Driven by their philosophy that “if you can’t feel the music, then it’s not worth listening to,” the four piece Kentucky based powerhouse Sexstone draws on their brand of heavy rock with a vintage, almost psychedelic edge to explore, on their highly anticipated debut album, “The Painful Side of True”. Sexstone is currently working in the studio with producer Brandon Mashburn, recording tracks for their latest release due to drop later this year.
We caught up with bass player Trent Riley to introduce us to the band.
How and when did the band come together and what is the inspiration behind the name?
We actually formed in 2004 with a slightly different lineup. We reformed in 2007 while looking for a female vocalist to do a different project covering 80's ballads, but just couldn't find the right vocalist. We resorted to sending out random e-mails through Myspace and Facebook just asking if anybody new any singers. Steve Bauer responded stating "I don't quite fit the female criteria, but I write and sing)...he also sent us a rough copy of the song "Falling Away" (which became "The Fall") and we just loved the song and the lyrics. We brought him in to audition and just loved his songs! That is what started us on this new path. As far as the name goes...It just signifies all things ROCK to us...Come to a show and we'll show you what it means!!!
Can you introduce each member of the band and give us a rock n roll “fact”for each!
Steve Bauer / Vocals - love watching the Golden Girls!
Steve Wheeler / Guitar - Once played in nothing but zebra striped underwear and combat boots
Trent Riley / Bass - Nikki Sixx once laid his broken bass in my arms
Bryan Thomas / Drums - Sometimes plays in just his boxers
For those people who haven’t yet checked out your songs on Myspace etc, can you describe the music of Sexstone?
Our motto is "If you can't feel the music, then it's not worth listening to!" Our music is emotionally driven and everyone who listens can take a piece from each song and apply it to their own lives.
You have a new album due out in 2010 and a track from that "The Fall" can be heard on your Myspace page. When do you expect to have the album released and how is it all coming along?
We are working with producer Brandon Mashburn (Trust Company, Machina, We Are The Fallen, etc...) in Springfield MO. We are going back to the studio in early March to finish up tracks for a 5 song EP. Brandon is just an amazing producer and so laid back and easy to work with.We are shooting for an early Spring release, and can't wait to let everyone hear it! We're also recutting "Land Down Under" with Brandon!!!
Who are some of your favourite bands that may of influenced the bands sound?
We listen to so many different styles but here's a few favs...Third eye blind, Our lady peace, Matchbox Twenty, Kiss, Motley Crue, GnR, STP, Alice in Chains, Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin.
When it comes to songwriting, what are some of the key elements to a song that Sexstone have as a priority?
Emotion and real life experiences ... Our first album "The Painful Side of True" is basically a diary of Bauer's life just set to music.
Is songwriting something that is shared amongst the band, or do you all contribute elements to the songs? Lyrically no, but usually the basic music and structure are brought in and then we as a band tweak it and mould it into what we feel is the right fit for the song, a song may change 100 times before we actually finish it!
What kind of a rock scene does Western Kentucky have which is where you hale from? Where do you see the band fitting into both the worldwide and USA scene?
Western KY doesn't have much of a scene...we've had to really create our own by renting buildings and throwing our own shows. We do a lot of traveling to the larger cities like Louisville KY, Nashville TN, and Evansville IN. We come away from every show with new fans, and that is just so amazing...as far as the U.S. and the World Goes...We'll be taking over soon!
What has the interest in the band been thus far in the USA and also internationally via your Website and Myspace etc?
We couldn't have done this without the help of all the internet radio stations and webzines. We are getting airplay on stations all over the world now and have fans in several different countries. It's really wild what you can do if you work at it. You can't just put the songs on myspace and let them sit. You've really got to get out there and push the songs to the people.
What do you think the band bring to the rock scene that is currently missing?
Pure Emotionally Driven Rock...We don't use gimmicks, or props...we just take the stage and let the songs speak for themselves!
Given your location in rural America so to speak, do you get the opportunity to play live shows as much as you would like? Do you have any major touring plans lined up?
We're just now really starting to get out and about...We're heading to TX on March 18th for SXSW. We will tour regionally all summer long this year and hopefully catch a few breaks along the way. We are swapping shows with some great bands in our tri-state area like Halo Stereo, Bonejinn, November, and many more. It's going to be a very interesting year for us!
If there's anything else you feel the world should know, but we haven't covered with our questions, here's your chance to tell all.....
Just want to say Thank You for giving us the chance to speak here, and thanks to all of our fans who support us day in and day out! Come out and catch us live if we're in your area...Follow us on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc...
You can grab our 1s album "The Painful Side of True" on iTunes and CD Baby now, and be on the lookout for our 5 song EP this spring.
Thank You!!!
