Published: June 25, 2010 12:19 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight June 2010 Edition
FM Pilots
Music Now Artist/Band Spotlight Weekly Series
FM Pilots
Melodic tunes, catchy hooks, and crafty lyrics are all you will find when listening to the fantastic music from FM Pilots. Our Webzine recently spent some time speaking to Tulsa’s Singer/Songwriter, Nick
Whitaker, of FM Pilots about the band and their music. We were delighted to discover some cool things about the band and why the band’s amazing sound is so appealing. Here is what developed from this online conversation with Nick.
Music
Isaac: Where are you from? How does living there affect your songwriting?
FM Pilots: I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I'm not sure if the location plays into the writing, but the people I meet…people I love…and everyday circumstances in life definitely bring inspiration my way.
Isaac: Do you focus on any political themes? If so, please tell us in more detail about them:
FM Pilots: I try not to get too political because I want our music to be about having a good time rather than controversy.
Isaac: What's the greatest thing that's ever been said about your music?
FM Pilots: "It doesn't suck!" That mean’s a lot to all of us…Thank you random person on MySpace.
How much has heartbreak contributed to your songwriting?
FM Pilots: I've written a fair amount of songs involving heartbreak, but I try to come from the angle of overcoming and understanding the lessons learned. I want the music to have a "feel good" to it and not leave anyone down in the dumps.
Isaac: What are your main musical influences?
FM Pilots: Our influences are pretty diverse within the group. I’m a huge Ben Folds and Gavin Degraw guy, Kephart (guitar) is really into The Format, Josh (Bass) is really into Counting Crows, and Casey’s drumming style draws from bands with intricate drum techniques such as
Thrice. I think it’s good we come from various musical backgrounds because it all seems to mesh well together.
Isaac: What's the song you're most proud of writing?
FM Pilots: I'm really digging one of the new songs called Chasing. It's got that upbeat, driving "radio single" sound and it's a fan favorite so far. I wanted to send a positive message that we should strive for our ambitions no matter how unattainable they may seem sometimes because
in the end we still have our lives…and that's more valuable than anything. "We're all chasing dreams, chasing lives from movie scenes…" is probably one of my favorite lines.
Isaac: What was the last time music was really, really exciting for you?
FM Pilots: Personally, I'd say right now is pretty exciting. We've all been friends for years, but played in different bands. When this project started, I already knew exactly who to call and we clicked. Give us an arena, a club, or even a front porch…we'll make good music and be
happy about it. We're also very excited to be finishing recording for our self titled EP, which will be released very soon, followed by a full length album short after. All and all it's awesome experiencing good friendship and having them as a part of the music.
Isaac: What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you on stage?
FM Pilots: Josh ripped his pants once! Rockin hard can do that to you.
Isaac: What's the most personal song you've ever written and what was it based on?
FM Pilots: The most personal song for me would definitely have to be one called Counting Costs. My girlfriend and I had been living together for quite some time and hadn't been getting along. I came home one night to find all of her things gone and that she was already hundreds of miles away. I started writing it the second I walked in the door and the lyrics just made complete sense to me. Don't worry though…we're good now.
Isaac: If you could create your own fantasy music festival, who would the top 6 headliners be?
FM Pilots: Ben Folds, The Beatles (resurrected), Counting Crows, John Mayer, Goo Goo Dolls…and of course FM Pilots.
Personal
Isaac: Do you actually participate in other social networking sites aside from MySpace?
FM Pilots: Yes… I'm on Facebook all the time. I've tried "The Twitter" a few times, but I just can't keep on it. Also, people can check www.myspace.com/fmpilots and visit us on Facebook for news and downloads.
Isaac: What gets you up in the morning?
FM Pilots: My kitten Norah…I don't know what her deal is, but she crawls on me and meows every morning until she gets fed.
Isaac: What keeps you awake at night?
FM Pilots: Late nights in the studio, shows, bars and of course Whataburger.
Isaac: If you were a superhero what famous musician would be your arch-nemesis and why?
FM Pilots: Chad Kroeger. You know why.
Digital Music
Isaac: What's your favorite internet radio station?
FM Pilots: Pandora and NPR's All Songs Considered podcasts.
Isaac: What's your favorite website to get music information or news?
FM Pilots: I Google everything. I wish Google had a record label.
Sports
Isaac: Do you follow any sports, if so, which ones?
FM Pilots: Josh is really into the world cup right now. We went to a bar the other night after the match against England where everyone randomly broke into "USA!" chants all night long. I'd have to say I'm a pretty big soccer fan now…or at least the party associated with it.
