The heat from The Sunpilots is beaming across Australia, and the fantastic lyrics and powerful rock anthems created by this band are electrifying. In fact, the track “Spotlight in the Sun” is rapidly becoming one of my favourite tracks of the year.
Over the past year The Sunpilots have surprised all their fans by collecting many prestigious music awards and receiving praise from some of the biggest musical acts in the world. This year the band are preparing themselves for a huge Australia-wide tour, so watch out - The Sunpilots will be brightening up a town near you! Have a listen to them at www.thesunpilots.com and www.myspace.com/thesunpilots
A bit about The Sunpilots
(Questions answered by BOB SPENCER, lead guitarist)
When you were a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a musician from a pretty young age. I learnt the piano first, but the idea of being a musician really stuck when I started playing guitar (and saw footage of Pink Floyd playing at a massive stadium somewhere – Dave Gilmore is amazing).
What were your first impressions of your band mates?
The first impressions were musical – you spend more time playing together than talking to each other to start off with. It’s been really exciting to play with such good instrumentalists, especially when there is that X-factor or musical chemistry going on. With all the time on the road we spend together - it didn’t take us long to become really good mates as well!
Where is the most exotic country you have visited?
The Solomon Islands – I went there when the fighting between PNG and Bouganville was going on. The people I went with were friends with some of the Bouganville soldiers, and the house we stayed in was burnt down after we left. One morning we woke up locked in our rooms. I didn’t realise exactly what was going on at the time. It’s a bit freaky when I think about it now.
What is your favourite Sunpilots song and why?
That changes all the time, but at the moment it’s ‘Medicated Shell’. It’s an epic rock song that has an Eastern fusion vibe. We got a tabla and sitar player to lay down some tracks - even Raj’s mum (who is a classical Sri Lankan singer) recorded some haunting vocals for the intro. Then the wall of guitars kicks in – I love it!
Which do you prefer – touring or recording new material?
Well, if we’ve just been stuck in the studio for three months, then I would say touring, but after a year of tours I would say recording.
Which movies do you watch on your tour bus?
Its’ a Commodore station wagon, so we’re talking CD’s rather than DVDs. Favourites have been Floyd, Radiohead, Led Zep, Pearl Jam… On another note, my favourite movie is The Big Lobowski. Just thought I’d throw that in!
How did you celebrate New Years Eve?
Woking – playing a covers gig in Darling Harbour to pay bills. As most Indie-musos know, original bands don’t always earn enough to cover the rent, so we all do stuff on the sides to make ends meet.
What do The Sunpilots have planned for 2009?
World domination? Hahaha – just kidding. We’re going to release a couple of singles and music videos, do two national tours, and hopefully reach a whole lot more fans! We’ll also be starting to plan some overseas trips for next year.
