By Kreig Marks, August 2024

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TRR:  Could you tell us about how your band formed and what inspired you to start making music together?

 

RT:  Rattle Trapp was formed in the summer of 2021 by longtime friends and bandmates bassist / rhythm guitarist Rickey Otts Jr. and drummer Eddie Walker. Rickey and Eddie had formed and started 2 other bands previously that were very well known in Nashville, Tn. rock scene and beyond. Bridges To Burn and Psycho Hed. Shortly after getting a few song ideas worked out they started searching high and low for the right players & vocalist to complete the band. After many auditions Jay Vergara came through and nailed the part with his distinctive vocal style & meaningful rock n roll style lyrics that often reflect back to his New Jersey roots where he fronted the awesome bands SLUG and Hudson County Chaos before moving to Nashville,Tn. Shortly after finding Jay they started auditioning guitarists and bass players to fulfill the vision they had collectively agreed upon for the direction of the band and brand Rattle Trapp. Unfortunately during this time current drummer and co-founder Eddie Walker had to take some time to address some  health issues which eventually took his life. It was a gut punch to make that change as Rickey & Eddie had years of friendship and experiences of highs and lows including opening for such bands as Saxon, Armored Saint and Full Devil Jacket to name a few in their former bands. Upon putting the word out and receiving tons of interest and after several auditions drummer Jack Mercer was chosen to be the new backbone of Rattle Trapp as his persistence and commitment is second to none.Through out the first couple of years of the band it was very hard to find the right guitarist and bassist as most players in Nashville are here for the cover and Broadway scene. This led to numerous periods of trials with many guitarist and bassist throughout as Rickey Otts Jr. has covered both bass and rhythm guitar duties at times of need to keep the train rolling toward the vision Rattle Trapp has set as their standard. The lineup currently includes Jay Vergera - Lead Vocal, Rickey Otts Jr. - Rhythm Guitar , Jack Mercer - Drums, Finndian - Bass Guitar & Seth Ray - Lead Guitar.

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TRR:  What would you say sets your music apart from other emerging rock bands today?

 

RT:  While we have a vision and expectation of what we want our music and brand to sound and look like, we don't really follow any typical guidelines about what kind of music we write together. While that may contradict the statement of following our vision we are also open minded and always try to present what we do best together as a group instead of trying to force something that just isn't Rattle Trapp. Rattle Trapp isn't supposed to be overproduced and perfect. The name came from Rickey’s dad when he was younger and shopping for cars. They would come across an old beat to shit car but it would always start and run. rat·​tle·​trap -ˌtrap. : something (as an old car) that is rickety and makes rattling noises.

 

TRR:  How would you describe your band's sound and style? Are there any specific artists or bands that have influenced your music?

 

RT:  We all have different influences. For example Rickey while growing up with a lot of southern rock being played around the house by his Dad, he also got into music because of glam bands back in his early teen years. Poison, Cinderella, Warrant, etc. The fun those bands had on stage made him want to do just that! Then came the grungy Seattle scene which he really loved. Then through the years Rickey got into more metal type bands Metallica, Pantera, and so on. But he loves it all. Anything but country!

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Jay Jay's musical influences began when he saw Twisted Sister at age 10. His mom's diverse taste in music exposed him to Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, The Mamas and the Papas, Jay and the Americans, Kool and the Gang, and Chic. As he grew older, he delved into 80s rock, punk, and new wave, practicing guitar and bass. His singing talent was discovered at a friend's rehearsal, leading him to focus on vocals. Inspired by Metallica, Guns n Roses, Skid Row, and vocal lessons from Diane Weasley and Don Lawrence, he developed a style influenced by Sebastian Bach, Ian Gillan, Ozzy Osbourne, James Hatfield, Axl Rose, Jon Bon Jovi, Layne Staley, and Chris Cornell. He continues to evolve his vocal abilities, drawing from these varied influences.

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Drummer Jack says his favorite band is AC/DC. And that their music is simplistic but it’s loud, tight, and it rocks. And that's the kind of musician he strives to be. Jack's influences are Neil Peart and Buddy Rich. They were both the best drummers of their time and he loves  everything they did.

Bass player Finndian influences are Nikki Sixx, Marshall Grant from Johnny Cash, Cliff Burton, and Frank Bello. Growing up in a musical family,he was influenced by his Grandpa, who played banjo for Lawrence Welk on tour and The Chmielewski Funtime Band. And his father introduced him to every type of music you can think of. He grew up around music every day in life.

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Seth lead guitarist  is a huge instrumental shred guy and is influenced heavily by guitarists such as Paul Gilbert, Andy Timmons, John Petrucci and Guthrie Govan are some of his biggest influences and rightfully so.

 

TRR:  What has been the biggest challenge your band has faced so far, and how did you overcome it?

 

RT:  Finding the right players to add permanently to the band.We have had some great players come through. Unfortunately over time true colors always present themselves.We are doing more than just playing in our local area. We like to travel regional and nationally to build our following and spread our music nationally as often as possible. And while that sounds fun to many it's hard work and most cannot juggle that balance between home life and building a band and taking it to the next level. We continue to work on overcoming that obstacle and it's looking very hopeful as of lately. This train doesn't stop for anybody! 

 

TRR:  Can you share a memorable moment from one of your performances or recording sessions that stands out to you?

 

RT:  I'd have to say that 9 out of 10 times the response, reaction and support from the audience is always a memorable moment. Especially when we are on the road. It seems that other areas that aren't so congested with so many bands and music other than our own seem much more appreciative and willing to listen and interact & connect.. That's the best feeling. When you know you have the audience zoned in with you.

 

TRR:  What are your short-term and long-term goals as a band? Where do you see yourselves in the next few years?

 

RT:  Every year we seem to climb a little further up the ladder. For example, last year we set goals to get on as many festivals as we could this year as well as getting out regionally and nationally. This year we were stoked to get slots on Bratfest in Madison Wisc. and The Day Of Rock 2 Festival in Asheville North Carolina. We have also branched out regionally and nationally  playing shows. We hope to double our festival performances next year as well as to continue releasing new music and videos very soon as we have 4 new singles ready to drop. We will also be going back into the studio this fall to record 4 more singles. 

 

TRR:  How do you approach songwriting as a band? Is it a collaborative process, or does each member contribute individually?

 

RT:  Our song writing process usually starts with a riff and grows from there with everyone having their creative input considered.While one person may have the great basic idea we like to write collaboratively when possible.