Stephanie Burns is an SMU senior, with a radio show on KPNI. She is also the leading lady in the local band, Spookeasy. She sat down with The Daily Campus to talk about their band and their show tonight at the Double Wide in Deep Ellum.
Q: Who is Spookeasy?
A. We’re a Dallas-based indie pop band. It’s Logan Kelson on guitars, Joe Tacke on bass, Jordan Williams on drums and me on keys/vox.
Q. When did the band form?
A. As a complete band- a little over a year ago
Q. How did it all start?
A. Well, Logan and I met working at a coffee shop four years ago and started jamming and writing songs together. Everything else basically happened naturally.
We recorded demos together, decided we wanted to play live and actually put an ad on craigslist for band members.
Most of the craigslist members came and went with the exception of our bassist Joe who we immediately clicked with. We met Jordan at a Wavves show in Deep Ellum, saw his band Hormones play a few times and he jumped on our project shortly after. That’s about it.
Q. What is your sound like/who are your biggest influences?
A. This is hard. Honestly whatever Logan and I are listening to at the time really influences each different song, which is probably why we sound a little all over the place. But that’s the way we like it.
We’ve been told we sound like many random bands. I’ve heard everything from the Cars to the Pixies. One guy said we sounded like Dick Dale meets the Cure… which I found interesting.
Q. Did you, Stephanie,
always want to be in a band?
A. I always dreamt about it, but it seemed like something that would be way to far out of my reach. I also never really liked any of the songs I wrote until I met Logan.
I always assumed finding gigs and a following would be impossible too. It does take work, but it’s really just turned out to be a blast.
Q. How long have you played guitar?
A. Well, my mom gave me her Taylor acoustic when I turned 16 and I’ve been playing since. I’m really just a bedroom guitarist.
I use it to write songs and then let Logan take over the guitar playing, because he is much better. I focus on the keys mostly in Spookeasy, which I’ve been playing since 5 or 6.
Q. What are the details about the show on Friday?
A. It’s at the Double Wide in Dallas (Deep Ellum). Doors are at 9, We’ll play at 10, The Lemurs at 11 and Bright Light Social Hour at 12. We’re almost more excited about this show just to watch as fans! Both bands are from Austin and are super great. And it’s “Bright Light Social Hour” album release! And it’s only 5 bucks!
Q. What else is going on currently for Spookeasy?
A. Our first E.P. will be available at shows and on itunes Oct. 8! We will be having an E.P. release party at the City Tavern Nov. 13. You can check out our Facebook page for more details!