Stars in Stereo is an LA based rock band. I recently spoke with guitarist Jordan McGraw about their upcoming Dallas show.
Daily Campus: Have you ever played in Dallas and if so, where was your first gig?
Jordan McGraw: Yes, I have played in Dallas. The first time was in the smaller room at the House of Blues and the time after that was in the big room. It’s an awesome venue!
DC: What are your musical influences?
JM: I like a lot different kinds of music. Everything from Daft Punk to Blink182 to Tina Turner or Pat Green. Everyone in the band has different influences. We definitely all agree on some of the same influences like Foo Fighters or 30 Seconds To Mars, but it’s the differences in our influences that I think really help us challenge each other and write our brand of music.
DC: Are there musicians in your family who encouraged you to start such a lifestyle?
JM: No one in my family can do anything musical except listen… My brother can’t even clap on beat! Still, music is and has been hugely important in other ways in my family. There was always music playing throughout the house growing up so, when I expressed an interest in playing, the idea was
supported completely.
DC: Where is your next stop on the tour after Dallas?
JM: After Dallas we play the House of Blues in Houston.
DC: Can you sum up the experience fans should get from hearing your music in one sentence?
JM: That’s tough… We write about things that mean a lot to us and when we can see someone we have never met or know very little about connecting as well that’s the best feeling in the world. People should feel whatever the music inspires them to feel.
DC: What is your favorite track on the new record?
JM: Every Last Thing. It was the first song we wrote as a band so it’s really awesome to see how it’s developed. Lyrically it’s my favorite as well. Not to mention it’s fun to play live.
DC: Has the singer/performer lifestyle been challenging?
JM: It’s challenging at times. Being away from home for months at a time can be tough but, at the same time, you learn to make a home on the road as well. I think it’s to the point now where we all prefer being out on the road. It’s a fun way to live. I also bring my dog, Pigg, which definitely helps give the bus a nice touch of home for all if us.
DC: How many instruments can you each play?
JM: We can all play a few. I play guitar, bass and piano. A couple of times on the last tour we all swapped instruments for the end of the show. That was interesting.
DC: How do you conquer nerves upon a performance?
JM: I’ve never really gotten too nervous before shows. The first show of a new tour is probably the toughest on the nerves. Especially when opening for someone else, you can’t help but wonder what kind of crowd it’s going to be. Performing is awesome though…definitely my favorite part of being a musician.
DC: How did you form as a band?
JM: We all met through friends and each other. A few of us had played together before.
DC: What inspired your name?
JM: “Hoobastank” was taken.
Stars in Stereo will be playing at House of Blues on April 23rd.
