Interviews: Sunmachine

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Alternative Rock band Sunmachine from the UK. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or did it just come out like that?

We were tossing around a few different ideas, one of which had “machine” in the title. We then went down a space theme, “Mars machine” came up, “earth machine”, then one of us said “sunmachine” and we just sorta knew that was it. This was cemented by a (very philosophical) discussion about mankind being machines created by the sun, which made us feel very smart.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We all have very wide-ranging music tastes that cross many genres. But the sometimes heavy, sometimes progressive, and sometimes melancholic genre we sit in is definitely the one that allows us to express ourselves the best.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

We (Kieran, Jacob, and Ross) have known each other for 10+ years and have been close friends since we were in sixth form. We’ve been playing music together in one way or another for a long time. We met Ethan when searching for a drummer for SUNMACHINE and he’s fast become a brother and close friend as well as a valued bandmate.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Kieran Osborne (Vocals) – Influences include: Green Day, BMTH, Knocked Loose, and Bad Omens.

Jacob Wix (Guitar/Backing Vocals) – Influences include: Alter Bridge, Eric Clapton, Slash, and Periphery.

Ross Shelley-Pilsworth (Bass/Keys) – Influences Include: TOOL, PJ Harvey, Swans, and Bjork.

Ethan Larcombe (Drums) – Influences include: Strawberry Lace, Linkin Park, Zack Grooves, and Chon.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Our songs tend to be written about whatever is on our minds at the time. It could be something we saw on the news or something going on in our lives.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last show was at The Six Six playing alongside some great local bands like 6am Saint. We love playing at The Six Six and can’t wait to go back there on our upcoming tour!

7. Where would you like to play?

Anywhere and everywhere to be honest. Obviously, we’d love to play the big O2 and Royal Albert hall-sized venues but the fact that we get to play venues like The Dublin Castle that are so steeped in music history is something we are so grateful for.

8. Who would you like to support?

We definitely wouldn’t say no to supporting any band that we enjoy. Obviously, bands like BMTH, Alter Bridge, TOOL, or Linkin Park would be a dream come true. Hopefully, one day that’ll come true!

9. Who not?

Honestly, as long as the people in the band are nice and put on a good show we’d happily play with anyone! Meeting new bands, making friends, and getting into their music is a great part of what we do.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

I think anyone fronting a band would be lying if they said they don't feel a certain amount of pressure to not only perform well but also do/say the right things at the right times in order to give people a good show. Nerves are completely normal and can be a good thing to channel your best performances when used in the right way. There's always going to be nerves, but provided you've rehearsed enough and have put enough prep, it won't seem it at the time but I promise by the time you get on stage you'll have forgotten all about it!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

We have definitely had moments in our songs that have been inspired by Nine Inch Nails, Led Zeppelin, Alter Bridge, Breaking Benjamin, Normandie, and BMTH. There’s no way we’ll remember to mention all of them but we’re very grateful to all of our heroes!

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

We’re very lucky with our fans, every encounter we’ve had has been absolutely lovely. We haven’t had any weird requests as such other than the odd ‘play wonderwall’ shout-out between songs.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We are so immensely grateful to anyone who’s come to a show, listened to our music, or bought merch. It is an indescribable feeling when you find out that the music you’ve made means something to someone.

14. What do you think of our site?

We’re really grateful to be invited here. The wide-ranging styles you guys report on definitely appeal to us and your interviews are a great read.

15. Something to add?

We hope that everyone enjoys our new single MERCY KILLING when it comes out on October 18th. We are so excited for you all to hear it and we can’t wait to play it for you on the tour!