Oh No Not Stereo

An email interview with Oh No Not Stereo (3-24-09)

Let’s start with the basics. Give your name and what you do in the band.

My name is Skyler Nielsen, I sing and play guitar.

How would you describe your sound to those unfamiliar with Oh No Not Stereo?

Fun, Melodic, High-Energy Rock and Roll with a dynamic twist of timelessness.

Why did you choose to play this style of music?

When we started the band in 2003, we modeled our concept after bands like Local H and Foo Fighters, where you didn’t have to have six people on the stage to make it sound huge… We like to play rock and roll, and at the same time we know how to turn off the distortion and get all pretty with it :)

What artists have been your major influences?

I take a lot of inspiration from the 60’s, like The Beatles, The Zombies, Herman’s Hermits, The Doors… Then again, if you look through the MOST PLAYED in our iTunes, you would probably find the most crazy death metal you’ve ever heard (Brain Drill, Cattle Decapitation). In terms of song writing, my biggest musical influence is Paul McCartney for sure.

Your new album, 003, is a bit longer than the typical rock record these days. Most albums round out at ten or eleven songs, but yours goes on to fifteen. What made you decide this longer playtime would give you a stronger record?

Mykul Lee (drums) and I went to Scottsdale, Arizona, last summer to write the record and within two months, we had over 50 demos. After the writing process, we brought the songs back to LA where we picked through the ones we thought would make the best package and began pre-production. It took us six weeks to complete. Since we produced the record ourselves, we were in charge and could do whatever we wanted to. We recorded 20 of the 50 songs professionally.

You’ve also been decidedly independent so far. Why have you chosen this business method, and what might convince you to sign with a label?

With the corporate music industry crumbling today, it seems like the power suddenly lies in the hands of the independent bands who’ve stuck together through the treacherous times and figured out ways to make it happen for themselves, instead of being a slave to major label systematics. We are happily independent these days, with no hands in our pockets. We’ve always believed that if you want something done right, you just have to do it yourself.

What are your tour plans in support of the album?

We did two UK tours in promotion of the new record already and really hope to return. We also have a coast to coast US tour planned for the summer, and hopefully we’ll get to tour Canada, Europe and Japan this year too. We’re looking forward to touring relentlessly in promotion of our new release for the rest of 2009!!! Keep an eye and ear open for us :)

Tell the story of either the best or worst thing that you’ve ever experienced while on tour.

In December we had the biggest crowd we’ve ever played to in Glasgow, Scotland, and after the show we stood on the barricade and threw CDs and stickers into the crowd, and they went absolutely nuts. That shit was absolutely insane. In January we played to an even bigger crowd in London and had an even bigger unbelievable and unforgettable response. Worst thing that comes to mind that happened on tour was in Dallas, Texas; the windows got busted out of the van and our shit got jacked. Boooo!!!!!! To say the least, we drive through Ft. Worth now :)

What was the best decade for music and why?

The 60’s, for sure! Not just because I’m a sucker for organs and three-part harmonies, but what a broad display of love songs and politically injected truths. That was the time when one-take recording and multi-tracking were at their crossroads too, so when drugs came in to the picture and opened up a whole new level of creativity, the legends of that era left us with some of the best creations of all time.

Give your favorite album of all time and of the past year.

Favorite album of all time: The Beatles “Revolver.” Favorite album of the past year: The All-American Rejects “When The World Comes Down.”

In conclusion, what makes the world go round?

Music, a fun crew, Coors Light and CA Prop. 215. Oh and beautiful women with accents.

Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions. Anything else you’d like to add?

Our new record is finally out and we’re so excited about it, we hope that you’ll check it out!! We have a full album stream on PureVolume for the next week too, leave us a message and let us know what you think! We’re very responsive on Myspace so drop us a line and say haaaay. Mention you saw this interview and we’ll email you an unreleased mp3 :)