INTERVIEW - Runner Runner

Runner Runner is an American pop-rock band founded in Huntington Beach, California. The band members are Ryan Ogren (Vocals), Peter Munters (Guitar), Nick Bailey (Guitar), Jon Berry (Bass), James Ulrich (Drums). We had a chance to interview their guitar player, Peter Munters via e-mail.

Check it out here:

1. First of all, how old are you and what’s your role in Runner Runner? 

Peter: Hello! My name is Peter Munters. I am thirty years old and I am a songwriter and wanderluster. I sing and play guitar in Runner Runner.

2. When did you realize that you wanted to be a musician?

Peter: I knew that I loved music from very early on. I sang for an audience for the first time when I was five and recorded my first solo vocal on a folk music album when I was seven years old. My grandparents were both professional musicians in Latvia, before World War II.

3. What did you think would happen when you first started thinking about being a musician?

Peter: When I first started thinking about being a musician a massive smile would spread across my face and I could not wipe it off. I began to learn how to play my favorite songs on guitar and started seeking out every basement and garage belonging to my friends parents, that seemed worthy of rock and roll.

4. Your biggest inspiration?

Peter: Family is my biggest inspiration. Family, friends and the knowledge that songs can move the whole world.

5. Fave song to play live?

Peter: I love to play a little song called “Dedicate”.

6. Fave city you’ve played so far? And why?

Peter: I like travelling through the American South. The best BBQ can be found in the Carolinas, Florida Texas, Arkansas and others. I also love to lose myself in Tokyo. Japanese music fans are fun magnets.

7. What’s the best and the worst thing about being on road most of time?

Peter: The best thing about tour is obviously performing with a new audience every night. The worst thing is homesickness.

8. Favorite tour experience?

Peter: I loved getting on stage and singing with Good Charlotte and Yellowcard on our last tour together. It is so nice knowing you have talented friends!

9. The funniest thing that has happened to you on tour?

Peter: The funniest thing that has ever happened to me on tour was a recent incident that involved running over my computer with a van. Surprisingly it still works fine!!! I think Apple should make a commercial about me.

10. What’s the best and weirdest present you’ve received on tour?

Peter: The best present I can ever receive on tour is a surprise visit from my Mom! The weirdest present I have ever received on the road was getting to hear our song on the radio for the first time. I still can’t believe it happened!

11.The weirdest fan request you’ve ever gotten?  

Peter: The weirdest fan request I have every gotten would be “write something on my face!” I like to say, it is not for me to tamper with some works of art.

12. Band(s) you would like to tour with?

Peter: I would like to tour with Foo Fighters, Switchfoot and Adele at the moment!

13. Do you think there’s a possibility that Runner Runner might come to Indonesia sometime soon?

Peter: I heard a rumor that RR was going to play Indonesia this Summer, which unfortunately did not come true. I hope that we will come soon. Our bass player Jon says it is pretty much the coolest place to visit in the whole world.

14. We heard that you are Zack Merrick’s step brother, can you tell us if that gossip is true or not? 

Peter: Zack and I have been good friends for years, since we first toured together. He has been known to stay with us when he has a day off here or there from tour. I love that he tells people we are related. Some friends just feel like family!

15. Q from @unstoppablefans (twitter): will Over It ever make new music again?

Peter: I think Over It should defiinitely make music again. Would you listen?

16. Qs from iwantbadhabits (tumblr):

• What would the band do if 2 or more of members were fighting?

Peter: We usually bring out a kiddie pool and do mud-wrestling. It destroys all forms of tension.  

• What do you think about your fans?

Peter: I am grateful most of all, that people think of our band as a group of musicians and friends. We are real people with real love and respect for what we do. We feel blessed to have the coolest job in the world and to vent about all of our problems and joy, through music.

Okay, any final words? Today (August 17th) is Indonesia’s Independence Day, by the way!

Peter: What’s up Indonesia! Runner Runner loves you and wishes you a rocking Independence Day! Happy Birthday!

Big thanks to Peter Munters for taking time away from his busy schedule to answer a few questions from us.

Follow Runner Runner on Twitter.

Follow the members on Twitter:

Ryan Ogren: @RyanOgren

Peter Munters: @PRunnerRunner

Nick Bailey: @NickBaileyRR

Jon Berry: @JONRUNNERRUNNER

James Ulrich: @JamesRR

Check them out on their Official Website.

extra info.

- Zack Merrick is All Time Low’s bass player.

- Jon Berry is an original member of the band, Rufio. So no wonder he knows about Indonesia.

- Over It is their old band.