Music Bugle Exclusive – Q & A – Tom Berttall Of Raincity Ghouls

By Nicholas Jason Lopez

Stompy drums, chunky riffs and the raspy growl of lead singer Troy Ounce are all the rage in Raincity Ghouls’ newest tune since their hiatus return – the aptly titled “Let Loose,” available now via Rain Dragon Records.

In addition to that, the band has a new self-titled book out, which you can buy now on Amazon here.

The Music Bugle had the opportunity to talk with band drummer/5 Feet Under Studios owner Tom Berttall about their new music and more.

Music Bugle – How would you describe your newest music?

Tom Berttall – Raw, rockabilly punk. Not sure how else to describe it myself! (Laughs)

Music Bugle – What excites you the most about your style of music?

Tom Berttall – To me, I see it as a form on no-rules-goes. If it sounds sick, then we roll with it.

Music Bugle – What was your goal for your new single?

Tom Berttall – To make some kickass music that we and many others would have fun blasting and dancing along to.

Music Bugle – How did you guys decide on the name “Raincity Ghouls”?

Tom Berttall – Troy had come up with it. Part of it came from his old dog named Ghoul and just where we’re all from.

Music Bugle – What did you focus on primarily during the band’s hiatus?

Tom Berttall – I had actually joined Raincity Ghouls during the hiatus. We’ve just been working on a bunch of stuff, so I’m super excited for everybody to see what we have going on.

Music Bugle – What do you hope for by the end of 2021?

Tom Berttall – Just hoping to get back out there soon playing again, making new content and just continuing on. We can’t wait.

Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?

Tom Berttall – The fact that we purely enjoy what we do. It’s a hobby that’s taken on the form of a career that you still love by the time the day is done.

Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?

Tom Berttall – I’ve been on an Offspring kick mainly, but just recently started finding a new love for the UK. Subs.

Music Bugle – Where do you go when you need a break?

Tom Berttall – Mountains! if i feel the need to get away, then i really try to get away. (Laughs) If I’m not working on music, then I’m trying to go camping and four-wheeling.

Music Bugle – Does social media help or hurt musicians?

Tom Berttall – In many ways, social media has done a lot to help artists get known, but because of how easy we can obtain things through the internet, I find that it can hurt the artist. There is a loss of revenue on hard earned work and though not everybody does this, I believe it to be a fairly big percentage still, which definitely could hinder any artist from working on the next big thing.