The Aviators is a hard rock band that doesn't pull any punches. Powerhouse vocals, dual Les Pauls and a thunderous rhythm section round out this raw and supremely talented group of young dudes!
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band:
August Young--vocals
Daniel Reynoso--guitar
Matt Purdy--guitar
Matt Reid--bass
Sherwin Smith-Raggio--drums
For starters, what bands were you a part of prior? How long has this band/group been around?
Daniel Reynoso:: None of us were really in anything serious prior to The Aviators, and I think that is what makes this band pretty special--there were not preconceived notions about how bands were supposed to go so we could do this however we wanted. "The Aviators" has been a band since 2008 with a variety of different members over the years; this particular version has had the same core of myself, August, Matt Reid, and Sherwin for about 5 years. We added other Matt about a year ago, and have been moving forward pretty steady since then.
What’s the origin of the bands' name and have you changed the band’s name before?
Daniel Reynoso: The original line up played a gig in an airplane hangar as a one-off; someone suggested we should be the "Aviators" as a result, and the name just seemed to stick. Once we started getting some traction, it was too late to change it to something else.
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?
Daniel Reynoso: Our singer, August, writes all the lyrics. Someone will bring a riff, or we will have something we mess around with in rehearsal that turns into a song. The main themes are typical--relationships, people, hard times...I think the best songs are born from the things that weigh on you; I don't think that will ever change.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Daniel Reynoso: It's funny, we have some unique tastes, but even with our diverse range individually, I think we are all fueled by the same bands that are legendary for a reason: Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Blackberry Smoke, Cinderella, the Cult, Black Crowes...we don't need to reinvent the wheel--just keep it moving.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Daniel Reynoso: Watching AC/DC videos as a kid made me want to be in a band, but it didn't seem attainable. Watching other guys like George Thorogood, ZZ Top, the Clash, the Stones--those guys made me feel like it was accessible, and unbelievably fun--as a player, why wouldn't I want to do something like that?
Matt Purdy: I grew up in the '80s, so I was watching the grandeur of rock music at its heyday; it made you want to be in a rock band. I can't point to any one band necessarily, but it was just the perceived glamour and undeniable reckless abandon of live shows that made me want to be in a band.
August Young: Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …
Daniel Reynoso: I sip mountain water. Stay hydrated.
Matt Purdy: Practice. I try to warm my hands up a little bit, just to make sure I let them know what is about to happen.
What has been the biggest highlight of your career as a musician so far?
Matt Purdy: For me, the shared experience of playing with my friends and meeting new people, regardless of the venue, has been unbelievably rewarding.
August Young: Getting our songs played across the world--that has been one of my biggest highlights.
Matt Reid: Being able to rub shoulders and share experiences with artists I've looked up to.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Daniel Reynoso: I think anyone at this point would be someone to learn something from...AC/DC, their consistency night tonight, their energy...I think it would inspire me to attain that level of artistry in my own work.
Matt Purdy: Hmmm...I really like Blackberry Smoke. It seems like a real family, and I value that sense of camaraderie.
Matt Reid: Rolling Stones or AC/DC.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Matt Purdy: Nothing further at this time.