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Spacejam is an English/American/French rock/punk/pop band based in France and led by singer/guitarist/composer Sebastian Parris, (Bikini, Karmasonik, The Inflicts). Here, Sebastian talks us through the background of the band, as well as talking about his own musical memories.
What are the origins of the band, how long have you been playing together?
Spacejam formed in 2017 with me Sebastian Parris Guitarist/songwriter, raised near Dartford -Kent-(UK) Close friend of R.Smith of The Cure in mid-80s. Has toured the UK and Europe for 30 years in bands like The Inflicts, Bikini, Karmasonic…Drummer KC Elstun native from Cincinnati (USA) who move in France 10 years ago. He has toured the US for 30 years and played with stars like BB King, Bo Diddley, Lonnie Mack… Bass player Ali Lassab who played and toured France and Europe for more than 20 years, with Manu Chao, Glasgow, Requiem of Sylvia…
How did you feel performing your first gig? And how was it?!
First gig at school I was 13 and 15 people attended the show. What a laugh we had. I was yelling my lyrics like hell and I scared the audience to death. We were asked to end the show after playing 4 songs! Just brilliant!
What should people expect when they check the band/you out? How would you describe yourself?
We are a power trio and on stage the songs are much more powerful and they literally rock your socks off and blow your mind away. On stage, we go straight to the point, no time to beat around the bush. Our audience takes a one-way trip to escape and change of planet. Welcome to our world!
The new music scene is bursting at the seams with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that a band has to stand out from the others trying to build a name?
Seriously? I don’t think the new music scene is bursting at the seams with fresh talent! I hear a lot of new bands who are not surprising at all and who have no more talent than that, either wise I think that the new Beatles would have already burst the ceiling right?
The last thing exciting was the Grunge movement in the early 1990s, since I don’t think we had anything so strong, but it’s my old twat’s point of view I think!
To stand out from the crowd a band should not be trying to stand out precisely, that is the trap. You have to be proud of who you are and what you do. A talent is judged over time and not by the number of likes or views on the internet!
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
I am working on our new video, I have made all the sets and currently shooting it. But you won’t be able to check it out before the end of June.
What band out there at the minute do you feel that you would be best suited to open for?
The Cure
Who do you feel is the next band to break out?
The Rolling Stones!! Lol
What are your first musical memories? And what was the light bulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
Playing my mum’s records at home. She was a great fan of Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Mel Torme, The Beatles, and a lot of Jazz too. I formed my first band I was 12 after seeing The Sex Pistols on stage at Uxbridge Brunel Univ in December 77. I decided school was a big lie and I wanted to be a musician. I wanted to be a star, someone the media would chase on the streets and write stupid stories on and I would drive a Rolls Royce full of beautiful girls. I wanted to be in the Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll world with the fame and glory that goes with it! I only had Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll but not all in an equal proportion! I soon realised you need to work really hard to make a living from music. As Bon Scott said, it’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock and roll!
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
The Cure in Nyon (Switzerland)
The album that you have in your album collection/spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
Mozart – Requiem in D minor KV 626 – H. von Karajan – Berlin Philarmonic Orchestra. I am listening at it right now!
What are your plans for the remainder of 2020?
Getting rid of 2020 and going straight into 2021! Playing live on stage again, touring, recording a new album with great record producers such as Clive Martin who did our new album. Connecting with all the people again, Fish ‘n’ chips…..
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
On our website : WWW.SPACEJAMBAND.COM
Bandcamp : TEN, by spacejam
