Sunday Speedtrap

A mixture of deep and meaningful lyrics and country folk/rock sound Sunday Speedtrap is making music that fans can relate to; especially with heavy influences like Jewel, Todd Snider, Kingston Trio, Beatles & Buddy Holly that can be heard in the band's overall musical style. Recently, Chris Eric of Sunday Speedtrap spoke to our Webzine about the band's music and what fans can expect from the group. Enjoy!

Isaac: We'd love to know about your inspirations growing up. I hear so many influences in your music. How old were you when you first discovered music?

Sunday Speedtrap: I was young 7 or 8; I can remember my dad playing the Kingston Trio on a Reel To Reel.

Isaac: Is there any kind of musical history in your family?

Sunday Speedtrap: My mom played Accordion and a close uncle played guitar in a garage band. I don't think too many people thought I'd grow up and spend all the time I could writing and performing music.

Isaac: What drew you to pick up an instrument in the first place?

Sunday Speedtrap: I started playing Flute in 5th grade and then moved over to Clarinet and Bass Clarinet from 6th Grade through High School. It was a great distraction over the years from my competitive swimming. I swam competitively for 13 years from the time I was 6 until 19.

Isaac: As you hit your teenage years, did you know that this was what you would be doing for the rest of your life?

Sunday Speedtrap: It wasn't until my early 20's that I switched from swimming to music; my childhood dream was to swim in the Olympics and travel as a competitive swimmer. Then I retired and needed something as demanding and since I wrote a lot of poetry in school and played some instruments music was right fit for me.

Isaac: Is there a performer in any genre of pop culture that you would like to work with?

Sunday Speedtrap: I would really love the opportunity to work with Singer/Songwriter Billy Falcon, artists such as Stevie Nicks, Cher, Manfred Mann, Sherrie Austin, and Trace Adkins have covered his work and he has co-written 10 songs on the last four Bon Jovi albums. There is so much emotion in his songs, he is an incredible writer.

Isaac: Who are some musicians that you really like, present or past?

Sunday Speedtrap: I really like current artists such as Jewel, Goo Goo Dolls, Jimmy Buffett, Todd Snider, Bruce Springsteen and past artists like the Kingston Trio, Buddy Holly, The Beatles and Foreigner. The Harmonies of The Beatles and Kingston Trio are still amazing all these years later and the story telling from Bruce Springsteen and Jimmy Buffett are so inspiring.

Isaac: What is your ultimate goal with your music career?

Sunday Speedtrap: I want to continue to write and release songs so that I am able to get out and continue to perform for anyone anywhere. If that was to mean with a label, that would be great for the resources that they would bring but otherwise I am very happy releasing my own CDs.

Isaac: What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?

Sunday Speedtrap: Booking shows, it was so hard to get a hold of promoters but things have changed with online press kits like Sonicbids and a lot of places have websites that makes it a lot easier now. Band Lineup Changes, pretty typical stuff for local and working musicians. Raising a daughter presents challenges from scheduling shows to how far we can travel since Cari and I perform together. That would leave our daughter with a babysitter or Grandparents, tough to grow up that way. The days of performing 120 shows a year are on hold and in our past until she graduates from high school.

Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?

Sunday Speedtrap: Absolutely, the adrenaline climbing on stage or hitting the sweet spot in rehearsal or the studio are amazing feelings. Seeing the crowd react and connect to songs you wrote, it's priceless. Music provides such a release from life and it bridges the gap in communication differences with people. There is no language barrier with the rhythm of music, it's such a great thing to be apart of.

Isaac: Describe one piece of advice you've have been given to by others in the music industry.

Sunday Speedtrap: I was told early on to get out and perform as much as possible for anyone at anytime. The result has lead to having performed over 950 shows in the last 16 years and countless shows were due to someone seeing us and booking us for other shows. It also has given me the onstage experience that has melted away nervousness for shows. We've played all over too, not just coffee shops, bars and clubs but also nursing homes, football halftime shows, private parties, elementary school assemblies, Festivals and Fairs.

Isaac: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?

Sunday Speedtrap: I have thought the closest thing I fit into was Folk/Rock however one reviewer pointed out that - Junior's Cave

I really enjoyed your music. You are a very good singer/songwriter, but it is not quite what I am looking to develop right now. Thank you for letting me listen, Jack Douglas - None

“A blend of rock and country, flavored with jazz and a toss of folk for good measure. It’s almost soothing.” - The Herald, Snohomish County Newspaper

“A highly recommended performance. Well written songs, a very smooth professional presentation. Not to mention people love them!” - Doug Mays - promoter & owner of Face the Music Productions

These guys sound pretty good, catch them if you can when they are in town. Chris Eric and Cari Ann of Sunday Speedtrap replaced Randy Miller when his basement flooded on new years eve. - Bar scenes entertainment guide

“An eclectic and unusual combination of catchy beats and unique rhythms. Their original songs are entertaining and the show is first rate, we felt blessed by their collective spirits.” - Don Buxton - music coordinator of Fircrest school

Hi Chris, I really enjoyed your music. You are a very good singer/songwriter. Thank you for letting me listen, Jack Douglas - Jack Douglas - Producer

You either love them or you hate them. If you hate them you WILL grow to love them. Nothing but a great group of musicians! - - Legends, West Seattle sports bar

Sunday Speedtrap - Confessions From The Heart

2008's Confessions From The Heart shows some significant steps forward for Sunday Speedtrap. I would presume that the additional three years of playing together has helped something to click for Sunday Speedtrap. Follow My Heart is a mellow alt-country rocker in the vein of Blue Rodeo. The Life I've Led is also a strong entry, with a pleasant melody and a little creative tension apparent. All And All is a bit of a rocker that is a pleasant change of pace from Sunday Speedtrap. Other highlights include Spirit, Dance With Me, Do You Believe and I'm Going To The Dance.

Sunday Speedtrap is a band that has experienced considerable growth in the three years between You Can't Outrun The Radio!! and Confessions From The Heart. Musically strong from the first, they've shown definite improvement as a unit. Vocals and songwriting have both shown significant growth in the meantime. I would strongly recommend Confessions From The Heart.

Rating:

Confessions From The Heart - 3.5 Stars (Out of 5) - Wildy's World

Sunday Speedtrap - Confessions From The Heart

2008's Confessions From The Heart shows some significant steps forward for Sunday Speedtrap. I would presume that the additional three years of playing together has helped something to click for Sunday Speedtrap. Follow My Heart is a mellow alt-country rocker in the vein of Blue Rodeo. The Life I've Led is also a strong entry, with a pleasant melody and a little creative tension apparent. All And All is a bit of a rocker that is a pleasant change of pace from Sunday Speedtrap. Other highlights include Spirit, Dance With Me, Do You Believe and I'm Going To The Dance.

Sunday Speedtrap is a band that has experienced considerable growth in the three years between You Can't Outrun The Radio!! and Confessions From The Heart. Musically strong from the first, they've shown definite improvement as a unit. Vocals and songwriting have both shown significant growth in the meantime. I would strongly recommend Confessions From The Heart.

Rating:

Confessions From The Heart - 3.5 Stars (Out of 5) - Wildy's World