Hailing from Texas, how
has the Lone Star State influenced your sound and style?
Shane- Texas is a rich tapestry with such a rich musical
history. We hope one day to stand alongside those greats, and to do this by
being ourselves.
Louis - Country music is great but we are far from it.
Isaac- 'The stars at night are big and bright...' Just
the size of Texas lends itself as inspiration to a thousand great songs. The
music scene is so diverse and has so much history. I think it's influenced
every style of music made today. And there's just something cool about
cowboy boots.
Being a band that
consists of mostly American’s and one Brit, does it ever feel like anyone is
the odd man out?
Shane- We all speak the same language and are similar
people. I think nationality has nothing to do with personality and that is what
ultimately will decide if people get along.
Louis - I don't think so, we are all human.
Isaac- I think we view it as an opportunity. We all
grew up in different places, but there's a common thread between our
experiences. That's really what the music is about, and it's great
getting to speak that universal language.
How did the band form?
Shane- Christopher and I met at a time when we were
striving to do something special and we hit it off right away. It wasn't long
before Louis came on board and the three of us shared a house for almost 2
years - playing every day and building the band.
Louis - For the love of music
Where did the name
Electric Touch come from?
Shane- We were looking for an intriguing juxtaposition.
There are so many contradictions in life and we thought a cool name would echo
that.
Who are some of your
influences?
Shane- The subject matter comes from exploring the human
condition - there's no better drama than real life. Musically, we enjoy a
plethora of bands and styles, but we never forget to be ourselves and play from
the heart.
Louis - Aerosmith, Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Smashing Pumpkins,
Van Halen. So much...
You play a very
straight-up style of rock and roll, not many bands are doing that these days.
Do you feel it is important to play and represent the basics of the genre?
Shane- I always thought it was important to make music
that people could play themselves in their bedroom. I'm not trying to be smarter
than them or show off how many chords I know, I want people to connect with
what we're doing. Rock and roll touches my heart so it's a natural that I would
play that kind of music
Louis - Rock N Roll is King! We do our best to keep it
alive.
Being a band from Austin,
Texas and so much surrounding the city in terms of music and culture, do you
feel a sense of community and support in what you are doing?
Shane- There are so many wonderful people in Austin, very
community minded. We support each other and are happy when others do well.
Louis – Kind of, there’s a lot of comparison when you’re
in a band.
Isaac- We have so many friends who are musicians in Austin
and everyone supports everyone else. It's really special. When
we're in town we get to go out and see our friends play, and they come out and
support us when we play. It's more camaraderie than competition. There's
really no place like Austin.
Austin is an interesting
town being the states capitol, music Mecca and a college town, did you find
your niche audience right away or did it take time to build?
Shane- We certainly felt at home there right away, but we
are at the start of a long road and our audience is always growing.
Louis- Rome wasn't built in a day.
Isaac- We've played in just about every venue in the city,
and we even performed as a Clash and UK Punk cover band just to mix it up. Our
friends and fans at home have been so supportive and behind us, it has really
helped push us to the next level.
When SXSW rolls around to
the city, do you find it harder for hometown bands to stand out during the
corporate chaos it has turned it?
Shane- We just do our thing. Play from the heart and
believe in ourselves. I come to terms with all the rest by just not thinking
about it.
Louis - During SXSW it's very hard for anyone to not get
distracted.
Isaac- It’s difficult for anyone to stand out when there
is so much happening at once, but we just play from the heart, and try to have
the most fun. It's always a great festival and we get to see and meet a
lot of artists that inspire us.
What has been the best thing
about being in Electric Touch thus far?
Shane- Every night...The moment when you step out on
stage.
Louis – Being in a band with amazing friends and family
not to mention being able to play what you love doing time and time again.
Isaac- Getting to perform in front of thousands of people,
traveling around the country, feeling the love from the fans! ... It's almost
too good to be true.
