INTERVIEW: The Rude Awakening drops remix EP

In the synth pop sphere, The Rude Awakening is a thrilling duo crafting modern electronic soundscapes that reverberate with infectious energy. Formed by Johnny Normal and Bridget Gray, this UK-based act offers an entirely original sound, infusing synth-driven pop music with a gritty edge.

Their sonic concoction blends various synths, compelling rhythm tracks and acidic lyricism, creating a sound that’s completely their own. Over the past five years, they’ve won over audiences with their unique approach, exploring themes of relationships, taboos and popular culture.

Beyond their roles as performers, Johnny Normal and Bridget Gray emerge as prolific producers and remixers, leaving their creative imprint on acts like B-Movie, Peter Godwin, Birmingham Electric and Mechanical Cabaret. The duo’s versatility and innovation were showcased on the album 6122 – A Tribute to Andrew Fletcher, where their cover of “Should Be Higher” hit the #2 spot on the German Official Album Charts.

Fresh from the release of their single “She Has a Juice Box,” a sleek alternative pop cut shimmering with driving energy and infectious writing, The Rude Awakening presents a remix EP of the track. The EP, titled She Has a Juice Box THE REMIXES, features six tracks that reenvision the original, taking the listener on an electrifying journey through various sonic scenes.

The EP kicks off with the duo’s own remix, the “TRA 12″ Remix,” which offers a unique spin on the track. Drawing inspiration from their favorite 80s remixes, The Rude Awakening infuses their distinctive touch, creating a version that stands as both a homage to the past and a bold step into the future.

As the EP unfolds, listeners are treated to a diverse array of remixes by artists such as Blackcarburning, Carlos Peron, Patrik Kambo, Technomancer Phizzy Phil and Mr. Strange. Each artist brings their own sonic fair to the table, reimagining the thumping dance-focused energy, punchy synth riffs and slick vocal hooks of the original.

The collaborative nature of She Has a Juice Box THE REMIXES showcases The Rude Awakening’s ability to bring together a spectrum of talent, creating a stellar release that entertains from start to finish. Each remix offers a new spin on the original, a fresh perspective and inviting the listener to explore the multifaceted dimensions of the track.

We caught up with The Rude Awakening to find out more about their musical journey so far, their new EP She Has a Juice Box THE REMIXES and what they’ve got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with The Rude Awakening below.

Hey guys, how’s things?

We are great, thank you. Keeping busy and looking forward to Christmas too.

How did you get together as a band?

Johnny: I had been performing as Johnny Normal, either alone, as a duo with my guitarist Psycho Pete, or as a trio with our amazing drummer Jase since 2008. After two original albums (There’s Nothing and Robot Rock) an electronic version of the Kings of the Wild Frontier album with Marco Pirroni, the Robot Rock remixes album, and a number of festivals, gigs and amazing support slots with Adam Ant, Blancmange, Altered Images and others I really thought that Johnny Normal as a music act had gone as far as I wanted it to go. I was hospitalised in 2014 for a considerable time and didn’t expect to survive. During a prolonged and very traumatic recovery period I had so much time to think and refocus on what I wanted to do next. I was so glad to still be alive and I was hungry for a new direction and some of the ideas I had inside me needed a new face to present them on stage and in the studio. Coming through this whole situation changed my view on life in general and I realised that you have to do stuff now, today, live your best life and seize the opportunities you are given… better still, seek out new adventures and be the best you possible. Life is fragile and short and very precious.

I was toying with the name The Rude Awakening, which seemed to sum up perfectly my newly discovered way of thinking. I had indeed had one myself and this would be the perfect banner to use to create a new musical offering. Music that talked of love and lust, hope and despair, innermost feelings and desires and social taboos.

The first release from The Rude Awakening was myself aided by the American musician Brooke Calder on backing vocals. The song, based on a real personal situation, tells you to stand tall and stick to your guns and never give up on what you believe in. I was so happy with the result, the message, the instrumentation, production, everything… and the music had a fresh edge to it. But it was going to be very difficult to take this project on the road, especially with one of us living across the pond, and Brooke was always so busy with her own material of course… and The Rude Awakening was going to be a performing act.

