Friday, February 11, 2011

Interview FRIDAY: SYFT


Formed in August of 05, S.Y.F.T, comprised of Sean Ingalls (Vocals), Nick Switzer (Drums), Taylor Klise (Guitar), and Eric Sorensen (Bass) have spent the last 4 years building an impressive list of credentials. With its recent release, “Last Chance for a Legacy”. S.Y.F.T has welcomed in new heights and thus new expectations. From radio airplay to magazine features, S.Y.F.T has matured into a solid heavy melodic rock band with a unique and professional sound. Having grown an impressive fan base from playing continuously live., S.Y.F.T has developed a solid reputation which was on full display at their recent release at the Showbox Market (1/30). ....S.Y.F.T’s music is quite diverse with a strong response across all ages and rock music demographics. From a recent interview, "Heavy melodic hard edged songs seem to define their music, but many people have a hard time putting a finger on what exactly is S.Y.F.T.’s sound." "The new cd is a hard driving, rather dark sided album yet it includes an acoustic song finalizing the record." It is in the defining of the band and their music that S.Y.F.T’s. local flavor really comes through. Having grown up in the Northwest, the members of S.Y.F.T. lived through the glory days of the grunge scene in Seattle and were influenced by many local bands including Alice In Chains and Sound Garden. S.Y.F.T. is also influenced by the memory of how powerful the Seattle music scene was back in those day and they would like to help bring back that vibe to the Northwest. .. .. "S.Y.F.T. is a group that believes in the helping hand, and offers it as much as takes it, but it is the talent of the band that has really put them into the Seattle music scene. The years of playing together have brought a stage presence and ease of musicianship that most young bands don’t possess. This wealth of experience has allowed S.Y.F.T. move up the Seattle music Scene ladder faster than they otherwise might have."

Today, we're speaking with guitarist Taylor...

Can you give my readers a brief introduction to the band, for those who are unfamiliar with you. How did you form?
SYFT is Nick, Sean, Eric, Taylor and new addition Josh on guitar. Formed in August 2005. The core group of SYFT (Nick, Sean, Taylor) got together under a couple other band names in middle school because of our love of music.


When did you first start writing music?
We first started writing music for SYFT in August 2005… Individually, years earlier.


How did you choose your genre?
We chose our genre for the sheer love of rock and metal. It was the style that captivated all of us growing up.


Who were your influences?
Soundgarden, AIC, Rage against the machine, Pantera, Metallica


Did you ever take any formal music lessons?
I took a couple guitar lessons when I was younger.


Did your environment while growing up have an impact on the kind of music you make today?
Yes, we grew up in the greater Seattle area so the influence of the grunge era is all around and found somewhat throughout our music.


Which of your works would you say is your favorite, so far?
New beginning off the new album is one of my favorites. It starts out slow and works its way to an exciting, dynamic ending.


BecomingHow did you come up with the name of the new album?
It was kind of the logical next step from our last album. I think we were all going through a lot of changes personally as well, so it fit in both spectrums.


How do you feel about the impact of the internet on the music business?
I think it allows for more bands to “DIY”, and let fans really pick their own music as opposed to be force fed music via music labels.


Do you think major record labels are necessary any more?
I do, just not in their current capacity.


How do you normally write your songs?
We normally start with a couple guitar riffs. Throw the drums and bass behind that and come up with a shell of a song. After that we rearrange the song until its what we all want and add the vox.


In your opinion, what does a good song need to consist of?
Sounds a bit cliché, but every song needs energy. I think you can really tell when a musician is going through the motions.


What song is most exciting to play live? Original and/or cover, please!
We played Epic by Faith No More for one show which was really exciting. We had a horn section playing the background. Original would have to be “Ten Ton Brick” off our new record. We’ve only had a chance to play it a couple of times, but it kicked!


What cities have been your favorite to play?
Portland was a ton of fun, or so from what I remember!

What do you think the best part of touring is?
Meeting new people and winning them over!

What cities have had the best reception for your music outside of your home state?
Portland, OR was probably the best we’ve seen. We haven’t made the full trek as of yet around the west coast, but its in the plan.

Describe your worst night on tour, ever.
I plead the 5th! Too much drinking and not enough playin!

Where do you see the band in 5 years? 10 years?
Ruling the world!!

Any words of wisdom for those with hopes of breaking into music?
Stay at it and don’t listen to critics.

What was the strangest thing to have happen while performing on stage?
Watching a bar fight almost break out. Jagerbomb Jagerbomb, Jagerbomb!!!


What's the best part of touring to you?
Letting people experience our music and….. hot tub parties at the hotels!

What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
Again I take the 5th!

If you could have a conversation with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
Jimi Hendrix… It would be nice to pick his brain.

What has surprised you most in your career so far?
How quickly things have happened. We never expected to be playing with some of our favorite local bands, national acts, or venues when we started this.


Any hobbies outside of music? Sports, etc?
Snowboarding

What do you watch on tv?
Discovery Channel, History Channel, Food Network

What movies do you like?
Comedies

Read any good books lately?
Reading, what’s that?


Where do you live?
Wouldn’t you like to know ;)

How do we hear the new album?

And eslewhere on the web:





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