This year marks the 12th that Los Angeles-based trio Rundown Kreeps have been a band. For the uninitiated, Rundown Kreeps blend punk music, with ska, and rockabilly. They’ve created their own unique sound that rivals bands twice their age.
Global pandemic aside, 2021 is shaping up to be a great year for the band. Not only are they working on new music, but they’ve also signed to My Grito Industries. As an aside, My Grito has been signing some of the top independent Latin American bands the their label. Rundown Kreeps is just the step on MyGrito’s path to becoming the preeminent artist collective documenting the Latino experience.
The first new music released under My Grito is the “Held Down.” Released this week, the song sounds like a perfect blend of Sublime and The Stray Cats. The song focuses on the feeling of paranoia as a Latino living in Los Angeles these days. While the song was written during the early years of the band, it has never gotten a proper recorded release until now. After listening to it, you’ll know that it was worth the wait.
Recently, front man for Rundown Kreeps, Richard Lamas, sat down to let us know about recording the new single, more about his thoughts on My Grito, and more. Take a look below to get to know more about this amazing Los Angeles band.
You were added to the My Grito Industries roster this year. What does that mean to you as a band?
It means the beginning of a new chapter for us. We’re ecstatic to be a part of this eclectic family who is doing great things within music. Rob and Oscar are rad dudes with great taste in music, & the rest of the bands on the roster are amazing. It means a lot to have the opportunity to push ourselves in ways we haven’t had the chance to do in the past.
What influenced you to sign with My Grito?
The move just felt right. There are many reasons that make My Grito Industries an appealing group of people to work with. From their charity work to their success with WireTap Records, My Grito embodies the same DIY mentality we have had as a band since our inception. Mix that with a roster filled with outstanding Chicano, Hispanic & Latinx artists, and you get the perfect environment for a group like ours.
Your first official release with them is the single, “Held Down.” What’s the song about?
“Held Down” is about paranoia through the eyes of a Chicano living in the 2020’s. It has to do with my personal scattered observations of what life is in regard to the perception of reality, the implications of mass expendability forced onto our lower class through policing systems and politicians, and also drug experimentation. The song itself was actually one of our first song’s ever written but was never properly released. The version that we know now is a revisited “Held Down” with brand new lyrics.
You worked with some pretty heavy hitters with Jonathan Mireles and Roger Lima on the track. What did you learn from working with them?
The biggest lesson there was to be learned is to always approach the recording process with an open mind. There are many teachable moments as well as room for experimentation, and the entire process becomes something you definitely do not want to rush. Another thing is to surround yourself with people that you are comfortable with, and who are able to keep the creative process feeling creative.
We’ve been working with Jonathan for several years now, and the fact that we’re able to call him a friend rather than just a producer creates a dynamic in the recording process that is something unique. The only thing I can say about having Roger Lima do the mastering is that he’s the G.O.A.T., & we’re very fortunate as well as honored to have a legend of his stature be a part of what we’re doing. We’re all huge Less Than Jake fans, so this was a huge bucket list check mark for us as a band.
Are there more singles or a full-length in the future? If so, what can fans expect from the new songs?
Definitely more singles coming sooner than later, as well as a full-length album and hopefully some touring once it’s safe to do so. Can’t really give anymore details because everything is subject to change with the pandemic in mind. But I will say that we’ve been working on new music harder than ever.
You’re a fun blend of ska, punk, and rockabilly. What is it about those three genres that appeal to you?
I think it has a lot to do with our location. In my opinion Los Angeles is the Mecca for underground music, as well as the modern-day DIY punk rock/ska scene. Pre-Pandemic there were several shows happening every day of the week always, & I can’t emphasis ALWAYS enough. Growing up in L.A., if you liked to drink, mosh, smoke weed, or play an instrument you’d most likely end up at a backyard show at some point, and we played those shows for many years. Hell, we never stopped. The scenes with the coolest music, people, and artists in my opinion have always been Punk, Ska, and Psychobilly. With that being said, I believe we’re a direct product of where we came from.
How have you changed as musicians and people since Breaking the Routine?
100% we have. Few stay the same person forever, and I like to imagine that we’ve grown to be better songwriters & musicians since then.
Ska Punk Daily recently called you out in their list of “New Tone” bands. What does New Tone mean to you?
New Tone to me is the next evolutionary phase of Ska/Punk. It’s about adopting new ideas and implementing them within the genre both sonically, and in consideration to the messages that come with the music. New Tone is a community for people who feel like misfits to come and feel like misfits together. It’s the necessary rebirth of the DIY attitude, and it’s back to shake up the music industry as much as possible. Also, shoutout to Ska Punk Daily!
For folks not as in tune with the LA music scene, what other bands should they check out?
Off the top of my head, I would say Viernes 13, Matamoska, The Odd Advantage, The Paranoias, LA Crooks, Fun Abuse, Enemy Proof, The Rocketz, Straight Shooter, LFC, OFF The Wall, The Counterminds, Happy Drunk Cartel, The Lowclass, Eyeless Collective, The Krylons, and The Pins. Just to name a hand full, I can honestly go on for a while talking about amazing L.A. talent.
To get people hyped for the eventual return of live music, what is a typical Kreeps show like?
Loud amps, mosh pits, and clouds of smoke in green rooms and parking lots alike. A genuine good time for anyone in need of a night out.
How have you been managing band life during pandemic times?
We’ve been making the best of things and using this time to write new music and experiment with videography. This is the first time in our history that we’ve been shooting our own music videos and we really enjoy the creative control that comes along with that. Although, I will say that we miss performing immensely, we’re a live band before anything else.
What’s the best way for folks to support you these days?
Folks can follow us on social media, stream our music, tell a friend about us, or even pick up some merch on our website www.RundownKreeps.com. All support is much appreciated!
If there’s only one thing that readers learn about your band from this, what do you want it to be?
I’d want it to be an awareness of our new music and our name. As soon as it’s safe to do so we’ll be hitting the road and coming to a city near you. We’d love to see you at a show sometime in the future.
Any last words?
Go check out “Held Down” on Spotify, Youtube, and anywhere else you can stream music. Give us a follow at @RundownKreeps and check out My Grito Industries at @MyGrito. Keep posted with us, NEW MUSIC ON ITS WAY!