Summer Fest Interview Series: Electric Touch

So has everyone stayed hydrated? My friend saw 3 people take the fall yesterday during ZRO. Remember to have plenty of gatorade (or something similar) as you need to replace electrolytes as well. Be careful out there! Today’s interview is with Electric Touch! They play this evening at 7:30 so be sure to catch them as it is sure to be an awesome show! Take it away boys….

You just released an album in March, Never Look Back, that is doing pretty well so far. What has been your reaction to the momentum and positive response?

Louis Messina, Jr. (drummer): It’s amazing finally being able to play the songs live in front of an audience who is accepting it. Just got to keep the momentum moving.

Portland Musser (bassist): We are so excited that the response has been very positive both young and old alike! Its constant motivation for us to get it out to more music lovers everyday!

Isaac Strycker (keys/vocals): We’re thrilled that so many people are getting behind “Never Look Back”! The music really comes from the heart, and we put A LOT into it–so when our fans feel connected with the songs, that really means everything to us.

Shane Lawlor (lead vocals/guitar/piano): The response has been incredibly positive. We worked on the album for a long time and now it’s finally out there I’m happy people are connecting with it.

As a band breaking into new territory, what do you think is the hardest thing to overcome when trying to reach a new fanbase?

Louis Jr: It’s hard playing music to anyone who has never heard of you and hasn’t heard the music. You need to give them twice the show so you don’t loose their attention.

Portland: Just getting your name and of course music out there! Most of the people on this last tour were seeing and hearing us for the first time and are now die hard fans!

Isaac: The challenge is visibility, and audibility. It takes a perception change on a massive scale to have the greatest impact, and people have to hear our music if they’re going to like it. It’s starting to happen thanks to radio stations like AltNation on Sirius XM, and 101X in Austin, TX, who have been playing our single “Don’t Stop” and promoting “Never Look Back”!

Shane: Nothing worth doing is ever easy it seems so we just play from the heart and be who we are.

What has influenced your musical style?

Louis Jr: On drums it’s the arena rock sound and using that space.

Portland: We all have so many different personal influences, it all comes down to the chemistry of the song.

Isaac: Everything from the Clash to the Beatles, to stadium rockers like Aerosmith and Green Day. We love it all! Oh, and the Stones. Can’t forget the Stones…

Shane: Everything really. From James Brown to The Strokes. The Beatles, Stones & Kinks. Chuck Berry. Beck. Beethoven.

Do you have a favorite Houston band? And if so, who?

Louis Jr: The TonTons

Portland: Castle Lights and Bang Bangz are RAD!

Isaac: So much great music comes out of Houston! Some killer song writers like Townes Van Zandt, Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen. Blues legends Albert Collins and Lighnin’ Hopkins. We love Castle Lights and the Ton Tons who are up and coming. And who could forget BEYONCE!

Shane: Castlelights are a favorite of mine. They’re great live and have killer songs. So Cool, and really lovely fellas too.

Who are you looking forward to watching perform at Summer Fest 2012?

Louis Jr: Everyone and Omar.

Portland: I can’t wait to see the Flaming Lips cover Dark Side of the Moon!!

Isaac: Flaming Lips, Snoop Dogg, Erykah Badu, Phantogram, Diplo, Young the Giant, What Made Milwuakee Famous… What a lineup!!

Shane: The Flaming Lips! I’ve been a fan for years. It’s going to be a really amazing weekend though, never a dull moment. So happy to be invited to play with such fantastic artists and excited to hit the stage at Sundown!