RIIB is the new project of Leeds based singer-songwriter James Mainwaring who is previously known for his saxophone playing in the Mercury Prize and MOBO nominated Roller Trio and as a guest with indie rock band Django Django
After a busy touring period, James picked up a guitar he hadn’t played since high school and rediscovered his passion for songwriting, thinking only himself and his bedroom walls would hear it. It was only when his housemate heard Hello Stranger through the walls and urged James to share his music that he invited people round to his house to hear a set. Local promoter and singer-songwriter Hayley Gaftarnik was one of those who attended, immediatly booking him to perform some acoustic gigs.
James spent the next year on the road with Django Django playing saxophone and guitar, but continued to write on the back of the tour bus, at festivals, hotels and dressing rooms all around the UK, Europe and Moscow, whilst gaining experience performing to large audiences and learning how larger bands develop their shows.
Inspired by his touring experience, James returned to Leeds and formed RIIB with fellow Roller Trio members Luke Reddin-Williams (drums and triggers), Luke Wynter (guitar, bass and keyboard) and guitarist Matias Reed. Some live videos made their way online and after coming to the attention of producer Tim Bazell, the band were invited to his London based studio Heart of Gold.
RIIB's music is eclectic, a blend of alternative, pop, indie, math with jazz influences. The pensive and reflective debut single 'Hello Stranger' is one of the first songs James wrote in the bedroom period. It features coiling verse melodies, a contagious chorus and powerful golden section - driven by hypnotic polyrhythms on vibraphones and marimbas, and a guest appearance from drummer Joost Hendrickx.
lyrics
Untangle all the roots
Too much ramble for so long
This ceiling we once laughed to
This was the summer you were looking for
But no one will ever be yours
Hello stranger
Where have you been hiding
Where have you been gliding above this time
Hello darling
Where have you been shining
Where have you been finding yourself this time
this time
Unbundle all the pictures
I'll stumble to clear air
Build all your blocks on your Iceland
You could have stayed there
Yeah you should have stayed there
Hello stranger
Where have you been hiding
Where have you been gliding above this time
Hello darling
Where have you been shining
Where have you been finding yourself this time
this time
When you wake up do you have to shake it off like I do
credits
from Hello Stranger/Broken Toy,
track released November 18, 2016
Recorded, mixed and produced by Tim Bazell
Mastered by John Webber at Air Studios
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