US rockers Pacific Radio formed in 2010 and provide upbeat sing-a-long tracks about girls who have come and gone in frontman Joe Robinson’s life. The quartet, completed by bassist Joe Stiteler, guitarist Kyle Biane and drummer Hyke Shirinian, are currently in the process of working on their first full length with Grammy nominated producer Eric Weaver. We challenged the charismatic frontman to take on our A-Z challenge!
A song that made you want to make music?
“Brown Sugar” [Rolling] Stones. Simple is cool and attitude wins all.
Best rider you have had?
There is a place in Hollywood called Boardners… the feast provided has never been matched. I’m talking chicken fingers AND mozzarella sticks.
Craziest thing you’ve experienced in the band?
Recording in a studio where a bunch of great records were made, including Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell”.
Deepest lyric one of your songs features?
“L.A. is pretty, but it’s killing me” It was written after a 10 year bout with whiskey that put me in the hospital.
Easiest song you wrote?
“Katie” Only 3 chords and never hitting the V chord.
Favourite song in your set?
Weekend. Dynamic. Fun. Balls out burner about a girl I hate.
Guest you’d most like to feature on one of your records?
Mickey Avalon’s dancers are gnarly talented
Hardest thing about being in a band?
Interviews
Interesting fact about one of your members?
Our drummer, Hyke Shirinian, plays percussion on movie scores.
Jokes you have in the band?
Starting on time….
Key to writing a song?
Sharp focus on a subject. Vague doesn’t work like it used to. And if you leave them whistling the melody or air drumming you’ve succeeded.
Longest distance you’ve travelled to play a show?
1233 miles. Not too bad.
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
Artie Vegas. The bastard is like 90 years old and plays rock and roll in an open fronted glitter suit. What are you going to be doing if you make it to 90?
New band you’d recommend?
The Fontaine Classic from Sacramento
Opening for this band would be ideal?
Eagles of Death Metal
Place you’d most like to tour?
Mexico. No one says Mexico. Why? Mexico is radical.
Quote you’d like to pass on to our readers?
Awwww hell… “Measure twice cut once”?
Reason for the title of your forthcoming release?
There isn’t a title at the moment. We better get on that.
See us live at?
Brick and Mortar 2/2 in San Fransisco, CA
JaM Cellars 2/3 in Napa, CA
Midcoast Take Over 3/16 Austin, TX
Bottlerock Nap 5/28 Napa, CA
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
I think music is always changing. There is a certain romance that comes with the vintage technology of music making. In that sense, I think the old days were better. But people are making tons of good music all the time.
Unusual merchandise
I want to sell gold chainz at shows. It’s my thing. Gold Chainz.
Variations you’d like to do on any of your songs?
I’d like to bring back MTV unplugged. Rock songs turned over, entirely live acoustic albums. You notice that stopped when the bands started playing to tracks? Poor guys are chained to laptops.
What do your fans mean to you?
Everything, we have an energetic show, and all of that comes from the fans.
X-rays or any other treatments needed for band related injuries?
Not that I am aware of. The inevitable emphysema is all that’ll take us out.
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
The drummer for sure.
Zoo animal that best describes the personality of your band?
I heard a sloth escaped its enclosure but got tired and they found it napping 50 feet away. Good question.
Check out the band’s video for Kitchen Table below;