As part of SXSW week, we’re meeting a selection of bands who are performing at this week’s showcase event in Austin, Texas.
Today we meet Spycatcher, a five-piece band from Watford, whose rock sound is complemented by singalong pop hooks. In 2011 the band released their debut album Honesty. Two singles from the album, Remember Where You Were When Michael Jackson Died and Don't Like People both received major Radio 1 support and daytime airplay.
Vocalist/guitarist Steve Sears Jr. answered our questions.
1. What are your inspirations and do they filter into your own sound?
Musically we are inspired mostly by our childhood nostalgia and stuff our parents listened to - everything from Genesis, Talking Heads, Tears For Fears, Hall & Oates... but we've all played in punk and hardcore bands so it's really our interpretation of pop music from a really D.I.Y. point of view. Grit Pop, if you will...
2. What process do you go through to make music?
Generally I'll demo stuff at home and everyone will add their own thing. We'll always record a track before we play it in practice or at a show which is kinda strange I guess, but Mitch and I work at a studio recording bands so it's always my intention to get a song laid down first and then think of the best way to communicate that track live.
3. Do you approach showcase gigs, like SXSW, differently to regular live sets?
We've taken the opportunity to get a lot of new songs together for SXSW, I think we definitely approach showcases with the attitude that we have a short space of time to try and make it crystal clear what we're all about. It's exciting because until recently, we've only had an album and an EP to choose tracks from, but we'll be pushing it a lot more now and delving into completely new territory.
4. What are you looking forward to the most about SXSW?
I can't wait to hang out with mates in other bands, get a bit of sun (with any luck) and check out some acts I'd never have got to seen elsewhere!
5. If you could perform with anyone (dead or alive) onstage at SXSW, who would it be?
Queen. Obviously.
6. Where can we catch you performing back in the UK?
We'll be off on tour with Set Your Goals and Make Do And Mend in May which we can't wait for and doing a handful of festivals, but the second we get back we'll carry on working on our new record so that's our priority right now.
http://spycatcher.tumblr.com
www.facebook.com/spycatchermusic
Spycatcher at SXSW:
Wednesday 14 March
British Embassy, Latitude 30, Midnight
Thursday 15 March
- East of England Party, British Embassy, Latitude 30, Midday
- One Day of Drinks and Music at 3:15 - 3:45pm
Saturday 17 March
AP Showcase
Red 7 at 1:30pm
Today we meet Spycatcher, a five-piece band from Watford, whose rock sound is complemented by singalong pop hooks. In 2011 the band released their debut album Honesty. Two singles from the album, Remember Where You Were When Michael Jackson Died and Don't Like People both received major Radio 1 support and daytime airplay.
Vocalist/guitarist Steve Sears Jr. answered our questions.
1. What are your inspirations and do they filter into your own sound?
Musically we are inspired mostly by our childhood nostalgia and stuff our parents listened to - everything from Genesis, Talking Heads, Tears For Fears, Hall & Oates... but we've all played in punk and hardcore bands so it's really our interpretation of pop music from a really D.I.Y. point of view. Grit Pop, if you will...
2. What process do you go through to make music?
Generally I'll demo stuff at home and everyone will add their own thing. We'll always record a track before we play it in practice or at a show which is kinda strange I guess, but Mitch and I work at a studio recording bands so it's always my intention to get a song laid down first and then think of the best way to communicate that track live.
3. Do you approach showcase gigs, like SXSW, differently to regular live sets?
We've taken the opportunity to get a lot of new songs together for SXSW, I think we definitely approach showcases with the attitude that we have a short space of time to try and make it crystal clear what we're all about. It's exciting because until recently, we've only had an album and an EP to choose tracks from, but we'll be pushing it a lot more now and delving into completely new territory.
4. What are you looking forward to the most about SXSW?
I can't wait to hang out with mates in other bands, get a bit of sun (with any luck) and check out some acts I'd never have got to seen elsewhere!
5. If you could perform with anyone (dead or alive) onstage at SXSW, who would it be?
Queen. Obviously.
6. Where can we catch you performing back in the UK?
We'll be off on tour with Set Your Goals and Make Do And Mend in May which we can't wait for and doing a handful of festivals, but the second we get back we'll carry on working on our new record so that's our priority right now.
http://spycatcher.tumblr.com
www.facebook.com/spycatchermusic
Spycatcher at SXSW:
Wednesday 14 March
British Embassy, Latitude 30, Midnight
Thursday 15 March
- East of England Party, British Embassy, Latitude 30, Midday
- One Day of Drinks and Music at 3:15 - 3:45pm
Saturday 17 March
AP Showcase
Red 7 at 1:30pm
