In today’s A-Z challenge, we find out all about State Of You from Steve Sitkowski!
A song that made you want to make music?
I remember going to a friend’s house and he had a small amp and a guitar and he showed me how to play the main riff for ‘My Own Summer’ by Deftones and I wanted a guitar so badly just so I could play it over and over again.
Best rider you’ve had?
I was once somewhere in Europe and we were given fondue. As we were eating it, the promoter came in saying “They’ve arrived! They’ve arrived!” and he had a box of about four hundred flyers for the show that was going to start in about 15 mins. There was only about 20 people in the venue. He was so proud of the flyers and he didn’t seem to grasp the fact that they were now useless… but that fondue was exceptional.
Craziest moment you’ve had in the band?
We found out that we had sold out our last show at the Black Heart in Camden right before soundcheck. That was cool and the show was incredible. The audience went off, screaming lyrics back at me, going off etc. Obviously I have a lot of crazy stories from touring but that felt like a moment things are headed in the right direction. It might be slow but it’s steady. Like a fucking tank!
Deepest lyric one of your songs features?
There’s a lyric off our new record that comes to mind – “I make no peace from the mistakes in my past, I try to stay present but it goes by so fast.” I think that sums up how I feel a lot of the time.
Easiest song you wrote?
‘Blood Party’ came together when we were heading into the studio and it felt like it wrote itself.
Favourite song in your set?
‘The Perfect Storm’ because it always goes down well and it just builds and builds to an epic closer. It’s just a fast, aggresive song with some melody and heavy breakdowns. I’m really proud of that one.
Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?
Andrew Herman from Johnny Booth. That guy’s voice is absolutely incredible. I’m dying to see them live.
Hardest thing about being in a band?
Real life constantly getting in the way and trying to derail it.
Interesting fact about one of your members?
Max has got his stag do coming up and he knows nothing about it… but I do 😉
Jokes you have in the band?
We’ve all been in signed bands before so we are just enjoying ourselves so there’s constant jokes – tearing into each other etc. Our wattsapp group would go viral.
Key to writing a song?
As a vocalist, I just feed off what the other guys are doing and wait for it to inspire me to write about a certain subject. It normally comes from one line that will stick and then I will work around it.
Longest distance you’ve travelled to play a show?
I once travelled from Switzerland mid tour just to play Download and then we went back to touring Europe immediately after we did press. That was back in like 2010. I was in love with my Sony PSP back then – it helped with the long drives. Riiiiidge Racer!!!!
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
I met Tom Morello last year and he was beyond cool. An absolute gentleman. It was actually my second time as I met him at Coachella in 2007. It doesn’t get better than that for me. It’s always strange meeting a hero as you don’t want to bombard them with compliments but it’s really tough when their music means so much to you.
New band you’d recommend?
Barbarians of California. Trust me.
Opening for this band would be ideal?
Yes it would!
Place you’d most like to tour?
I’d say two weeks in New Orleans playing all of the bars and clubs. It just seems like such a cool place – gothic and mysterious, full of crazy characters and the local food looks unbelievable. Now I’m hungry.
Quote you’d like to pass on to our readers?
Lean into the positive when you wake up. Even if it’s just 51%, then you have a better shot at enjoying your day.
Reason for the title of your recent/forthcoming release?
It’s a reaction to how tense everyone seems these days – like we are all holding on by a thread. Anything can happen and we never know what will happen next so it’s best to just hold on and ride it out.
See us live at?
The Black Heart in Camden on Saturday 25th Jan. It’s the release party for our new EP and I promise you it’s going to be a hell of a good time. I’m going to enjoy myself even if it kills me.
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
Nah – it’s just getting better and better. Live music will always be the best way to experience music and I love music now more than I ever have. Obviously making a living playing music alone is nearly impossible unless you are extremely well known but it’s making and playing music that gives me what I need. I don’t need another TV…
Unusual merchandise?
We have a State of You overnight kit which includes a flannel and a toothbrush. If you meet someone special at one of our gigs then we have you covered.
Variations you’d like to do on any of your songs?
I wish I could have pulled back vocally in the middle eight in ‘Run’. I do it live now and it just feels better.
What do your fans mean to you?
As a new band, seeing people come to our shows is the best feeling in the world. To see a stranger passionately screaming my words back at me is priceless. You can’t buy that feeling – if you could bottle it and sell it you’d be a billionaire overnight.
X-rays or any treatments needed for band related injuries?
Rick managed to take a huge chunk of flesh off his knees recently whilst sanding down a floor. He’s the most manly man I’ve ever met and I think just from looking at the pictures he sent me of his open flesh that I would have died instantly. Or I’d still be crying about it months later.
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
I’m a lorry driver so I’m pretty good these days with being on time. That being said, I was an hour late to our last band practice as I was FaceTiming my sister as she lives in LA and had to escape the fires. Luckily she and her house are fine.
Zoo animal that next describes the personality of your band?
I think a panther. We don’t have anything to prove and are all pretty chill but when it’s time to strike we fuck shit up.
Thank you for your interest in our band – I really appreciate it. Steve.