I’ve been noshing on Scottish music a lot lately. It’s in my veins, you know? One of the Scottish bands I can’t stop listening to is We Were Promised Jetpacks. Their music is beautifully constructed, often juxtaposing really delicate vocal moments with driving rock ‘n’ roll instrumental parts that grow into a climactic explosion of emotion. There’s this unbridled passion that just oozes from their tracks. Gives you goosebumps.
I’ve been itching to hear them live and it seems that itch is finally going to get scratched tonight at the Grog Shop in Cleveland. I had an opportunity to interview bassist Sean Smith about the band, his quirky pre-show traditions, and what he’d be doing if this whole music thing didn’t work out. Check it out!
How did the band get started?
We started playing together in high school. Adam and Mike knew each other from primary school, and they could both play guitar, and me (Sean) and Darren knew each other from a different primary school, and we were both learning drums. I met Adam quite early on in high school, and it all just went from there.
From whom do you draw influence?
When we were younger it was all the usual stuff that wee guys listened to at that time, like The Strokes, Biffy Clyro, Bloc Party, The Futureheads. Now I think it comes from bands that we’ve toured with and love like Bear Hands and Royal Bangs.
Any challenges playing together?
Na, just trying to hear yourself over everyone else.
How do you think your sound has evolved since “These Four Walls”?
I think it’s got a bit dirtier. Like when Christina Aguilera got dirty. We didn’t really want or feel the need for any nice quiet songs on the album.
How do you approach the writing process?
Adam usually starts with a guitar part or two, then we just go in to the rehearsal room and play it a bit and then try and see where the song should go from there.
What influenced the decision to press vinyl?
Our label, FatCat, is big on pressing vinyl for their bands so I don’t think we even had a choice, but obviously we are delighted to have our album on vinyl.
Is there a clear dynamic shift between playing in the States or Scotland?
I don’t think there’s too much of a shift. People will travel ridiculous distances to see you in the States. Americans make a bit more noise as well.
Who did you grow up listening to?
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, NERD, Biffy Clyro, The Strokes, Bloc Party, etc.
Any pre-show traditions?
Not really. I don’t wash my hands the last time I go to the toilet before we go on stage. My bass is probably disgusting.
Who are you noshing on musically?
The National, Nathaniel Rateliff, Bear Hands, Royal Bangs, Lady North.
If you weren’t in music, what would you be doing?
Probably trying to be a maths teacher.
The guys of We Were Promised Jetpacks are rad enough to extend an album offer to you. If you’d like to win a vinyl copy of their new album, In The Pit Of The Stomach, leave us a comment below telling us what you’d be doing if you could quit your day job and follow your dream. We’ll notify the winner on Wednesday, November 9th!
