footage itself is refreshingly candid – no glossy production values or carefully choreographed questions here. DJ Sharlese's relaxed demeanor puts the band at ease, allowing them to open up about their creative process, their influences, and their aspirations. Wes Miles' charming wit and infectious enthusiasm are on full display as he discusses everything from their songwriting approach to their favorite books.

One of the most striking aspects of this clip is its rarity – in an era where music interviews have become increasingly formulaic and contrived, Ra Ra Riot's KEXP interview stands out for its genuine informality. There's no attempt to manufacture controversy or spin a narrative; instead, we're treated to a raw, unvarnished conversation that feels eerily like eavesdropping on a private conversation.

Watching this clip, you can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over you – not just for the music itself, but for the era in which it was made. The Ra Ra Riot of 2009 was a band on the rise, fueled by a sense of possibility and a willingness to take risks. This KEXP interview captures that spirit perfectly, providing a poignant reminder of what's been lost in the intervening years – the innocence, the idealism, and the sheer, unadulterated joy of making music for its own sake.

As you watch Ra Ra Riot's KEXP interview at Sasquatch 2009, pay attention to the way they laugh together, the way they bicker good-naturedly over song titles, and the way they speak about their music with a sense of wonder and awe. It's a fleeting glimpse into a bygone era – one that will leave you smiling, nodding your head in recognition, and perhaps even feeling a pang of wistfulness for what could have been.

Curated from public records and music databases.