Unsigned Spotlight: Pump5
Guitar rock and soaring solos are back, and Pump5 has been masters of this craft the entire time. Their time is now, and the longtime group of friends are just getting started.
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Steven Todd Barnett—Lead vocals, guitars
Andrew Cates—Bass
Andre Bonter—Drums
Alex Kane—Lead guitar
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Pump5? How long has the band been around?
Steven—Ask Alice, FACE, She Died. They averaged a few years’ life span each, except FACE, which ultimately became PUMP5.
Andrew—Snagglepuss, a local favorite with the typical life expectancy of a band.
Andre Bonter—The Poorboys. They were on Hollywood Records. I’m pretty sure they did a good four years.
Alex Kane—Life, Sex & Death. Not sure how long they were around, but I know the success of their debut album still resonates today.
As far as the life of PUMP5, we have been strong for the better part of a decade.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
The origin of PUMP5…there was a dog that was left at a well-travelled gas station, either on purpose, or by accident. It being the faithful animal that dogs are, thought the owner would return. It stayed at gas pump #5 day and night, waiting for its master, who never came. We were so consumed with this animal that we named our band after it—PUMP5. We were FACE prior to this, with a few personnel changes.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
Well, initially, I do (Steven), but Andre, Drew and I get together and hash out the arrangements and such. As far as the topics, there’s no one direction, just real life experiences, for the most part. They’ve always stayed that way throughout the course of my writing history.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
We’re inspired by a lot of bands individually. For me, (Steven) I would say Cheap Trick, Cheap Trick and Cheap Trick, lol. Andre Bonter right now is hooked on the Backyard Babies. Andrew Cates loves Cake, both the band and chocolate.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Not one in particular. I believe the culmination of seeing a high-energy live show is enough to light the proverbial fire under your ass to get out on stage.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
Other than your basic vocal warm-ups, not a lot. Although I do push-ups during the set, lol.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Tomorrow. The fact that we have one is by far the biggest highlight of this band’s career so far.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
I (Steven) would say Cheap Trick. Dre, if the Backyard Babies weren’t available, would say Led Zeppelin. I know Alex loves Cheap Trick as well.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The emergence of cover and tribute bands is alarming. We need to keep pushing the younger generation to write original music. It’s imperative for the survival of new sonic creations.