Guitarist Leon Todd talks to us about Ragdoll’s new video and single, Rewind Your Mind, which hits at The Velvet Lounge this Saturday, July 25, with support from Legs Electric, Summerset, and an acoustic set by Hailmary.

Tell us about shooting the Rewind Your Mind clip. How did you develop the concept?

We had a great team working on, but the core ideas were developed by the director Aaron Moss. I’m a big fan of Harmony Korine, and his documentary Alone In The Woods was a big inspiration, as well as films like Into The Wild. We consciously avoided the typical action movie style cuts and went a more cinematic experience, and the results are stunning. 

How important do you feel music videos are now in terms of getting your stuff in front of audiences?

A great music video really throws the doors wide open; we have a lot of fans who found us through our previous videos, and a lot of them will say we’re one of the few hard rock bands they listen to and follow because of our multi media work. Three hairy guys playing sweaty rock music isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but just about everyone uses YouTube. It’s an integral part of the artistic process for us now.

As for the single,  how did recording go?

We’ve been working with Troy Nababan for a few years now, and he’s one of the few people in the country who can pull off the massive multi layered American style rock production we like. We tracked drums at Crank Recording in Leederville and did the rest at our home studios. It allowed us the time to find sounds we were 100% happy and stay fresh and inspired. Plus, we could enjoy my mums cooking and make a record. 

What’s up next?

After the single launch we’re on the road in August and September, playing up through Newman, Carnarvon, Geraldton and a lot of regional centres. We’re also going to buckle down and finish writing and recording our next release. 

Anything else we should know?

We’re a 100% independent and self managed band and we’ve been lucky enough to tour extensively and live out our dreams, playing a style that isn’t trendy or popular. If you’re reading this, drop us a line on Facebook or come to a show. Rock ain’t dead yet. 

Originally published in X-Press Magazine