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{ Satellite State } Interview
17 April 2007{ Satellite State } are currently getting their feet under the carpet at Radio One having already received accolades and airplay from Huw Stephens and Steve Lamacq. We managed to pin down lead guitarist Ciaran Stephens just long enough for him to answer a few pertinent questions.
DW: Can you give us a bit of background about the band, how long you’ve been together and how you all met?
Ciaran: We have all been together now for about 14 months. Gary, Ryan & Ian played in their previous outfit together and after I moved to the Guildford area and ended up meeting and chatting to Gary about our taste in bands, I was asked to come and have a jam as they needed a lead guitarist. Will was asked to join on keys a few months after and Satellite State was born!
DW: You say that you wear your influences on your sleeve, I’m hearing the likes of Coldplay/Snow Patrol/Travis coming through the music, how close to the truth is this and who else would you cite as influences?
Ciaran: These are bands that we like and respect but SS never set out to sound like any of them or jam ourselves into that Genre of music. Each of us have far reaching tastes in music and I guess as much as people may say we have influences of the above, we would like to think there is a taste of all sorts coming through in the music. Anything from Sigur Ros to The Doves touches us.
DW: You’ve already won a few friends at Radio One, that’s great exposure, has that led onto anything else so far?
Ciaran: For certain, its great exposure for us and we’re always up for our songs being played on mainstream radio, and to know that one DJ playing our song would potentially be asking others to have a listen is great. There hasn’t been anything that has come directly from those plays, however indirectly its possibly started interest in us.
DW: The face of music promotion seems to be evolving – how influential has myspace been in getting your music out there?
Ciaran: Myspace has actually played a big part in reaching people interested in our music than ever before. It’s a great tool to be able to add and communicate with music fans all over the world, not just the UK. It’s also played a good part in getting us industry attention, and showcasing new material to people who wouldn’t easily make a gig in the UK!
DW: Who writes the songs in the band, is it just one or two of you or are you all involved?
Ciaran: Its not often Ryan can keep still and stay behind the drums, so it’s normal to see him behind the piano or with a guitar asking what we think of this tune he has come up with. Sometimes the tunes just come from a jam and it builds from there. Gary is the lyricist virtuoso.
DW: What’s the worst and best gigs you have played so far and why?
Ciaran: We have had some great gigs, I think collectively as a band we would all say The Star, Guildford Christmas 2006. It was the night most people had finished up working for the holidays and the venue was jam packed that night. Worse gig was probably the Agincourt in Camberley, the night was in total disarray and some of our equipment was getting bashed about. Eventually enough was enough and by 11pm we still hadn’t got on stage for our 9pm slot and left the venue.
DW: What music is currently playing on the collective {Satellite State} mp3 player?
Ciaran: Currently you would hear Arcade Fire, Kings of Leon, Smashing Pumpkins, Feeder, Kaiser Chiefs, Air Traffic and ourselves as we are currently recording some new demos, so we are playing them back a lot right now!
DW: What does the next few months hold for {Satellite State} and where do you hope to be this time next year?
Ciaran: The next few months will be very busy with gigs and planning our first EP release. We have just found out that we are headlining the Live & Loud Club Stage at Guilfest 2007, so we’re chuffed to have another festival slot. Perhaps this time next year we can say we will be playing V or Glastonbury.
DW: You’re heading off for a gig to a place you’ve never been before, which one of you is most likely to get lost?
Ciaran: Now that would definitely be Ryan hands down, the only reason he has a car is for anything that flies to unload on it! It’s a bright yellow car for the sole reason that we can find him when he’s approaching us!
DW: Best piece of advice you’ve been given and by whom?
Ciaran: Work hard, play hard. It’s the advice we each give to one another.
DW: How healthy is the music scene in the Guildford area at the moment and which other local bands would you recommend we check out.Ciaran: There are some good bands starting to come through in Guildford and the surrounding areas, but one for us notably is The Le Brocks who we have already done a couple of gigs with and are top lads.
Current Tour Dates:
20 April, The Star, Guildford
27 April, Fighting Cocks, Kingston
5 May, Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough
9 May, Railway Inn, Winchester
25 May, Jericho Tavern, Oxford
19 June, Curious Nations @ Metro, London
21 June, Boileroom, Guildford
14 July, Headline, Live Club Stage at Guilfest 2007
9 Sept, Dorking Festival @ Dorking Halls26 April – Interview on Keith Woodhouse Show – Delta FM
www.myspace.com/satellitestatemusic