Rooftop Interview | Punk, Noise Rock and Riot Grrrl from Leuven
Rooftop are a Leuven-based punk, noise rock and riot grrrl band, formed in 2023. They have released the single ‘Pepsi’ and the EP ‘Live at Sojo’.
Who is Rooftop?
Miya: We are a Leuven-based band that creates a cross between punk, noise rock and riot grrrl, with me on vocals and guitar, Sofia on bass, Anaïs on drums and Maaren on lead guitar. It is difficult to pick one genre that fits perfectly because we have so many different influences.
When did you start Rooftop?
Sofia and I started when we were around 14 or 15 years old and had both bought a new guitar and bass. After that, we spent years looking for people who also made music, and now we are here.
Why did you start Rooftop?
I wanted to make music and be able to share it with people. I feel completely at home on stage and really enjoy playing for an audience while also addressing issues that are problematic in our society.
What was your initial motivation to start a band?
It is a fun hobby, it brings people together, and you can express your opinion on stage.
How did you meet?
Sofia and I met at church and have been really good friends for years. We met Anaïs through Georgia, our previous drummer. When we were looking for a new guitarist, Maaren replied to our ad via Gmail, but I had actually worked with her during an audition for ‘Out Of Hands’, a play by Fabuleus, although I had completely forgotten about it.
What do you have in common?
Mainly our musical taste. We also sometimes go to shows together because of it. Of course, we also share political views and a sense of humour. We have really become a close-knit group of friends, and we have quite a few friends in common.
Which bands influence Rooftop? I hear Nirvana, Germs, Pixies and Melvins.
Actually, I have no idea, I’m just making it up as I go along, but I think a bit of Lambrini Girls, Fugazi and Nirvana. I think we also indirectly draw some influence from early riot grrrl, like Le Tigre or L7.
Are you part of a Leuven punk scene?
The Leuven punk scene is actually non-existent. Leuven is very small, so the music scene encompasses just about every genre.
What are your plans regarding releases? Are you working on a first full album, or are you mainly concentrating on playing live?
We’ve already had quite a few fun live experiences this spring, so, besides playing a few shows, we want to focus on writing and recording this autumn. Ideally, we would like to release an EP next year.
Why do you combine English with Dutch?
Because we can! Everyone understands English, but I personally feel that I can express myself a bit more in Dutch without making it super cliché and cringe. English is useful when you are in a non-Dutch-speaking environment.
Rooftop live: 19/09/26 — Kesselzoo, Leuven, Belgium
Joeri Bruyninckx
Rooftop live: 19/09/26 — Kesselzoo, Leuven, Belgium
