Sun Satellite
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Sun Satellite

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"Sun Satellite"

1. How did you get your band name?
The band name is an analogy expressing our discontent with contemporary
music. The sun is the essence of all life, and we view our group as a
satellite that searches for the sun - for life in music.

2. How did this band get started?
All members used to play together in previous bands (At the Mercy of
Inspiration, Dear Jane I, Haddonfield, Trick of the Fifth, etc.) around
Canada and the US. The scene of active musicians is a lot smaller than
most would believe, so when our previous bands fell apart we all connected
and formed this band. Thankfully we all stayed in touch or we'd be
doomed.

3. What bands are you influenced by?
I couldn't possibly exhaust our list of influences, but here are some that
come to mind: Helmet, Quicksand, Thursday, Glassjaw, Marvin Gaye, Crash
Karma, Poison the Well, Candiria, Tears For Fears, The Used, Snapcase,
Every Time I Die, Blue Rodeo, Far, Ken Andrews (Failure), Paul Wall, Mos
Def, etc.

4. If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would it be and
why?
I would love to tour with Alexisonfire again. I had the time of my life
on the road with those guys. Every day is an adventure, and that's the
really fun part about it all - aside from getting to play your music live
every night. There are also some great local bands that we would love to
share the stage with: The Artist Life, Baptized in Blood, Dead and Divine,
Straight Reads the Line, Moneen, Forces, etc.

5. If you were a furry, what animal would you be? Why that animal?
That's easy. I'd be a koala because you get to live in hot climate, be
really cute and cuddly, sleep 22 hours per day, and eat eucalyptus leaves.
I hear koalas get high off of them?

6. Why should people listen to your band?
The music we make is meaningful, has a positive message, and is
written/performed by hard-working guys that place musicianship at the top
of the priority list. This level of dedication shines through in our song
writing and production. We love our songs and hope you will too. Also,
there are subliminal messages on the record. I'm not joking. If you can
detect them we'll give you free guest list for life.

7. If you were chosen to be in Guitar Hero/Rock Band, what song would you
want in the game? How hard do you think it would be to five-star on
expert?
I would have 'Apologize' as our Guitar Hero/Rock band track. It's not an
extremely hard song to play, but it requires a lot of effects that Guitar
Hero/Rock Band simply can't account for, so it would really screw with
people's heads if they tried it out.

8. If you won a Grammy, who would you thank?
I would thank anyone who played a role in the making of the record and its
promotion. The list might be too long for network TV to allow. Maybe
Kanye could conveniently intervene?

9. If you could change something about the music industry, what would it be?
The main thing that needs to change is access to information. There are a
lot of music groups out there with the drive and dedication but don't know
how to channel their efforts appropriately. Recently, I've found a lot of
'how-to' articles for musicians in print and on the internet that help out
but these could always be more informative, maybe including details that
pertain to respective genres / geographical areas.

10. Memorable tour experience?
We were on tour with Forces (http://www.thepushagency.com/roster/forces/)
and we did an interview at 88.3 CJIQ and it started off just fine. Pretty
typical I guess... the usual questions were being asked and we responded
with our usual answers. Then we started letting the odd jab out at each
others bands after the radio station plugged the records being promoted on
the tour. It was really hilarious, actually. By the end of the interview
our bands were insulting each other non-stop (for fun) and if listeners
didn't seem to like our music, I think they couldn't help but like our
sense of humor. That was a great night.

11. What does AP.net mean to you?
AP.net is many things: a valuable extensive source of information in hard
music, a fun site to visit, and also a great opportunity for bands to gain
exposure. If most other music websites were set up as well as AP.net,
we'd know a lot more about our own scene.

12. What is your favorite song to play?
Lately, my favorite song to play is 'Stars' because its one of our
simpler songs. I get to be a little more active on stage and not confined
to my pedal board so much.

13. What is your vacation spot of choice?
Santa Barbara, California.

14. What music reminds you of your childhood?
Tears For Fears.

15. If you could have any super power, what would it be? Why?
I've actually thought about this before. My answer: Regenerating Sandwich
Hands. Think about it... Any sandwich, any time, anywhere.

