6 Questions With Highly Suspect
Don’t you just love it when a band emerges on the scene and smashes through all kinds of preconceived notions and clichés? Highly Suspect is a Brooklyn-based trio of Cape Cod, MA transplants steadily making a name for themselves in the indie rock arena. The band consists of Johnny Stevens (guitar/vocals/synth) and twin brothers Ryan and Rich Meyer who handle drums/vocals & bass/vocals respectively. Their music can be described as a heady mix of raw garage rock and intense, riff-driven blues. They are also well-versed in the art of delivering venomous, emotionally-charged lyrics. When all those ingredients are put together, what you have is the solid foundation for an impressive band with tons of bubbling potential.
Two-thirds of the Highly Suspect clique recently visited our O.N.S Soho store to chat and try on a few pieces from our Spring/Summer collection. See our interview with them below:
You’ve been a band since 2006. How were the initial years like & how were you able to set yourselves apart in the crowded BK indie scene?
Well, the initial years were very humble. We were playing acoustic cover gigs in bars and restaurants to tourists and families. As we developed our sound, we realized that Cape Cod was not going to be our market so we moved to Brooklyn. It’s true; Brooklyn is very crowded, but the industry is here and the industry is the next step for local musicians who want to perform around the world.
The lyrical content on your single “Lydia” is raw and unfiltered. Tell us more about the track and is this the tone we can expect from your debut album Mister Asylum?
You can expect to hear more emotionally raw and unfiltered songs, but the tone of “Lydia” is specific to that track. We hope you find our songs to be diverse; it’s something that we strive for.
You are dedicated road warriors —800 shows in 6 years — wow! Can you share a story of one of the craziest road experiences you’ve ever encountered?
One time we snuck backstage at a Gary Clark Junior concert (before we were friends) and ate his chicken. When he finished his show and came backstage, we told him that his rhythm section wasn’t very good. Luckily he’s a really cool guy and didn’t get mad at us even though he totally could have.
Do you guys have a Highly Suspect style uniform? Is there a signature look or stage attire you usually adhere to?
There was a time when we all wore tank tops. Then there was a time when we all played shirtless in basketball shorts. There was even a time when we wore all black, tight jeans and Converse sneakers. Lately, we are trying to be more creative. Colors are good.
What would you consider a perfect day in NYC? Where would you chill out, spend happy hour and drink to the early hours of the morning?
There’s a place in Bedstuy called Project Parlor, check it out sometime, it’s pretty cool!
Lastly, can you tell us the next couple of shows you will be playing in NYC and any other major plans in the offing for 2015?
We will be releasing all our tour dates in the next couple days… Stay tuned!
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The new album Mister Asylum from Highly Suspect dropped on July 17th
For more information, visit www.highlysuspect.net
