Interview by Karla Ash
Stereopool: Book-Smart Acoustics
Generally speaking, the legion of acoustic rockers flooding
Triple A radio nowadays aim for more of a feel-good summertime
vibe. Although their pleasant folksy rhythms may suggest otherwise,
Stereopool reaches depths that other similar acts refuse to swim
in. Leader Bob Sima talks about his band in his first U.K. interview.
Karla Ash: "I Don't Know a Soul Here (a.k.a. The Lime
Green Song)" has intriguing lyrics. Is that an autobiographical
track?
Bob Sima: It is an autobiographical track. That night really
happened. I was new in town and started a new job. I was invited
to a party by a co-worker I had just met. Turns out I showed
up at the party, but she didn't. So I knew no one there. I had
to "mingle," etc. I was not wearing a wife-beater T-shirt
(as portrayed in the video) but did not exactly feel I "fit
in" so I did what anybody would do - I started slamming
down the green shooters…the rest, as they say, is history.
Ash: Musically, Stereopool seems to be influenced by the
late '60s and early '70s - am I correct in that observation?
Sima: I grew up in the '70s so I was listening to a lot of
the hard rock. Didn't catch the acoustic bug until the late '80s.
So I am more influenced by contemporary stuff on the surface,
but I suppose my early listening habits are engrained enough
in me.
Ash: How did the group get together?
Sima: I founded the band by seeking out players. I found [bassist]
Chris Ritsch online. His harmonies blew me away so he was a natural.
[Drummer] Gary Shenk was a friend of a friend and he came to
one session and we all agreed that this was a perfect match.
All in all we have become a band and have been through a lot
together. It is a great situation.
Ash: How are the songs written? Do you guys jam first and
then write the lyrics later? I
Sima: I write all of the songs on an acoustic guitar and then
bring them to the band. If they are taken in quickly, we keep
them. If they require too much work and thought, they usually
don't make the cut. We feel simple is better.
Ash: Comparisons have been made between you and Dave Matthews.
How do you feel about that? Does it become annoying because you
want to be taken on your own terms?
Sima: We are big Dave Matthews fans. We're honored to be compared.
It is a bit of a stretch, though, when you think about it as
we are a three-piece and he, well, pretty much fills the stage
with players.
Stereopool - Freedom Finds You
Review by Karla Ash
Although they'll inevitably be compared to Jack Johnson and
John Mayer, Stereopool have a greater creative reach than most
of today's acoustic-pop acts. First of all, they have a "band"
sound. Although it's obvious that vocalist/guitarist Bob Sima
is the primary artistic force here, there is a strong chemistry
between him and his fellow members that gives the songs more
sonic impact. That becomes significant in tracks like "Junior"
and "I Don't Know A Soul Here (The Lime Green Song)"
with their soaring hooks. The group rocks harder than most young
bands that are actually plugged in. The term "rock"
isn't about volume; it's about force. Remember what the Violent
Femmes were able to do with their acoustic instruments? While
Stereopool are nowhere that fiery, they have tremendous energy,
able to push forward and then slide back when the mood calls
for it. That's called discipline. Lyrically, the songs are darker
than you'd expect as Sima relates tells of death, woe, and disappointment
while his group plays happily around him.
To find more about the artist visit http://www.stereopool.com