16. Do you feel that your band has "made it"?
I think 'making it' is a bad idea to have as a musician. 'Making it'
really depends on the gaining the positive opinion of many people, which
can sometimes be impossible even if you deserve it. Besides, even if you
do 'make it', you might not realize it when you get there because you'll
be so preoccupied with all the concomitant responsibilities. If you can
simplify your goals to accord with a happiness that is attainable by
anyone - regardless of stature - you'll find that you have nothing to fear
in this industry.

17. What is something that most fans don't know about you?
I'm a huge philosophy nerd - especially political philosophy. I love that
stuff.

18. What's your favorite holiday?
I prefer holidays that make no sense. Take Easter for example. The story
has it that Jesus dies and opens the gates of heaven. Now we play 'hide
the eggs' with some huge bunny. Go figure.

19. What do you like to do in your spare time?
I wish I had spare time. But here's what I would do if I had it: work
out, read, write music, and hang with friends and family.

20. What kind of hidden talents do you have?
The only talent that I have - if I have any at all - is in this band,
available for everyone to see. Come check us out sometime if we're
playing in your city. Otherwise stay tuned for the release of our new EP
'Message From A Traitor' on January 1st 2010. Check www.ourbandrules.com
for more details. - Absolute Punk


"Sun Satellite's EP Landing Soon"

Sun Satellite is setting off on a musical exploration, and all are welcome to go along for the ride.
The band, which delivers an alternative indie rock style that's "not too heavy and not too soft," according to drummer Neil Uppal, of Mississauga, plays Lee's Palace in Toronto tomorrow night.
Next month, the five-member band, comprised of two Mississauga residents and a trio from Toronto, will launch an EP; a full-length album, Message From a Traitor, is coming later this year.
Uppal, 24, says band members, whose connection to one another pre-dates Sun Satellite's formation two years ago (they played previously with now-defunct bands that would meet up at common gigs), also share a dissatisfaction with contemporary music. The theme is expressed in the band's name.
"The sun is the essence of all life. A satellite is something that searches for something," said Uppal, who lives near City Centre. "The band is a tool for us to search for life in music, and to essentially become satisfied and raise the bar to where we think contemporary music should be."
Uppal adds that the stars are aligning for the band — guitarist Paul Davidson, of Mississauga, guitarist Jesse O'Hara, bassist Jesse Bartkiewicz and new lead vocalist Matt Moffit round out the group — as it looks to the coming months.
They'll meet with a director to create a music video and they're anticipating the release of Message From a Traitor.
Sun Satellite also has shows in Toronto, Hamilton and Welland lined up in August.
And the band has really taken off with the recent addition of Moffit, Uppal says.
"The dynamic is definitely there," he said, noting members work well together, pooling resources and writing and performing music. "We all used to play shows together, which makes (being a part of this band) easier because we are all friends."
The band cites Thursday, Quick Sand, Portishead, Blue Rodeo, Marvin Gaye, Rob Base and DJ Easy Rock and Incubus as among its musical influences.
Dear Jane, I..., Battlecat, Haddonfield, At The Mercy of Inspiration and Trick of the Fifth are bands Sun Satellite members once played with.
Sun Satellite hits the stage at Lee's at 8 p.m. Indie bands Baptized In Blood, Diemonds and Forces are also on tap.
For a sample of Sun Satellite songs, visit www.ourbandrules.com - Mississauga News


"Sun Satellite - Diary of a Mad Band"

Through a lot of hardwork Sun Satellite have finally released their EP "Message from a Traitor" on Myspace, DropCards, and CD Baby around mid December '09. The band enlisted renowned Canadian hardcore and metal engineer Jesse Bartkiewicz (XLifeRuinerX, Battlecat, Counterparts) to record their debut CD. The EP came together with group dedication and persistence, over despersed datees for monthes on end. They got Greg Dawson of BWC studios to do the mastering (Moneen, The End, The Choke, The Reason).

Back in August '09, at the beginning of my Examiner tenure, a search to find the subject matter of article #1 was pressing. The idea was to head to Welland ON, for the music festival in Bridgestock '09. From the lineup card of bands, only a few, caught my eye (highlighted). One of those bands was Toronto based, Sun Satellite.

