On performing at The Paramount, Ross Lynch said, “This is our third time that we play here. It is nice to be back here. I like the venue a lot. Every time we come here it seems to be a good show.”
Last November, they performed a charity show for the T.J. Martell Foundation. “It was great. We played a fun, little acoustic set and it was cool. It was the first time that we played ‘Smile.’ It turned out great and it was a fun time,” Riker said.
Rydel, the only female member in the group, revealed that she will be performing her new song “Lightning Strikes” from their latest album, during their set at The Paramount.
On the music video for their song “Smile,” Rocky said, “Ross and Riker actually had the hardest job, since they had to learn the song backwards. When we filmed it, they sang it backwards, and it came out cool.”
Most impressive about Ross is the fact that he is not too big into award shows, since he does not believe in judging art. Their greatest gratitude is when the fans go to their shows and when they sing the lyrics back to them. “That is always very much appreciated, when we have more of a dialogue with the fans and when we speak face to face, even more so than receiving an award through a TV show,” he added.
Rocky shared that he is motivated by older artists, as well as by watching Purple Rain, reading a biography on Jimi Hendrix and through the fans. “A lot of people come up and tell us that our music helps them every day, and that is always a good thing,” Rocky said.
Ellington noted that recording in the studio is a rewarding feeling, since a song is being created from scratch. “It is almost like climbing a mountain and getting on top of that mountain, when you hit that moment,” Ellington said.
Rydel listed Bruno Mars and Hozier as her dream male duet choices, while Rocky picked Mariah Carey due to the millions of albums that she sold and for her memorable music videos. Another female artist they would love to collaborate with is St. Vincent, whom they praised for her prowess on guitar.
Looking back over the last five years, the band concurred that they have seen a lot of growth. “As we have been growing, we have changed drastically to who we are now,” Ross said.
On their favorite songs from the new album, Riker selected “Dark Side,” Ellington picked “F.E.E.L.G.O.O.D.,” Rocky and Rydel selected “I Know You Got Away” and Ross picked “Did You Have Your Fun?”
When asked about balancing acting and music, Ross said, “It is a challenge. You have to go with what is rolling at the time. Right now, we are touring and there is no real acting opportunity at the time, since you need to book that in advance.”
They concluded by furnishing their definition of the word success, which they defined simply as “longevity,” as well as the majority of the world appreciating their music. “Influence, respect, longevity,” they concurred.
“Thank you guys so much for the continuous support. We truly do love you,” Ross said, for their fans. “Without you guys, we wouldn’t really have a job, so we really appreciate you,” they added.
To check out their new album Sometime Last Night on iTunes, click here.
For more information on pop-rock group R5, check out their official website.