I was aware of Bridget Gray from her previous synthpop outfit, which had been dormant for a while, and had played her songs on my radio show a few times. I had always found her voice very unique and versatile, capable of beautiful harmonies, solo ballads as well as more pop-orientated delivery. The next release for The Rude Awakening was going to be much more risqué … and the thought of having Bridget’s beautifully pure and angelic voice singing the more colourful lyrics of ‘Your Wetness is My Weakness’ made me feel like a naughty schoolboy. So I sent her the song and I asked her… and to my amazement she said she loved the song and the concept of The Rude Awakening… and so it began.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?
Johnny: Oh, where to start? I have obvious influences I guess… Gary Numan, Soft Cell, The Passage, Japan, The Human League, Adam Ant. I grew up listening to all manner of styles and I do appreciate all kinds of music from soul to rock, punk to classical. But my heart is electronic. I love listening to the current independent music scene, bands like Voltron 2, VHS Celebs, IAMX, Vieon, Montage Collective and Dead Lights to name but a few.
The way that Gary Numan has lived his life and adapted to everything thrown at him is truly inspirational. On stage I have been so in awe of watching Bridget perform that I have missed my cue to sing on a few occasions. I just get absorbed and immersed in the moment. Bridget inspires me, totally.

Bridget: Well the obvious ones such as Erasure, Depeche Mode, Yazoo, The Human League, Heaven 17, OMD, Mike Oldfield, Toyah, Duran Duran, Hazel O’Connor, Gary Numan, Chvrches. Julian Cope, The Alabama 3, Jean-Michel Jarre to name but a very few but I also like classical, punk, rock, new age, and all sorts of other genres. I’m really just inspired by anyone that creates beautiful music and we’re so lucky to have access to so many sources whether that is mainstream or independent acts or medieval madrigals. Also I’m really in awe of a lot of current independent acts such as Voltron 2, Brutalist Architecture in the Sun,
Austerity Complex, Heliophile, Inception in Black, and am just as likely to reach for an album of theirs as Violator for example. We also have access to so much incredible music from around the world thanks to the Big Satsuma Radio shows we present and there are frequently songs we get sent that just blow me away.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Johnny: Bridget and I are both fascinated by the complex behaviours of human beings and how we interact with each other. The empaths, the narcissists, the kind souls and the tossers all have a place in the music of The Rude Awakening.

Bridget: we also like to take everyday objects or situations to new levels, there will be a song on the new album called “The Inner Yearnings of a Robot Mower” for instance…

What’s been your highlight of the year so far?

Both: Moving into our lovely house and converting an outbuilding (giant dog kennel) into our new music studio – The Dog House. Releasing “She Has a Juice Box” has been really enjoyable.

What musical achievement are you most proud of in your career to date?

Johnny: Other than supporting Adam Ant and Blancmange, in 2022 Bridget and I recorded and produced a cover of Depeche Mode’s “Should Be Higher” for the 6122 Andrew Fletcher tribute album, the proceeds of which went to two children’s charities. The album was a massive success, reaching number 2 in the Official German album charts.

Bridget: The Rude Awakening.

What do you love about your local music scene?

Bridget: Being originally from the North East of Scotland, and making my home in the Midlands, everywhere south of Carlisle is now local to me. We have been to a number of gigs around Coventry, Alcester and Birmingham following both grass roots artists and more established bands in big venues. I love the variety and the accessibility to great music at every level.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Johnny: We create our songs to be listened to on a very personal level via headphones so that we get a connection, but also in the production we keep in mind what will work in small to medium size venues. Interaction with audiences is what drives us along as The Rude Awakening. Our music means the world to us and we are so grateful that people like it too.

Bridget: Wherever people are, if they have the desire and ability to listen to our music, then that is the perfect setting at that moment for them.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Bridget: Gary Numan or Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark for me.