In a sea of pop punk, hardcore metal, and indie rock bands at this festival, there stood Sun Satellite on the stage playing a set of pounding, and relentess hard rock with a touch of metal. From their 2006 inception, Sun Satellite have progressively re-defined their sound and in figuring out their identity. Drawing from their diverse influences from bands like Incubus, Thursday, Foo Fighters, Marvin Gaye, Tears for Fears and DJ EZ Rock.

Sun Satellite have managed to mold all these different influences to make their sound mainly because of the importance of family and brotherhood. Paul (guitarist) relates, "...we're all great friends too, I mean it's one of those things, where you could play in a band, where you could be successful, but do you hang out with those guys after band practice, no. We all hangout all the time time, it's like a real brothership you know? A real family in this."

The strength of this "brothership" has allowed this unsigned band to tour across Canada, gaining great press (magazines reviews, blogs, etc.) As well, they've been getting indie radio play, live-to-air performances, and performing at multiple festivals. A break for them was being featured on podcasts including that of MMA star Kenny Florian.

In late August '09, Sun Satellite was a band in transition. They juggled responisibilities between touring, practicing, scheduling shows, writing new material, etc. Matt (lead vocalist) spoke about the constant struggles for their band, "I mean we all still work, we all still have to make ends meet as a band, but you know it's something we're willing to invest our time and energies into because we believe in it."

When asked what Sun Satellite's plans for the next few months, they said they plan to tour and expand into other markets (maybe a country-wide tour?) to promote EP "Message from a Traitor". As well, they have new bassist to fill the spot (bassist at Bridgestock was a friend of theirs filling in temporarily) Mario to work into the mix.

Last but certainly not least, they have written a ton of new songs that are currently in the process of being recorded for the next release. So, this has been a diary of sorts of what Sun Satellite has done to get this juncture, a busy band that never stops improving, creating new material, and that stick together.

SUN SATELLITE has played and toured with many bands, including Poison the Well, Arkells, Baptized in Blood, Cancer Bats, Crush Luther, Dead and Divine, Down With Webster, Forces, Ill Scarlett, Lights, Midway State, Silverstein, Straight Reads the Line, The Artist Life, The Creepshow, The Reason, and more.

Ed: Over time and keeping in touch with the band, they've become friends, so it would be hard to review Sun Satellite EP unbiased. So, I'll just say I like it and for you to check the links and their music for yourself! ~Jason

For your information: The name Sun Satellite as guitarist Paul describes, "the earth is almost like a satellite for the sun." Jesse the other guitarist added, "[the sun] is really the essence of life...this way our band is also like this satellite that's searching for life in music." - Examiner.com


"Journey with Sun Satellite"

If you miss the way Incubus sounded when they first burst on the scene and have a soft spot for The Mars Volta, then Sun Satellite will be your new celestial band of choice. The Toronto-based group has just released a six track EP and will go into the studio on New Year’s Day to start work on their debut album.

Sun Satellite comprises Matt Moffit on lead vocals, Paul Davidson and Jesse O’Hara on guitars, Casey Clowater on bass and Neil Uppal on drums. The Muse caught up with this almost famous band before they get too big to talk to us.

The Muse: What exactly is a Sun Satellite?

Jesse: The band name is an analogy which expresses our discontent with contemporary music. The sun is the essence of all life, and we view our group as a satellite that searches for the sun. We search for signs of life in music.

TM: What are your approaches to songwriting?

Matt: We like to write songs as a group. One person usually starts with the initial idea but we all work on it and watch it evolve together. Nobody in this band wants to claim any song as their own, because we all contribute to the process and understand every individual person’s value and what they bring to the table.

TM: How does it feel like to finally complete your first EP?

Neil: Relieved! It’s been a work in progress for almost half a year because we’re all perfectionists, we just wanted to fix and add things. I think we’ve finally come to terms with the fact that the EP can only be so perfect in our eyes and so we’re ecstatic to finally be able to release it and begin the journey.

TM: You guys are going to record your debut in January. Who had a better first record, the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s Are You Experienced or Radiohead’s Pablo Honey?

