While Riding with Killers may be a new name on the rock scene, the members of the Detroit trio have seen more stages and logged more hours in the studio than most could imagine. Taylor Roberts, front man and mastermind of RWK, (formerly of Cathercist / Wild Fire), formed a friendship with ex-taproot drummer Dave Coughlin which led to the early music from the band. Since 2018, the band has since built a name for themselves in the Gulf Coast region and beyond.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hey Riding with Killers, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
I feel like I’ve always been drawn to music in some way, shape or form. I’d sing along to the radio as a kid and I’d pretend I was on stage with my buddies. We’d Pantomime a mic or guitar, listening to music just loud enough so it didn’t piss our parents off, black lights and posters lighting up the room, and acting like I was in front of thousand of people.. it always felt right to me. I started on Alto Saxophone at age 7 and found guitar at 10 after hearing Papa Roach’s “Between Angels and Insects” and as soon as I heard that opening riff, I thought to myself, “Man I gotta learn how to do THAT”. I made the switch and the rest is history.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
I really enjoy skateboarding. I recently got back into it the last few years and one of my favorite spring/summer activities is to spend 3/4 hours in downtown Detroit just riding around wherever. I’ve met some very interesting people from skating and it’s allowed me to connect with the city of Detroit more I feel, plus I hate running so it’s how I get my cardio these days.
I also really enjoy food and grocery shopping. I used to weigh 245lbs at 5’8 and it was one of the worst periods of my life. I had some wonderful guidance from friends that sparked my interest in food, why I’m eating/what I’m eating for and it really helped me turn my life around. I changed my lifestyle with food and I’m happily hanging out around 155-160lbs and I feel that I’m better mentally, physically, and spiritually because of it. Food is such an important part of life in so many different ways. It’s not just sustenance, it’s connection with your body, your mind, your loved ones, and even strangers.
Your latest song is 'Hostility'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
Hostility, like many of my songs, was born out of frustration and anger. It’s not necessarily about one specific person, but a multitude of people over the course of my life that have made me feel less than what I am, pushed me around, and treated me like a doormat. That song was my pushback and really a big fuck you to those people. We recorded that song in a basement studio in Farmington called Lansbury Lane ran by Mark Papow. Our producer, Matt Laplant came to town to help us record/write. During the recording process of that song, after finally hitting the high notes “I can’t take anymore” right before the tag, I noticed I was feeling pain in my groin, and as it turns out, after hitting that note it caused an inguinal hernia, which was one of the worst experiences I’ve ever had. I don’t have vocal training like I do with guitar, so I was still guessing on proper breathing, air control, and pushing notes. I could hit the notes, but I wasn’t getting there properly. Needless to say, after healing, I’m taking my voice seriously and working on my voice through lessons and exercises.
Can you reveal the recipe for a musical hit?
I really don’t know that there is a recipe? I mean sure you have song structure and such but I don’t think anyone really knows what a hit is until it just happens. But I’ll say this, when you get something laid down, if after multiple listens it makes the hair on your arms stand up, you know you’ve got something. Especially if you’re putting meaning and heart into the words and how you convey them. Same with the music. Real emotions and feelings translate. The same can be said if you’re just hoping to write a “hit song”.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
Well, I’m currently in Gothenburg Sweden, working with Jakob Herrmann on vocals for a second Riding with Killers record. I’ve never done anything like this for a record, so to come to the other side of the world where I don’t know anyone, can’t speak the language fluently, and don’t have a cellphone on hand readily, is a great recipe for growth and maintaining that. I try to constantly surround myself with people who are better and smarter than me, because then I have to challenge myself to keep up. The musicians and people I’ve surrounded myself with the last few years have really forced me to grow because otherwise why would they want to continue working with Me?
What inspires you as an artist? Could it be the sea, the weather or something else?
I’d say what inspires me most outside of the obvious “Oh this song, this band, yadda yadda” is what music allows us to feel, and what it allows us to speak. Growing up, I didn’t have a dad or the normal nuclear family, I was picked on A LOT for my left eye (followed me for many many years) and I was honestly so angry about ALL of it. In the midst of that anger, music was my one true avenue that allowed me to express what all of that made me feel, because I didn’t know how to put what I was feeling into words at the time. Music never failed to say what was on my heart and mind. And to know that maybe, just maybe, I can do the same thing for some angry kid that I’ll never meet, and they'd feel like they weren't alone, is inspiration enough.
How do you spend your free time? What makes you feel relaxed?
I wreck kids on Call of Duty with Dave Coughlin (OG RWK drummer, now on tour with Detroit Legends Sponge) hahaha. I do enjoy some gaming, but I have ADHD so it’s hard for me to sit still for long period of time, but when I can actually sit still long enough to lock in, it’s a nice escape. Skateboarding is another way to relax even though it’s a workout. The wind in your hair while exploring on a board is something to be experienced. I also thoroughly enjoy spending time with my partner. She and I travel a lot, we cook together, we spend time outdoors hiking and camping. Also, there’s something so special about sitting on the couch and having my dog Meg curled up beside me.
Do you have a mentor or coach?
I used to, but unfortunately Jim Pinkston passed away in 2017. Jim owned Pinkston’s Music in Gulfport, MS and it’s where I took guitar lessons from age 10, and then I started working there at age 17, until he passed away about 10 years after. I spent close to 20 years of my life under that roof learning about myself, who I wanted to be, who I could be. He taught me about life, business, the music industry, and how to be a good person. Jim didn’t give us commission on instrument sales, but he paid us well, to drive home the fact that we were there to actually help other musicians on their journey, not just make a quick buck for commission sake. His teachings have kept me afloat in this industry and I’m still here because of him. I love and miss you Jim.
Do you think it's easy to become established in the music world, or is it difficult?
It’s difficult for sure. You gotta be wary of all the bullshit out there and there’s plenty. From shady promoters/managers/booking agents that are looking to rake you through the coals, to venues having horrible practices, to not being included in your local music scene, to writing something that people want to hear and enjoy. t’s not easy. But nothing worthwhile was ever easy, and to a degree I feel like you have to experience some of the bullshit to really get you where you want to go. Experience is a hell of a teacher.
What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five to 10 years?
It’s really hard to say but the sky’s the limit right? I’d like to love to see RWK headlining tours/festivals one day and be a success while doing it. A signature guitar with Gibson would be incredible, and maybe a jam/writing session with Jerry Cantrell or Trent Reznor. Or both.