Smiles Manhattan
Formerly a strictly solo project, SM is now evolving into a full four-man band, Silo. Most of the stuff on here is basic and rough, but likely to emerge into more elaborate complete songs with Silo. They are like musical zygotes.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Smiles Manhattan is/was nothing more than a late-night bedroom hobby with my guitar, keyboard, and computer. Now, SM is growing into Silo, a band destined to grapple with geography. We're spread out between Baltimore, Deleware, and Philadelphia, but we're slowly getting it done.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
No, we're still playing dead.
Your musical influences
I draw my influence from several bands. Some are staples of any worthwhile musical diet like Radiohead, Neil Young, Uncle Tupelo/Son Volt/Wilco. Other lesser known acts such as Fruit Bats (a band that deserves much more notoriety that what they currently have) are also big influences. I've found bits of everything from Hank Williams Sr. to Huey Lewis to Beck in my stuff.
Influences for the other guys in Silo include the Allman Brothers, Phish, and ZZ Top. All considered, its an odd mix.
What equipment do you use?
Recorded on Cakewalk Music Creator with an Alvarez acoustic/electric, a Fender Telecaster, a Yamaha PSR-280 keyboard and others. Drums: Pearl Rhythym Traveler. Other Guitars: Fender Bullet, Fender Strat Custom Shop.
Anything else?
You can check out the band's website at:
http://www.geocities.com/rreikob/silohome.html
It's brand new, so if a paucity of content bothers you, give it a few months.
