Pop R’n’B band Rixton are already making waves in the music industry. Comprised of frontman and rhythm guitarist Jake Roche, lead guitarist Charley Bagnall, Danny Wilkin, who plays bass and keys, and drummer Lewi Morgan, the group attracted attention from both the public and record labels after posting covers on Youtube in 2012. Two years on and Rixton have already been signed to School Boy/Interscope by Scooter Braun – manager of big names including Justin Bieber – as well as releasing an EP in the US.
After two sold-out shows in Manchester and London, HTF caught up with the four-piece to talk about their upcoming single, album plans and what it’s like to have a global fanbase!
HTF: Hey guys! For those who are unfamiliar with who Rixton are, how would you describe your sound?
Danny: Harmony and guitar-driven pop R’n’B.
HTF: Is there a story behind how you all met?
Danny: Me and Jake met five years ago through mutual friends. We started a band and then we started a writing partnership, writing songs in a caravan in my back garden. We lived out there for about six months and then we met Charley. Charley was in a different band and wasn’t enjoying it too much so we plucked him out of that band and he came straight into our band and became a brother straight away. Lewi was trying to get together with Jake’s girlfriend…
Lewi: I didn’t know it was Jake’s girlfriend!
Danny: We got rid of the girl and took Lewi instead and that’s how we got together.
HTF: Are you inspired by similar artists or is there quite a lot of diversity in your music tastes?
Danny: There’s a lot of similarity but there’s a lot of diversity as well. We’re really into Maroon 5 and OneRepublic as well as Bruno Mars – it’s all R’nB-based. But then Lewi is really into metal music and really heavy hip-hop. Charley likes country music and EDM. I really like old school R’n’B such as Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles. Jake, being brought up in a musical family, used to listen to Frank Sinatra and other swing artists.
HTF: Your upcoming single ‘Me And My Broken Heart’ is being released in July in the UK, are you excited for it to be out?
Jake: We can’t wait. Obviously the UK is home for us and so it’s very exciting for us. As soon as we hear it on the radio, I think we’re gonna go pretty nuts! It’s good because we’ve done a few shows and everyone seems to know the words so it’s really picking up over here, which we’re really excited about.
HTF: Can we expect an album this year?
Danny: You can indeed! It will probably be out from around September onwards. We’re excited to get it out there!
HTF: You co-wrote with Ed Sheeran on ‘Hotel Ceiling’. Are there any other artists or producers that you’d like to collaborate with?
Lewi: I’d like to write with Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic) and we’d love to perform with Adam Levine (Maroon 5) and Bruno Mars. In terms of producers, we’ve got the best in the world, so we’re very happy!
HTF: You’re back and forth between the UK and America frequently, what’s it like having fans based all over the world?
Lewi: It’s overwhelming sometimes. Our music speaks to them in their ways – it’s an honour really.
HTF: What’s the craziest thing a fan has done for or to you?
Lewi: There was one time after a show in L.A. where a fan came up to me to give me a hug so I gave her a hug. She proceeded to make out with my neck and started trying to suck on it. That got a bit awkward!
HTF: After doing shows in London and Manchester, have you got any plans to do a larger UK tour?
Charley: I think we’re gonna hit all the UK festivals in June and July and then hopefully start touring later on in Autumn.
Lewi: We’ve got a tour in July, and we’re playing Bush Hall in London.
Danny: We’re playing Wireless the same day as Bruno Mars so we’re really excited about that!
HTF: Finally, what else can we look out for from Rixton this year?
Rixton: We’re just going to be touring around, playing as many shows as possible and releasing the album. Just having a lot of fun really!
‘Me and My Broken Heart‘ is released in the UK on 13 July. Watch the official video for it below and see what we made of their recent show in London here!