Johnny: There are many. We are chuffed to have worked with B-Movie, Peter Godwin and Carlos Peron recently, and there are quite a few to go on my bucket list.

How did you find making your recent single “She Has A Juice Box”?

Both: During lockdown, we decided not to record any original material as we would be unable to take the songs on the road and perform them live. We concentrated on remixes for other artists and also a few cover versions of electronic classics. “She Has a Juice Box” is the first new original song post-Covid, and set us off on writing for the second album. We had a lot of fun making it, and the words and music came together really easily.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

Bridget: Going on past TRA releases, no doubt there will be people who will analyse the song title and lyrics and come up with all manner of alternative stories of what ‘She Has a Juice Box’ is all about. Johnny and I expect that and totally encourage it! The reality behind the song is really quite simple. We were going to see our friends Gary and Sandra (Subject:2) performing their album launch in Southend-on-Sea in 2018. We were also rehearsing that weekend down South for a festival with Massive Ego, Mr Strange, Leg Puppy, Among the Echoes and other fine synth bands. We were early for the Subject:2 gig and so found a lovely little restaurant for a bite to eat. Anyone that knows me will testify that I do like a little libation with my evening meal. We were taken aback when the waitress brought us over a couple of orange juice boxes with straws… they didn’t have a bar licence. Of course, Johnny and I like to play with words and tease the listener, or rather give you the basic theme and let your own mind run free… And why not? Life should be fun. Look for the joy.

How was it putting together a remix EP for the single?

We deliberated for some time on the producers that we would like to work with on the Remixes EP, and drawing up a shortlist of ones that would add something special to the song. We were both so delighted with the positive responses we got back, and the resulting versions they created. Each remix came back sounding absolutely amazing. We are always humbled that other producers and musicians will take one of our songs and add their DNA into it to create another.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Bridget: OMD’s new album ‘Bauhaus Staircase’ is a total earworm. We interviewed Andy McCluskey on our virtual sofa radio show for Big Satsuma Radio which was an absolute joy as I’m such a fan girl.

Johnny: We’re also loving the new Classix Nouveaux album ‘Battle Cry’, as well as the latest release from independent Canadian artist Breathe Of My Leaves ‘The Radiant Believers’.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

Johnny: It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that people around the world from different cultures are listening to our music and getting something from it, no matter what that might be. If we can bring a little bit of enjoyment into their lives, then job done. We deliberately create lyrics that have a meaning to us, but that can also be interpreted in different ways depending on your mood or situation.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

Both: we performed in a moated fortress in Lille, France, in 2019 just before lockdown. It was an amazing venue, and we were invited to play there by our lovely friends Shiny Darkness to support their album launch. Seeing our music appreciated by another culture, seeing the joy on their faces as they were dancing and singing our lyrics back to us was a magical experience. Also hanging out with the other bands, it was just so much fun.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Johnny: How about The Rude Awakening, Gary Numan and Jean-Michel Jarre at a late evening concert performed at Stonehenge with a laser show? Any takers?

Bridget: That’s what I was going to say!

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Johnny: There is no path to follow – find your own way. Be true to yourself, find what means something to you and be enthusiastic and tell the world. What works for one, may not necessarily work for another and there is no easy route.

Bridget: I’ve found that not putting yourself under pressure is very difficult to do but sometimes necessary in order for the creative process to find you. Step back, take a deep breath, and remember – sometimes there is no spoon.

Finally, what do you have lined up for 2024?

Johnny: 2023 has been about finding our home, setting up a new studio and restarting our writing for the new album. 2024 will see us completing the album and hopefully performing it live. There will be a new single in the spring with a video and remix EP as well. We are also looking forward to some more collaborations and remix projects.

Bridget: and Johnny is collecting some new and old Synths at an exponential rate to fill The Dog House, so there will be a lot of amazing and great new sounds being added to the Rudie’s sound palette.

Both: we would like to thank Rob and PlasticMag for allowing us to share our thoughts, and for their tireless support of the underground music scene.

Listen to She Has a Juice Box THE REMIXES below