In the runup to their new single and album releases (details below), Silver Dollar Room tell us all about how great they are!
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
We are all from and are based in Edinburgh, Scotland!
How did you meet?
I guess it’s a series of crossed relationships that brought us all together. Myself (Jamie) and Doug have been friends since we were teenagers. Lisa and I have played in bands together since 2019. John and Dan were in a band together previous to SDR. And John and I met during a recording session. So many crossed paths that came together.
How long have you been playing as a band?
The project started in lockdown as a project between myself (Jamie) and Doug to have some fun and make some music during a difficult time. We did demos online and when we were allowed to be in a studio, we started tracking the drums for what ended up being our album. But it grew arms and legs and developed into something more serious from there. It just quickly became too good not to. We have been a full band for about 18 months.
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
It comes from the Police Academy movies. There is a running gag about a bar called The Blue Oyster Bar where various characters end up in, tango dancing with leather clad bikers. It was filmed in a famous bar in Toronto called The Silver Dollar Room. We all love old movies, so this seemed like a fun reference. Lisa actually came up with the name after researching Police Academy trivia.
What are your influences?
All very much rooted in the 90s rock, alternative and grunge scene. I don’t think it’s much of a secret. There are hints of so many bands from that era in our music. From Stone Temple Pilots, Placebo, Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden, Bush, Manic Street Preachers… the list goes on and on!
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
Asking any band that question is dangerous! You run the risk of some really weird combinations… like QOTSA crossed with ABBA!
I guess we are a modern take on an era of music that we love. But I think John’s voice takes it away from the typical post grunge ‘thing’. He is influenced by loads of amazing singers out with the grunge vibe… like Prince and Robert Johnson. He is also an incredible lyricist and can really paint a picture in your head.
Overall, we just do what we do. Big guitars, lots of layers, pounding drums and soulful vocals and harmonies. Thankfully people seem to like it!
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
It’s all about real life experiences that are happening to people every day. We don’t talk about any trivial escapism to make anyone feel good. But we are not trying to be the next ‘political band’ either or trying to make a ‘statement’. We all live in the real world and have real problems. We have songs about the fucked-up things people are going through thanks to the government, lives lived in poverty, people losing their minds through lockdown, being a young parent, racism and loads of other things that people can relate to.
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What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
Big and powerful! We spent a lot of time getting the live show right, sounding the best it can, being tight and well considered. We are not afraid to play around with the songs (our record store acoustic gigs saw us completely rearrange the album from the ground up). Whatever makes the show great and gives the audience an experience. We have only played 4 shows, but they have all counted and the feedback has been incredible.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
I was in a band years ago and our bassist bought a new, and super expensive bass guitar. At the end of the gig, he got carried away and launched it across the stage… and caught it at the other end! I guess the fear of destroying a really expensive bass took over and he went superhuman for a split second!
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
John – Telefunken M80 Mics
Jamie – Gibson Guitars, Marshall Heads and Cabs, Freidman Preamps, Line 6 Effects, Morley Wahs
Dan – PRS Guitars, Blackstar Dual Valve Pedal, MXR Effects
Lisa – Yamaha Basses, Sansamp Preamps, Boss Effects
Douglas – Pork Pie Drums, Zildjian A Custom Cymbals, Tama Snares and Roto-Toms
What, if anything, are you plugging/promoting at the moment?
So much great stuff. Our fourth single “Dark” drops on 30th Aug. Debut album Gilded Echoes drops 13th Sept. Hitting the studio in August to record an acoustic EP. Writing for our second album and we have just been confirmed for Winterstorm, our first festival.
What are your plans for the next 6 months or so?
Our main aim is to hit the road and pay our dues live. We have caught the bug. But our ongoing mission is to write, record, gig, festivals… and try and make sure as many people know about it as possible. There is a lot happening over the next six months and a lot of plans are being put into place.
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!
There are so many amazing upcoming bands around just now, that’s a hard question to answer. I’m loving Big Iron and Dead Pony particularly right now in Scotland, but I think it would be an injustice for them to open for us. Honestly, I could list great bands all night. As for who we would support? Again, too many to mention. Maybe Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam… I guess any band that could get us in front of as many rock fans as possible.
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