Following the release of their brand new single Never Enough, we were granted the opportunity to interview Sons Of Silver – to dig deep into their thoughts on music, live performance, songwriting and life itself. Here’s the conversation in full.
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Hey – thanks for the interview, and congrats on the single release. What does Never Enough mean to you, and what do you hope people take away from it?
Never Enough came from our take on how we, as individuals and collectively, seem to be wanting more and more. It’s a sort of insatiable appetite. Meanwhile, no matter how much we get, we’re still unfulfilled because the things we bring into our lives are like eating sugar: there’s a buzz that quickly fades and leaves a craving that needs to be filled with more of the same.
Is there a longer project on the way, and if so – will there be a conceptual thread throughout it, or do you just tend to write each song in the moment?
We have an album ready to go. Never Enough is one of a number of songs we recorded a short time ago. The songs all have a socio-political theme. I write the lyrics. I’m a political soap opera junkie and these are very inspiring times. Comical, head-shaking, fist pounding and confounding all at once. I can’t get enough – no pun intended!
We’re testing you guys by releasing a few singles before the album. That said, we’re currently finishing another half dozen songs that we’ve been working up on stage for the past few months. They’re coming out great and they fit in well with the socio-political them. I’m thinking they’re gonna be part of a bigger release.
Whether we tend to write each song in the moment— yes and no. We’re usually working on a couple at a time. But, during the process of developing them, inevitably we stumble upon some creative gems that lead us to new songs. But, because we have a fairly full tour schedule, we don’t have the time to do a concept album as of now. So, we’re always working on songs in batches.
What’s the rock scene like in LA right now?
I really don’t know! We don’t get out much when we’re home! We’re either in the studio, catching up on home life or catching up on sleep. Plus, we don’t perform in LA much. Hometown shows are tough. On the road, we’re all together and in a routine. At home, well, we’re all at home and in our own separate routines. When we get on stage, we’re like, “Hey, what’s up with you?”
Original Pearl Jam Drummer Dave Krusen (Hall Of Fame Inductee) is just one member of the band’s notably impressive line-up – how did you all come to meet and start making music together?
It’s a chain thing. Adam Kury (bassist) and I have been friends and music-mates for quite some time. We were in a band together called Last December that had some moderate success. That evolved into a bunch of session work with me producing and Adam playing. When I came to Adam with ideas for this project, I’d been working on some songs with my wife Brina Kabler (keyboards). Brina’s a sound engineer. We met at a recording studio, of course. I needed an assistant and hired her. One thing led to another after that. She had no intention of being a performer. I dragged her into it.
Anyway, back to Adam. I approached him with some songs and ideas for a new project. He’d been playing a lot with Dave and brought him in. We did a handful of rehearsals and shows with another guitarist. The fit wasn’t quite right and Dave recommended Kevin Haaland (lead guitarist). Kevin couldn’t have been more perfect. After about 15 minutes of playing together, we knew we had our team.
A quote that caught my eye over on your IG was the line ‘The most memorable music remains the most human’. What does this really mean to you, and how do you know when something has truly come from the depths of an artist’s humanity?
It’s a good quote and a that’s a really good question. We didn’t write it! Our bio writer did! Apparently, I said something along those lines during my interview with him. I was referring to my take on what makes great art. To me, the best art is genuine. As people, we’re all looking for connection to others. Art that is genuine connects us because we can relate to the humanity communicated by the artist.
You’ve got a big tour coming up from May onwards – how important is live performance to you as a band, and what makes for a truly memorable live show?
Bands that play together, stay together. That’s our motto. Shared experiences, on stage and off. Inspirations. Achievements and struggles. Together, they create bonds which allow you to freely grow and create together. There is no substitute for live performance. I repeat, there is no substitute for live performance. If anything, it puts some hair on your chest. Well, not Brina’s, hopefully. Haha.
What makes for a memorable live show? Heart and soul and some craftsmanship.
Are there any gigs in particular that you’re excited about?
OK, now you’re putting me on the spot. We’re excited about all of them, of course! We always love playing New York City. Who doesn’t? Philly’s great, too. Looking forward to a cheese-steak. Every city we’re playing is great and has its own special thing. Louisville, for instance, home of the Louisville Slugger and Mohammed Ali. Great place.
Do the members of the band ever disagree creatively, and if so – how do you overcome this?
Not really. We’re naturally on the same page pretty much all of the time. Brina and I will butt heads from time to time. But, that’s because we’re married. We arm wrestle to decide who’s idea wins. She’s pretty strong. I’ve nearly lost a few times. Seriously, though, it’s pretty remarkable how much we’re all on the same page, creatively. I think it’s fair to say we’ve all experienced otherwise in previous projects and we greatly appreciate our chemistry.
What are your thoughts on, or hopes for, the future of rock music?
Push mindful limits, push mindful buttons. Open new doors and feel comfortable peeking back through old ones. Be rock and roll without cliché. Stand and deliver.
If you could sit down to lunch with anyone at all, past or present, who would you invite – and what would you ask them about?
Benjamin Franklin. I’d ask… Ben, may I call you Ben? Yes? Cool. Thanks. You did so many different things over the course of your life. You were a writer, an activist, a politician, a free mason, a scientist, a diplomat. You were a leading figure in one of the most important periods and places in human history. Are you aware of your influence and importance? What drove you? What inspired you? What was George Washington like? Thomas Jefferson? What was Paris like in the late 18th century? The food? The wine? The love?
If you could perform at any venue or event in the world, which would you choose – and why?
Can I choose two? One, The Troubadour in Los Angeles. I’ve played nearly all of the great venues in LA. But, not the Troub for some reason. My mom and dad were in a band together. My mom the lead singer and my dad the bassist. They often played at the Troub. The last time they did, my mom was eight months pregnant with me. I want a return performance.
Number two, the Herodion. It’s the theater at the base of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. I saw Sting perform there. The most mind-blowing location to see a concert. I still get chills thinking about that night.
What’s the best thing that could happen for you as a band in 2019?
A hit song or two.
What advice could you give to newer bands who are struggling to be heard?
Patience and persistence. Follow your heart and instinct. Master your instrument and hone the craft of songwriting. Play live as much as possible. Accept that failure, many times over, is an inevitable event on the path to success. Solve problems rather than savor them.
What’s the bigger picture?
Enjoy life. Respect it and appreciate. It’s precious and so very fleeting. The drama is bullshit.
Is there anything else we should know?
Yes. But, you’ll have to listen to our music and see some shows over the next few decades to find out.
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Find & follow Sons Of Silver on Facebook & Instagram or visit their Website.