Jesse: I don’t listen to much old music at all. It has always been the sounds and styles that develop from newer technology that most fascinate me. So, I know this sounds kind of lame but I’ve never really listened to much Hendrix. I’d have to side with Radiohead on this one. Sorry Jimi!

TM: Who are your idols and musical influences?

Matt: Our musical influences vary a lot, but a short list of them would include, Incubus, Quicksand, Thursday, Marvin Gaye, Snapcase, Dead and Divine and Tears for Fears.

TM: Has your family been supportive of your career choices or do they wish you were in law school instead?

Jesse: I actually studied Ethics, Society, and Law at University of Toronto. My parents thought I was headed down the path of legal practice. I postponed it for now because I would really regret it if I didn’t give musicianship an honest effort. Time is of the essence in the music industry, so I am acting on that now. My parents are typically supportive of any decision which is conducive to my happiness and overall well-being.

TM: What is the best concert you’ve ever seen?

Neil: Best concert was Dillinger Escape Plan at The Opera House; saw their singer do back flips into the crowd.

TM: Today we have Xboxes and iPods, but people still line up to see a band play, why is that?

Jesse: Recorded music is a substitute for a live band. Granted, the industry focuses on music sales, but those who excel at the art of music usually show proficiency and consistency through their live performance. Just as tourists travel to see the pyramids in real life rather than be satisfied with viewing pictures of them, music crowds show up to experience the real thing, to witness the art in its essence.

TM: How is the Canadian music scene?

Matt: The Canadian music scene is still alive, contrary to what a lot of indie bands believe. We are a hard working band and see the opportunity that’s out there. It’s definitely not easy but is entirely possible for any hard working talented band. People are finding new ways to market their music and finding new outlets to distribute all the time.

TM: What advice do you have for any kids who want to start their own band?

Neil: Make sure you’re in a band with people you can trust and you can see yourself being able to live with for months on end in a small touring vehicle. Don’t play what you think will make you popular for 15 minutes. Play what will make you want to keep playing for the rest of your life. - The Muse


Discography

Message From a Traitor (2009)

iTunes - http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/message-from-a-traitor/id345463761

Dropcards - http://www.dropcards.com/sunsatellite

Photos

Bio

From their 2006 inception, SUN SATELLITE has received outstanding reviews in magazines and blogs, major and independent radio play, live-to-air performances, played multiple festivals, been featured on countless podcasts (including that of MMA star Kenny Florian), and given numerous interviews for radio, television, and magazines.

SUN SATELLITE has played and toured with many bands, including Poison the Well, Stereos, Arkells, Baptized in Blood, The Black Lungs, Cancer Bats, Ceremonial Snips, Crush Luther, Dead and Divine, Down With Webster, Farewell to Freeway, Forces, Ill Scarlett, Lights, Midway State, Rides Again, Shotgun Rules, Silverstein, Straight Reads the Line, The Artist Life, The Creepshow, The Junction, The Reason, Threat Signal, and more.

SUN SATELLITE enlisted renowned Canadian hardcore and metal engineer Jesse Bartkiewicz (Lions, XLifeRuinerX, Battlecat, Counterparts) to record their CD debut, "Message from a Traitor EP". The EP came together with group dedication and persistence, over dispersed dates for months on end. SUN SATELLITE required a keen ear for mastering, and found them with Greg Dawson of BWC Studios.

PRESS
“Message From A Traitor really tells you how hard a Canadian Indie Band will work to bring you a solid album!! Make no mistake. This album will leave you wanting more and when you see them live make sure they hear you scream 'We are not your friends'" - The Gooch c/o Indielove.ca

"If you miss the way Incubus sounded when they first burst on the scene and have a soft spot for The Mars Volta, then Sun Satellite will be your new celestial band of choice." - The Muse

"Sun Satellite is an extraordinarily talented and diverse group, among the best local acts in hard music!" - Edge 102.1

"One of the hardest working bands in Canadian independent music." - Indielove Radio

"A unique blend of aggression and passion sure to leave listeners craving more!" - Examiner.com

"Quite the musical exploration that all are welcome to ride." - Mississauga News