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Delve into the sounds of Metairie, LA based Spylights in my up and close interview with them. The group have a hard edged mentality to them and one that can't possibly be denied, and has a certain raw dexterity to it that can certainly be appreciated by fans of the genre, and even ones outside who are not familiar with that said type of music. Primary vocalist Vincent Ebeier was nice enough to take some time as we go behind the band's creative process, what it's like to record and write together, their experiences recording their new EP, and their path moving forward. Here is the transcript from our chat:
Give us your names and roles in the band? My name is Vincent Giovanni and I am the main songwriter, vocalist, and guitar player for the band. Miguel Rincon is our bass player, Romain Duffard is on guitar, and Willie Mcullen is on drums!
Take us behind the formation of the group and how you all met? Well I have been knowing all these guys through different projects in my local scene over the years with the exception of Willie. His former band and mine would tour and play together very often and we became tight pretty instantly. They are all very talented and passionate players and my friends. I started writing for the project years ago and never could find the right group of guys who were available. After I wrote and recorded songs for about 2 years, I figured it was time to get some other heads and colors in the mix for live shows! These were the guys.
Describe your musical influences that really made you want to get into music? It all started with Queen, Michael Jackson, and Iron Maiden igniting awesome feelings inside me even as a young kid. My mom and dad were also a very talented musicians and singers. In turn we had a piano, an organ, acoustic guitars, a trumpet, and harmonicas sitting in our living room area at all times. I guess they would be a major contributor in my path towards being a full time musician.
What were some influential British groups that really helped shape or hone your sound? I have always had a love for many British groups and their music. Queen, Maiden, Beatles. Gods in my eyes.
What is the creative process like for you guys, does it remain constant or does it change and evolve each time? All of the songwriting, arrangements, instrumentation, and recording production has been just me up till this point. I usually stay inspired through good times and bad just in different ways. I guess it really varies constantly on mood, feel of the riff or song that Is being created, or maybe what video game, movie, piece of art, or life experiences that may come into play. Now that I have these talented guys on board the process will definitely be much more fun!
Let's go behind the recording of the debut Spylights Ep and what the whole process was like for you? Well it was definitely a learning experience to say the least. After my last project disbanded I really just wanted to do my own thing musically and write songs straight from my heart. I learned how to record myself at home and watched many many endless hours worth of audio engineering videos to learn to do things correctly or correct things I messed up. It has been a long journey since then and I feel like I know what I need to do to get what I want now. I absolutely love recording ideas and watching them bloom with color and come to life! Any new bands or new songs you've been listening to lately that you've been really digging?
I really love the Australian band Plini. Anything that group of guys put out is always some primo tasteful feels. I also really like Voices from the Fuselage, Boys Night Out, and Caligula’s Horse.
What's next on the agenda for you guys, and could we expect any U.S. shows in the not too distant future?
Next is practicing and preparing to execute these songs live for everyone, and start shooting our first music video and go from there!
Lastly, what would you like fans to know about you?
I love dogs, nothing moves me like music does, I am a huge horror movie fan (all styles and generations), I am a Libra, I love video games with a passion, I am addicted to cereal, and Halloween is my favorite holiday!
Thanks once again to Vincent for being so rad in doing this interview! When you see bands that have a strong self-esteem about themselves and knowing where their musical path is in front of them, you begin to see how they evolve and change their sound over time, which may lead you to their music eventually down the road or even right now. For more on Spylights, please 'Like' them on Facebook from this perch here, and check out their music located on Bandcamp right here.