Who’s the Band – Sunrise Sunset
Posted by Karen in Who's The Band, tags: artist interviews, band interviews, Llandudno, North Wales, Sunrise SunsetEver popular than ever I’m proud to bring you another in my series of “Who’s the Band” and this week I bring you an interview with a local band in my area “Sunrise Sunset”, so I’m going to stop rambling on and get on with the interview..
Q: So how did you come upon the name of your band? Is it the first name you chose?
A: I used “Sunrise Sunset” as a username for a social networking website a few years previous to writing songs. It seemed to catch on as an alter ego to me so I thought I’d use it for my stage name.
Q: Introduce each member and instrument played or role in the band?
A: I am Nia Roberts and I sing and play guitar. I am backed by the band consisting of Ben Tunnicliffe who plays bass guitar, Gareth Thomas on electric guitar or mandolin and Dewi Thomas on drums.
Q: So what genre of music would you say you are in and who are your major influences?
A: My music has been described as acoustic, folk and soul. I wouldn’t necessarily describe it as fusion. Each song seems to vary from the next in terms of style at the moment. Perhaps I will settle on a genre to write in consistently or just continue to flit like a butterfly. Either way, I’m expressing myself. My main influences are Bob Dylan, Elliott Smith and Conor Oberst because they love words and I deduce a lot of inspiration from literature and films.
Q: How long have you known each other? Where did you first meet up? (ignore this if you are a solo artist)
A: I met Ben roughly a year ago through the internet – he came across my Myspace page and asked to jam. We eventually did so a few months later during which time I was jamming with Paul Williams, who later played on three of my tracks on my debut EP. Ben has remained my bass player since then.
I also met Dewi the same way as Ben only it was a few months later. In June 2009 I was busking in Llandudno town for Cancer Research UK and he came to watch and finally introduced himself. After Paul left for University, I was in need of a drummer and also was looking for an additional guitarist. Dewi and his brother Gareth were the perfect option.
Q: How long has your band been performing/producing music? What inspired to produce your style of music?
A: I have been learning how to play the guitar for roughly eight years but I only started to sing three years ago. I started off with some Bright Eyes and Death Cab for Cutie songs to practice with. A few months after that, I guess I just started to try and write some original material. What inspired me? Particularly my major influences and my yearning to take the next step in my musical abilities.
Q: Are you signed to a record label (Indie or major)?
A: I have recently signed onto Indie label H2iK, who function as a management and publishing company as well as a record label.
Q: Have your ever performed live? If so where and to how many?
A: I have been on the pub gig circuit of North Wales for around two years in various venues, especially in Llandudno and Colwyn Bay. I have also played solo in Chester and Leigh in the North West of England.
Q: Who writes/produces the music and/or lyrics to your tracks?
A: I do. In the studio, everyone seems to put their ideas forward into the sound of the music though.
Q: How would you describe your music-making process?
A: I write the lyrics and music at the same time usually within a ten to thirty minute period. However there are many occasions where I may have to return to a song to add a melody or lyrics.
Q: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
A: Initially, finding a cheap and functional practice room. Now that is solved, often the problem is time to practice as regularly as possible. But we’re working on that of course.
Q: What’s your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
A: I’m seeking the Garden of Eden. And where is that? Is it high in the sky, buried in the ground or on the other side of the world? Who knows. There is no limit to my direction. I do what I do and I have passion for whatever that is.
Q: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
A: Find a group of people that have similar musical direction and tastes. It’s imperative. However, for my situation it’s different. The members joined because they liked my songs beforehand. Lucky – less rows, scratches and tears.
Q: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
A: I sure do. You can listen to half of my debut EP: ‘Upsetting the Applecart’ on my Myspace page: www.myspace.com/sunrisesunsetacoustic
Q: Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
A: A big thank you to the gruesome twosome Gruff Vaughan and Chris Andrewartha at H2iK, the lovely Lowri Ellen-Owen for her photographing skills, the band, Russ Hayes in Orange Studios (Penmaenmawr, North Wales) who gave me a wonderful experience in the studio and to everyone who has subconsciously offered me inspiration and support.
Thanks Nia
Check out Sunrise Sunset on Twitter, MySpace and their Official Website.
If you enjoyed reading this post, then please remember to post a comment, Subscribe to my RSS feed and vote for me at FuelMyBlog
Related posts:
Anand Srinivasan
Loading ...
Entries (RSS)
Who’s the Band – Sunrise Sunset | Blazing Minds…
Ever popular than ever I’m proud to bring you another in my series of Who’s the Band and this week I bring you an interview with a local band in my area…….