Introducing new local band ‘Black Stereo'

With Trudi Goldsmith (Sept 16)

This week I caught up with new local band Black Stereo ahead of their debut gig at the Masons Arms Llanelli on Friday 16th September.

Tell us about the band and how you formed ? (eg I know Black Stereo features members of known Llanelli bands The Ecko and Stand Up and Shout "- who is in the band and what's their role )

Aidan Kiely plays drums and provides backing vocals; Matthew Clark plays bass and both Elliot Lewis and Lee Shears are our lead singers and guitarists.

Lee, Matthew and Elliot had previously played together in The Ecko and Matthew and Aidan played together in Stand Up and Shout, who Lee use to play with as well. We all knew each other pretty well, so when we all had returned from university and our ventures we decided to put something together.

How long have you been together?

We've been together since the start of the summer in this formation.

How did you come up with the band name Black Stereo?

Lee come up with the band name, it’s a combination of two of his favourite bands Heavy Stereo and The Black Keys.

Do you have a songs recorded?

We've been recording quite a bit over the past few months and should have some songs to share soon.

What plans do you have for the band for the rest of the year?

At the moment the plans for the rest of the year are to write more songs and play more gigs and try establish ourselves on the music scene again.

How would you describe your music ? Influences etc

Influences wise we're all into a lot of different music The Beatles, The Manic Street Preachers, Foo Fighters, Ocean Colour Scene, Royal Blood, Led Zeppelin,

The Raconteurs are the bands that influence our writing and the sound of the band. Our music is quite a blend and we have some garage rock, psychedelic rock, blues rock and pop rock sounds in our songs.

Who writes the music and lyrics?

At the moment Lee usually brings in the initial idea and then we work on it as a band. So far Lee and Elliot have contributed all the lyrics.

What's the best and worst thing about being in a band?

I think one of the best aspects of being in a band is playing with your friends and being able to write and create new sounds.

What makes you different from other bands?

I don't think there's a lot of bands on the Llanelli scene at the moment that play the same genre as us.

What can people who come out to see you live expect?

Lots of harmonies, lots of trippy guitar sounds and lots of songs.

Do you have any advice for someone who wants to form a band?

One of the most important aspects from my experience is be in a band with people you get on with and enjoy playing music with. You could be in a band full of the best musicians in the world but if you don't get on its not going to be fun. Also I think it is important to share the same vision for the band.

Debuting alongside Black Stereo at The Masons Arms Llanelli on Friday 16th September will be Oblong and Ezra V . Doors 7.30pm and entry is free entry.