Silence so Loud is a four piece alternative rock band sprouting from Akron, Ohio. Formed in the fall of 2006, SSL has set forth on a path to create honest, genre-fused music. The band looked to assemble a line up that spanned various musical backgrounds and influences, which would ultimately build the signature sound that is Silence so Loud. We asked the lads to sit down for a chat to talk about their debut EP, the longest 15 seconds of silence, their perfect rock show bill and more.
S*KM: You’re finishing up your first EP in the next couple of weeks, how would you describe your sound?
SSL: The best way we can describe our sound is rock, in the broadest sense of the word. Our original idea was to create a sound that fused several different rock genres; everything from progressive and classic to modern and punk. Each of us is influenced by different areas of rock music. With each song, different aspects of our individuality as artists are brought forth to create the collective sound of Silence so Loud.
S*KM: What was the recording process like for this album; was it a do-it-yourself approach, or did you go into a studio?
SSL: We wanted to find professionals who could help us represent our sound as best as possible. We deliberated between several different studios and producers before making our decision, and we ended up using E&G studios in Akron, Ohio. We are very pleased with the final product and believe it will help us in our attempt to make it in this business.
S*KM: What is the most enjoyable aspect of making music: playing shows, writing new material, recording, etc.?
SSL: EVERYTHING…All of those things helps us do what we love, which is creating music and sharing it with each other. But most of all, the people who take the time to listen.
S*KM: We have dubbed 2008 the year of live music here at Saw*Kick; which medium do you feel best supports the SSL sound?
SSL: We don’t think that any particular medium necessarily supports us more or less but that, collectively, they help bring our sound to an audience willing to listen. That said, we believe that playing live allows us to connect with our audience on a personal level.
S*KM: What can we expect out of a SSL show?
SSL: Four guys working hard and having fun trying to give back to an audience who took the time to come out to see them…with catchy yet meaningful lyrics, punchy bass lines, melodic guitar solos and powerful crowd moving drums. In short, CHECK IT OUT AND DECIDE FOR YOURSELF.
S*KM: What is your favorite local venue to play?
SSL: The best venue we have had the opportunity to play is BETHEL TEMPLE in Canton. The fact that it is an all-age venue allows all of our fans to attend, and the low prices don’t make it hard for anyone to afford. One of its best aspects is the stage and lighting they have acquired from the now closed, ODEON. It is amazing and a blast to play on.
S*KM: What was your worst on stage blunder, or are you the greatest rock band of all-time, “Tenacious D” style?
SSL: The worst “blunder” would have to have been during the “Akron 100” when our lead guitarist at the time had a solo coming up (with no supporting instruments for the first measure.) And as the solo was about to start, the chord fell out of his guitar…it was the longest 15 seconds of silence we all had ever experienced. Luckily, the rest of the show went well and it was quickly forgotten.
S*KM: If you could credit one moment of your life as being the turning point for pursuing music, what would it be?
SSL: We all contribute our love of music to different things but I think we all really took to it during our high school years. No matter how many bands we went through as individuals, there is no feeling like being on stage in front of one, or 100, people for the first time. Once you experience that rush of adrenaline and tingle down your spine, it is hard not to want it again and again.
S*KM: In your opinion, what do you feel are the biggest obstacles a young, up and coming band, like yourselves, faces when climbing the ladder of success?
SSL: We think, for our band, the biggest problems don’t lie in writing or performing, but keeping our goals as a group consistent and driven as much as possible. Anytime there is a group of people trying to accomplish something it can be challenging, but when you get the right group of people together with the same goal, same passion and same drive…it is a combination that is hard to stop.
S*KM: Since you guys can’t pump out rock and roll 24 / 7, what are some of SSL’s favorite pastimes?
SSL: Aside from our instruments, our favorite pastime has to be just hanging out and enjoying each other’s company or grabbing a bite to eat. If you can’t have fun off-stage, or when you’re not rehearsing, it shows in your writing and chemistry on-stage. It all comes down to that right combination of people which we think we have found.
S*KM: If you could assemble the bill for your “perfect” rock show, who would be on it?
SSL: It would most likely be a three day festival featuring, Dream Theater, Rush, tool, Nirvana (back from the dead), Smashing Pumpkins and Pearl Jam. The second day would consist of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Guns and Roses, STP [Stone Temple Pilots] and Tom Petty. Lastly the third day would be Green Day, Sum 41, A7X and the show would end with a performance by LED ZEPPLIN followed by THE BEATLES.
You can check out Silence so Loud for yourself at www.myspace.com/silencesoloudmusic. They will be playing live next on Friday, April 18, at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio.