What’s rock without soul? Nothing.
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
Personally, I am from Vancouver, Canada. Mike is From Detroit Michigan, and Jacob and Julian are Los Angeles born and raised
How did you meet?
Through unlikely circumstances, I met Mike Moody in the LA music circle and we found we had a common appreciation for The Beatles and the blues. Our initial relationship was essentially the catalyst for this project.
How long have you been playing as a band?
The project was more or less an evolution, as far as personnel and style goes. Mike and I started just playing covers as a duo for sometime. It wasn’t until later we started to write songs, and even then it was only about 2 years ago that we formed the group that we know today.
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
Initially, we were known as The Motion. Our producer Eric Corne, pushed us to change our name in preparation for our debut. The name was inspired by a piece of still life artwork we stumbled upon. We totally enjoyed the irony of The Real Stills being the inverse of our former name.
What are your influences?
We mentioned in previous interviews that we are currently really digging on soul records, old and new. Bill Withers, Derek Trucks Band, and Donny Hathaway Live come to mind. Blake Mill’s production work on The Alabama Shakes Sound and Color was huge as well.
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
Different Together is a groove-driven confession expressing the universal statement that “it is what it is”. A statement that’s easy to understand, and even easier to lose sight of.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
For a soul band, we play alot of clubs that will bring out our rock influences. These busy clubs will do that every time. We’re currently enjoying our residencies that we have here in LA. Always super great exchange of energy between the band and audience.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
Liquor always brings the best and worst moments in a crowd. Most bands are familiar with the yelling, screaming and occasional altercation. But most recently we had a lady go up on stage and unplug the power strip to our amps. Freaked us out, but we totally laughed it off. There wasn’t malicious intent, she was just possessed by the liquor.
What is your rig like?
As of now, I run a wet/dry rig. Vintage 1965 Fender super reverb for the dry and a Fender Micheal Landau signature Deville for the wet. I really enjoy the clarity of the system. My main guitar is a Gibson ES 335, but Strat and Tele are always on standby!
What are your plans for 2019?
Writing is always the priority! We got alot of work in preparation for our album that will follow our single “Different Together”, which is available on all major streaming services.
If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!
The Nick Fresard Trio comes to mind! Nick is a close friend and monster guitar player; killer Hendrix vibe. As far as supporting we’d love to have a part playing with the Derek Trucks Band. Those guys are the modern template for a jam band.
