For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Spylights?
I've been in so many different bands since I was 18 years old, there are far too many to name. I was the lead vocalist for a band out of New Orleans called The Scorseses from 2009-2014. We toured around the country with some great bands like Fishbone, The Expendables, Slightly Stoopid, and H.R. From Bad Brains!
How long has the band been around?
Since I (Vincent Ebeier) started the journey of writing and recording music on my own in 2015.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
Spylights was a name I came up with a while back when I was lost, down, and feeling trapped by the redundancy and uncertainties of life. I just visualized someone trying to escape in the dead of night, surrounded by miles of snow and forest with lights searching for them. I've never changed the name.
Who writes your songs?
I write all of my material, play all the instruments, and I am the engineer as well! I am definitely still a noob in the studio engineering realm. ha
What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
Most of the songs have a pretty positive vibe and have a common reoccurring theme of overcoming your obstacles in life with strength, love, and common sense. The subject matter and themes will always change in my songs. I have ADD and love to shake things up constantly!
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
I would have to say that Queen is and will always be one of my biggest inspirations! I also really enjoy listening to John Mayer's music and last but not least I love the band Plini! They are so colorful, dynamic, and artistic. Those guys are all pretty mind blowing and tasteful.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
I wanted to be in a band since I was a kid. I can't ever remembering not wanting to play music in a band. My walls were covered with Hit Parader, Metal edge, and other rock and metal music magazine pages and fold outs of all my heroes! There were tons of different artists from when I was a kid as well as today that have inspired my musical journey and inspiration through amazing melodies and rhythms. Queen, Iron Maiden, Rush, The Police, Yes, James Taylor, Otis Redding, Incubus, Thin Lizzy, Michael Jackson, Metallica, Megadeth, Boston, Sarah McLachlan, Elvis, The Misfits, Jim Croce, Glassjaw, Every Time I Die, Opeth, Plini, Intervals, Thrice, The Used, Skid Row, Pantera, and so many more to name..
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
Well I believe that if you treat your body well and take care of it, it will take care of you in the long run 10 fold. A huge part of being an artist is building stamina and conditioning your body to perform at a high level.I have a trainer that pushes me pretty hard 3 days a week, so my cardio and lungs are on point!
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Well the project is still very fresh, and I am even still seeking out the right members to back me at live shows. Even though it is in it's early stages I would have to say that my biggest accomplishment so far is writing, playing, and recording over 30 full songs by myself. I am stoked to show the world these songs that I am very very proud of!
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
If you are talking past I would choose Queen, Rush, or Iron Maiden. For more current bands I would say The Dear Hunter, Tesseract, or Haken. I would say the reason I chose them was because I respect them all, love their sounds, and the originality within their sounds as an artist!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I'm currently mixing the debut Spylights record, and it will ready to release by the end of Summer 2017. Just go to Spylights.bandcamp.com and get your free copy! Spylights is also on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, so follow the band if you like what you hear!