EMQ’s with AUTOPILOT

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EMQ’s with AUTOPILOT

Hi Everyone. Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Canadian Indie Rock band Autopilot! Huge thanks to Guitarist/Vocalist Marlon for taking part!
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
My name is Marlon. I play guitar and sing in Autopilot. My drummer Jose and I have been playing together for years. We have a revolving line up on bass and sometimes a second guitar. We have 3 Albums out and 2 EP’s. We are constantly touring and playing with some of the best musicians.
How did you come up with your band name?
It was a while ago we came up with the name. If I remember correctly, it was describing the sound of when I play the bow on the guitar and the spacey sound I get from that.
What country are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
We are from Canada. The music scene in general is really great. There’s a lot of support for independent artists in Saskatchewan including funding programs to write, record and market new music.
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single or Video)
Our latest album is called “Afterglow”. We’ve released several videos from this record. Our latest was for our track ‘Undisguised’. We have a few in the works for the songs ‘Modern Age’, the title track ‘Afterglow’, and ‘Domino’. They’ll be released throughout the year.
Who have been your greatest influences?
Modest Mouse has been my biggest influence but also Bear Hands’ older stuff and The Killers.
What first got you into music?
My brother was a musician when I was a kid. I saw him write songs. When he released an album, I knew it was something I wanted to do.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
This changes every time I’m asked but I think it would be awesome to collaborate with Billy Corgan. I think he has a lot to offer still in the current music scene.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Coachella or maybe Summer Fest! I’m not too sure. There are hundreds of awesome festivals we’d love to play. Coachella just to experience playing would be crazy. Summer Fest seems to be an under-rated festival for its size. They have lots of independent bands alongside massive mainstream artists. We’re still bugging them to book us.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
A full thanksgiving dinner! A full turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and a lot more! We couldn’t eat it all as we were in a hotel for one night and then on to the next city. We also couldn’t refrigerate it. We were in New Jersey somewhere and it was Canadian Thanksgiving. It was a crazy thing to get this on the road.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Buy music. Get a record player and spin some records. Also support artists by following them on streaming services. Go see live music and support the bands you love. Spread the word when you hear something you like.
If you could bring one Metal/Rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Kurt Cobain. I think he would have a lot to say and it might not be what you think in this time.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I really love to write, record, and hear the final product. Touring new music is always really interesting too. Sometimes we’re surprised to see what songs catch different people. There’s not much I hate about it, but I really don’t like being away from my wife sometimes for months at a time and then only home for a few weeks before going back on the road. Also, being an independent artist consumes most of my time. Even when I’m home, we’re working on the next move as a band.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Everything…!
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“The Lonesome Crowed West” by Modest Mouse.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
Vinyl for sure! We have our album “Afterglow” on all those formats, but vinyl is something that when you take it home you can sit down and spin the record. You have to flip it. It’s not like streaming where the next artist might start playing right after. I also love the way it sounds. For “Afterglow”, we have 5 different colours of records with glow in the dark and artwork that is hand screen printed by Saskatchewan artist, Chris Morin. He even did a limited run of 20 gold printed covers for this tour. We were able to get really creative with it.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
There have been quite a few great gigs. We had some really rad shows at Mesa Music Festival, Jersey Shore Festival, and in Seattle. The shows where people are really into the music and want to hang out are always the best.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I would probably own a record store. Listen to music all day and have bands play all the time.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Ashlee Hogan
Jesus Christ
Isaac Brock
Bill Murray
Mac DeMarco
What’s next for the band?
We have some videos in the works for some upcoming singles off “Afterglow”, as well as more touring. When we get back from our summer tour, the next album process starts! We are stoked to be releasing more new music next year.
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
http://smarturl.it/k0kpmb
https://www.youtube.com/user/autopilotmusic
https://www.facebook.com/autopilotmusic/
https://www.instagram.com/autopilotband/
https://twitter.com/bandautopilot
Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?
I had to Google that. I don’t think we get them in Canada. Google tells me biscuits, but what do I know.
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Someone send us Jaffa Cakes!
 
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Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

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