Review Fix chats with State to State Frontman Shea Stratton about the band’s new single “my Little Phony,†off their upcoming EP, “Motives.†Breaking down their creative process and goals for 2016 lets us know exactly why they should be on your playlist.
About State to State:
Since forming in 2010, the band has slowly been building the groundwork for success in Los Angeles with residencies at notable venues like The Viper Room and Hotel Cafe. They have also performed at the Pancakes and Booze pop-up art show as well as Eat See Hear & Street Food Cinema.
With Motives State to State are ready to make waves within the Los Angeles alt scene, and with tour dates in the works for early 2016, they have their eyes set on the rest of the country.
Review Fix: How is State to State different from other bands in LA?
Shea Stratton: To me it’s not about being different it’s about sincerity. We do what we do and let the chips fall as they may. We’ve played guitar-driven rock music from the beginning without caring or catering to trends. If our music touches someone then we’ve done our job. If not, we can still sleep sound at night. Time will tell if we reach the masses, but that’s not our immediate goal. We just write and play music that we enjoy.
Review Fix: What was your creative process for this EP?
Stratton: We’ve never stopped writing. Some of these songs were there when we recorded “No Bounds” and some came after. It’s about staying inspired and connected to what we love. Music is something that we do on a daily basis. There is no time stamp to creativity. Just staying active is what’s important. This particular project was a result of our relentless dedication to our craft.
Review Fix: What bands have influenced you the most?
Stratton: So many artists have influenced us and most don’t speak to our sound, however, here are a few examples: Queens of the Stone Age, Interpol, Radiohead, Pink Floyd, Beatles (but who isn’t?), Explosions in the Sky, Transfer, blah, blah, blah.
Review Fix: How was “My Little Phony” written? Is there a story behind it?
Stratton: The main riff is very much Queens of the Ston Aage inspired. Josh Homme is a personal hero of mine and his riffs were resonating in my head. Once the music was written I thought of a narrative to play out a guy who’s struggling to feel relevant by being the life of the party. This song is a good example of a fictional character, as opposed to the tunes that are direct from my experiences. I had a good time living vicariously through him.
Review Fix: What’s the LA music scene like? How do you think it influences your sound?
Stratton: I don’t really know what to say about the LA music scene, it’s so big and there are so many bands out there. What I have seen and what influences/inspires me is seeing and meeting bands that are into it for the right reasons. Those bands that are doing it because that’s the only thing that speaks to their soul and they stick to it. We don’t have to be the most popular, we don’t even have to be liked, we will just be here doing what we are doing because it’s what we want to do. We put the time into it and we’re here. Rain or shine, we’re gonna still make music, regardless.
Review Fix: What makes this EP special?
Stratton: We went into the recording knowing it would be the last with our drummer, Michael Schneider and it brought a new energy to our sound. We’ve worked on these songs extensively and partnered up with the right people to make it happen. Ian MacGregor has been a constant and steered us in the right direction throughout our process. Not to mention the great Steve Perry sang a couple background vocals.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Stratton: Write, record, play. Repeat.
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