Band Interview: Spylights

Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life are very proud to bring you an interview with Spylights, a progressive style alternative rock project from New Orleans.

1. How did you get started as a band?

After being a part of numerous bands that got so close yet failed, it really took a toll on me and affected my trust and dependability on other musicians. I had always given 110%, stayed dedicated, and made lots of sacrifices for the greater good of whatever band I was in. Time and time again the result would end up in failure after years of work. These outcomes were because of lack of unity, egos, or toxic habits.

I felt like I had to get to work writing, playing, and recording my music to get it out. I decided to learn some studio engineering in between the writing process and the recording process. Now a couple of years later I have well over 30 songs finished. I have learned so much about myself as a musician and the recording process!

2. How would you describe your sound?

I feel like it’s pretty dynamic in style, mood, and even musical genre at points. Overall it has a strong 80’s and 90’s rock vibe mixed with some modern progressive rock, jazz, and metal elements. I also am a big fan of 90’s alternative rock and songwriting, so there are plenty of those vibes mixed in there as well. I guess you have to just give the EP a listen and judge for yourself!

3. What bands/artists would you say have influenced your style of music?

I was always a huge Queen fan, Iron Maiden fan, and Rush fan growing up. Those 3 bands really influenced me into being a musician and a vocalist, but when it comes to stylistic influences it can get complicated for me. I listen to everything depending on my current mood, and get influence and inspiration from all kinds of music including Classical, Motown, Metal, Folk, Contemporary, Prog, 80’s Pop Ballads, Oldies, Classic rock, Soundtrack music, Movie scores, Gypsy Jazz, etc. Whatever moves me inside really.

4. Has the rise of YouTube & music streaming helped or hindered you as a band?

I think YouTube has given every artist a voice and a chance to deliver video and audio across the world to so many people that would never hear or see you otherwise. For now Spylights has only a handful of studio and audio clips on YouTube, but I’m presently coordinating a lyric video release for a song, and a music video release for another song shortly after the record releases! In the industry today lyric and music videos are crucial to a bands popularity and networking.

5. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not making music?

I love hanging out with my girl and my 2 dogs more than anything really, but I also have a deep love for playing video games, cooking, and listening to a good record while being high.

6. What are your future plans musically? Tours?

Well I am currently putting together a live band to play live shows and eventually tour. The one handicap about playing all the instruments in the studio on your record is that you can’t do it alone live. After everything is assembled and running, I will be doing some small tours around the southern states to promote the EP. After that I am going to start recording the full length record in early 2018!

We’d like to thank Spylights for taking the time to speak with us & Stencil PR for arranging it. You can pick up the EP over on Bandcamp & find out more about the band on Facebook, Twitter & YouTube!