Interview: The Struts
UK Glam Rockers, The Struts will play to a sold out Rock & Roll Hotel in DC next Tuesday. The quartet, comprised of Luke Spiller (vocals), Adam Slack (guitar), Jed Elliott (bass), and Gethin Davies (drums) formed in Derby, England in 2012. The band toured regularly throughout the UK prior to breaking into the American music scene with the success of the infectious “Could Have Been Me,” a track off their EP, Have You Heard. The band’s buzzworthy talent has even landed them a spot on on the final four sold-out dates of Mötley Crüe’s “Final Tour.” Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe had this to say about choosing The Struts for their final four dates: “...Mötley Crüe has one last opportunity to share a band with the world and we thought The Struts were worthy of those last spots on the stage.” We were fortunate enough to have Luke Spiller answer a few questions via email ahead of the show on Tuesday. Check out his responses to our questions below.
Capitol Sound DC: How did the band form?
Luke Spiller: Over 4 years ago with me and adam. We were both in different bands and they fell apart. We then got together and began writing. Next thing we knew we were reaching for the stars.
CSDC: Was there a moment when you realized you had to pursue music?
LS: When I flew out my mother's vagina . But seriously music and performance has always been a huge part of my life. When I started my first band when I was 15 that was a real turning point. I started to play in clubs and then I had the bug.
CSDC: What is it like being a British band breaking into the American music scene?
LS: It's great and a lot of hard work. American fans are superb to say the least.
CSDC: You’ve said that you want to be the biggest band in the world. What does that mean to you? Who are some of the bands you look to that you believe have accomplished similar feats?
LS: That means I want to be the biggest band in the world like the stones of course. It's a large goal but if you don't aim high then where else do you go?
CSDC: “Could Have Been Me” is anthemic and very catchy. When you wrote the song were you aiming to create a song with that effect?
LS: Yes of course. The band was at a strange point and we were really in a fork in the road. We either pushed on through or we were going to just give up.
CSDC: What does bringing back “sexy rock n’ roll” mean to The Struts?
LS: Not really sure to be honest, I've never said that. Or at least I don't think I have. If you think we are then I will take that as a compliment.
CSDC: Who and/or what inspires the band’s sound and overall aesthetic?
LS: Queen the Rolling Stones and many many more. I guess a lot of the 70's glam rock movement and my childhood influences.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
LS: Jeff Lynn from ELO
CSDC: What’s next for The Struts?
LS: Touring and album number 2. We can't wait to release our debut to America early next year and I hope everyone loves it . X