LA.CityZine brings you LA band, Shattered Atom, as a part of our “Get to know your LA Bands” series. Stemming from West Los Angeles, this group has been touring around this city since 2006 and recently has been playing to sold out crowds at The Derby, The Viper Room, The Knitting factory and more. These boys are out to do more than just sell albums, they’re here to make a difference. Recently they have been using their music to help promote shows that benefit Luekemia/Lymphoma Society as well as the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America. The bands name comes from their style which is described as “simple, unimposing, and strangely disarming. Like atoms that are shattered, their music explodes.” It’s not hard to tell that these guys have degrees in subjects varying from mathematics and engineering, to percussions and philosophy.
The band is made up of Jeremy Wilford on lead vocals and keys, Kelsey Drayton on drums, Daniel Khim on guitar, and Troy Ross on bass, and they’re just about to kick off their awesome summer in Los Angeles. The will be performing at a number of upcoming shows in Los Angeles, at the House of Blues on June 5, Perloff Quad at UCLA on June 22, and Saddle Ranch Chop Houce on July 16th. Or if you prefer, you can purchase a copy of their debut EP entitled, “Why” here.
LA.CityZine was lucky enough to speak with lead singer Jeremy Wilford and ask him about his band, his message, and his guilty pleasures.
Could you give a brief description of your band?
We are a four piece Indie/Alternative Pop band out of Los Angeles. Our sound is derived from influences including Coldplay, The Killers, Arcade Fire, and Sigur Ros, among others. Typified by the standard rock formula of guitar, bass, drums and vocals, we also incorporate extensive synthetic and electronic sounds.
What was the first record/cd/tape you ever bought? And where did you buy it?
The first record I remember buying is Aerosmith’s “Pump” at Zia Records in Arizona I was in 5th or 6th grade and would listen to it every night on my walkman before going to sleep. I almost strangled myself when the cord wrapped around my neck.
How long have you been playing music and how many instruments can you play?
I’ve been involved in music since I was a child. I play the keys and I sing and occasionally play the kazoo, but don’t ask me to play the tambourine. I’m interested in learning the therimen.
How do you get ready for a live show?
I make funny noises and drink tea.
What’s your favorite song to play live?
“Last Words.” It’s unapologetically sappy, ironically played first in the set, and is just plain beautiful.
Dead or alive. What 5 acts would you have play with you at a festival?
U2, Coldplay, Tom Waits, Radiohead and Joy Division.
How did you come up with the name for your band?
The imagery of an atom shattering was fitting for how we consider ourselves as a band. Specifically, the idea that a lot of energy can come from a small entity.
What messages do you hope your songs send out to listeners? If any.
Our goal is not to send a specific message, but to convey emotions both good and bad. We want to paint pictures that evoke memories within people that enable us to connect with people. Hopefully this process will expand people’s minds both musically and emotionally.
What was your favorite venue for a show?
The Viper Room on Sunset Blvd.
What’s your most memorable experience on the road story?
By dumb luck we happened into an opportunity to play at the MGM Grand in Los Vegas in front of 17,000 people. I’ve never felt like a rock star before or after, but I did this day. Ironically, the night before we played for 9 people at a bar off the strip.
If you could rid the world of one song, what would it be?
Where to begin? There are so many songs I would get rid of. I guess I’d have to start with _________
What’s the best cure for a hangover?
Probably not to drink that much the night before. But my Irish friends say to start drinking in the morning.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
It may not be appropriate for all audiences. Ha ha. Real answer: American Idol.
Who would play you in a film based upon your life?
Kevin Arnold.
What’s the best piece of advice someone has ever given you and did you take notice?
Don’t feed the bears.
What would be your perfect LA day?
Beach in the morning, C & O for lunch, see a movie at the Chinese Theater, and play a show at the Roxy.
What would be the best compliment someone could give you about your music?
That it changed the way they look at music.
What three things could you not live without?
Piano, ipod, chapstick.
Tell us a fact about yourself we probably don’t already know.
Subscribe to our RSS Feed And checkout our coffee competition to win a $30 gift voucher to your favourite coffee shop : click hereI used to live in Liverpool, England in a house on Penny Lane with an Irish rock band.
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