Interview with The Steelwells.

This week I interviewed Joey Winter from the band The Steelwells. I've seen the band play live one time and I was immediately struck by how tight their live set was. Musically, they fit right into my love for all things indie rock. Of particular note is their penchant for creating catchy, beautiful, and unique background vocal arrangements. These guys are definitely worth checking out. Also, if you're in the Southern California area, their album release show will be at the House of Blues in Anaheim on October 29th. They're playing with Yellow Red Sparks and others. See their MySpace for more details. Enjoy the interview, and don't forget to visit The Steelwells at the links below.

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Brax: Can you tell me about your band name, and how you got started as a band?

The Steelwells: The band's name is The Steelwells. We started the band a little over two years ago and knew we would need a name. We mulled over various names and concepts and came across The Steelwells. We all liked the connotation as well as the name, so it just stuck. The name has a familial feeling for us. We have always viewed ourselves as a family and place where everyone can be who they are and, in turn, contribute to the band.

The bands line-up is Joey Winter on vocals and guitar, Andrew Eapen on lead guitar, Billy Kim on keys, guitar, etc., Robert Gullage on bass, and Brian Manchester on drums.

Brax: What music project are you working on now that your CD is finished?

The Steelwells: Our current album is set to be released Oct 29th at the House of Blues in Anaheim, and we are really happy to finally get this record out there. Our next project is to re-release a vinyl dance version of this record called "Shallow on the Dance Floor." In the mean time, we are writing new music for a possible full length next year.

Brax: What makes your band unique?

The Steelwells: That's a fairly difficult question to give a short answer to, but I would say ultimately we just do our best to not fall into fads or scenes as much as possible. We make music we feel like making and hope other people will like it as much as we do.

Brax: Wii, PS3, or Xbox 360?

The Steelwells: I'm not much into video games, but I am pretty sure if I were it would be Wii so I could slim down while I murder aliens.

Brax: I'll try not to take that comment too seriously. :) What other bands do you most enjoy playing with, and why?

The Steelwells: Our list of bands we love playing with is long. Southern California has a great music scene right now and we have made some really great friends from LA to San Diego. I'm afraid the list would be too long to name everyone. One of our more recent shows at The Continental Room in Fullerton was with The Rambles and We are the Pilots, who are both really great bands. We also love playing with our friends Yellow Red Sparks, Aushua, and The New Limb.

Brax: iPod, CD, Vinyl, or other? Why?

The Steelwells: For daily listening out and about I have to say iPod is the way to go. Of course, nothing beats vinyl when it comes right down to it. My record collection makes me smile inside.

Brax: Tell me about your best live show ever.

The Steelwells: Another really tough question. We have had a number of really great shows. It seems like every time we play at The Continental Room in Fullerton there is magic in the air. I think we are just really comfy there, like playing at home for our family. Good people and good times.

Brax: What are your thoughts about interstellar travel?

The Steelwells: I am an advocate. I think if we are going to destroy this earth we might as well be prepared to move somewhere quick.

Brax: Any advice for others trying to “make it” in music?

The Steelwells: Well, first, I don't really know what it means to "make it," but I will say a good rule of thumb is don't follow trends and keep music positive. This isn't a competition.

Brax: Anything else you’d like to add?

The Steelwells: Go to our MySpace at www.myspace.com/thesteelwells. Thanks!

Visit The Steelwells:
www.myspace.com/thesteelwells
www.thesteelwells.blogspot.com
Tell them Brax sent you!
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Thanks to The Steelwells.
Check back next Wednesday for another exciting band interview.

Brax.