How did The Static Dynamic come together?
Christopher Lee and I met about a year and a half ago and immediately started writing songs together. Some of the tunes I had already written earlier that year and wanted to make something more of them. After we had enough material for our first record, I contacted Stephanie Curran, who played guitar in a previous band we had called In the Arms of Strangers. She then suggested Matt Ellis to play drums as she had also worked with him in the past. So here we are!
What inspired the band’s name?
“Static” and “Dynamic” are both characterization concepts in literature. An oxymoron really. Static stays consistant, and dynamic is changing.
How would you describe your sound?
Madonna meets Meshugga. It’s keyboard-driven rock n’ roll with female vocals. It definitely has its own edge and sound. Something I hope people find
refreshing.
Who are your primary influences… and which female artists in particular inspire you?
My influences come from all different places. The biggest ones would be U2, Mute Math, Nine Inch Nails, Strapping Young Lad, Sunny Day Real Estate, and The Police. As far as female artists are concerned, Tori Amos and Bjork are both amazing!
Tell us about the band’s 2007 self-titled debut album.
It’s certainly something you haven’t heard before! We do a lot of different things, and the songs cover a wide range of styles, from piano-driven rock songs, to heavier guitar features, carried by orchestral string arrangements and powerful basslines.
You also co-produced the album. During the recording, was it difficult to change gears from performer to producer?
To be completely honest it was! Christopher has been producing for a very long time, and knows what he wants to hear. Sometimes I didn’t agree with the way he tweaked some of my songs, but after listening to the track a few times, it grew on me and I appreciated the help. Most of the production I did was in the vocal lines and some of the keyboard arrangements. We had our share of disagreements, but it all worked out great in the end. Writing a record is certainly not easy.
What is your songwriting process like? Is everyone involved?
For this record, the majority of the songs I had already written and brought them to Christopher. We collaborated our thoughts for the rest.
One of the album’s tracks, “Of Power,” was selected for heavy rotation in Guitar Center stores nationwide. Why do you think that particular song was chosen out of the others on the record?
Actually, “Of Power” was the latest song to be chosen for Guitar Center radio. “Fire Waiting” was chosen first, followed by “Wave-like Forms.” The songs were chosen based off of a vote and rating system. We were the highest rated band 3 out of 4 months between June and September. Today, all three songs still have the most amount of plays on the Gaincentral site! (Guitar Center’s employee portal.)
Do you feel that the 2:2 male/female ratio in The Static Dynamic helps set the band apart?
I wouldn’t say gender sets us apart, but it certainly is great having a female guitarist. Stephanie is one of my best friends. It’s so much fun rocking out in a band together.
What do you enjoy most about performing live?
I love giving people a show and seeing them smile. It’s also a personal release for me. For the short time I’m on stage I’m the happiest. It’s like a
different world up there.
Funniest/weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on stage?
With my old band last summer, I had some old drunk biker dude walk up in the middle of a song asking me to play Jethro Tull. So awkward! Haha.
If you could tour with any band, who would you choose?
Tough question. I would have to say U2. They are one of the greatest bands to ever happen to music. And to hang out with Bono would be a dream.
What do you ultimately want to achieve as a band?
As a band, I want us to stick out above the rest. I want people to notice we’re different than the other stuff out right now, and hopefully that will be an advantage that will take us to the next level.
Looking ahead to 2008, what’s the plan for The Static Dynamic?
Lots of shows, lots of exposure, and another record would be great! We have a bunch of new material we’re all working on, so be prepared!
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The Static Dynamic on MySpace
Jess, whom has been a star since she was born is my all time favorite. I have seen her from the time she could stand up perform. Seeing her get her wish to do what she always loved makes me so proud and very, very happy.
Love You, Jess xoxoxoxox
Your Grammy
PS I shall always be your bigests fan.