ENTERTAINEMENT
From Issue #5
Interview with Static In Stereo
No Static Interference
By
Lori Saunders
Looking beyond their aspirations to 'become the band to save
rock 'n roll' Static in Stereo is a study in self-expression
and individuality, which is not surprising as three of the four
members are brothers.
Like most siblings, Todd, John and Ryan were determined to establish
their own distinct identity as they grew up in Lanigan, Saskatchewan.
The easiest and most obvious route was their appearance - visually
their differences are striking.
Todd, the eldest brother, is the glam rock lead vocalist. Wearing
shoulder length midnight hair, tattooed arms, leather pants
and just the right t-shirt, he rocks the stage with his tall
lean frame; he is the epitome of a rock star.
Then there is John. Introduced by Todd as 'half man, half beast',
his punk rock persona is magnified as he drags his guitar along
the stage and occasionally spits for good measure. His mohawk
and crossbones and skull necklace complete the image.
Ryan, the youngest of the three, comfortably dressed in his
Levi's blue jeans with the cuffs turned up and his country-western
shirt adorned with roses, seems relaxed and unassuming. His
rhythmic sway and conservative movements reflect his roots-based
origins.
It seems almost comical at first, that when John is asked about
their differences, he pauses awhile and responds, "Really,
I can't think of any." The simplicity of the statement
is profound. Despite the blaring, seemingly obvious differences
in style, music and interests, they are very much alike.
Todd comments on why they get along so well, "If I use
the analogy of a hockey team, well, there's someone who plays
net, someone is defence and someone else plays centre, everyone
has their own role to play. I think it was always very clear
what each person's role was and we were always open to each
others ideas."
Ryan admits, "Sure, we have differences but eventually
we all meet in the middle. For example, musically I try to bring
in elements of country and we'll mix that with John's harder
edge punk rock and Todd's glam rock base and end up with something
we all like."
John goes on to say, "Sibling rivalry is just part of growing
up - we'd fight about everything from what kind of music we
liked, to what we should watch on TV, but again that's part
of growing up and gaining social skills. But, in the end you
gotta respect the other person or they're not going to respect
you."
At first glance the members of Static In Stereo appear to be
an experiment in music melding - throw four different genres
of music together and see what you get. Scotty, the 'outsider',
completes the melting pot as he pushes his silver-rimmed aviator
glasses back into his short gelled hair and explains he is,
"the purely rock 'n roll guy."
However, it is the appreciation of each other's unique life
perspective that has enabled them to create a sound that speaks
to the masses about aspirations, perseverance and personal triumph.
