PISTON – The Machine Of Rock ‘n’ Roll

1. Welcome, please introduce the band and let us know about the formation of the PISTON.

Hi, we are Piston. A British five piece rock n’ roll band hailing from Staffordshire, England.  

2. How did you choose the name PISTON?

Its actually a funny story. We had a bunch of names in mind for the band and we basically picked one out of a hat. There was never much thought into it and we picked a name just to get out there and start playing shows, until it kinda backfired on us when we realised how hard it was to create a logo for the name… Haha! It’s stuck with us now and I think we’ve warmed to it a little bit more than a few years back.

3. There are several influences in your sound, especially from the 1980s. What are the main influences and how do you mix them with modern sounds and ideas?

It may sound cliche but our sound is constantly evolving. When we first started we liked the heavier rock acts and we were 
once described as Black Stone Cherry meets Motley Crue (a strange analogy I know). But now, the sound is much more bluesy. We have retained all the hard hitting riffs but have approached our songwriting from a more professional point of view with better dynamics, group vocals and simplified guitar parts.

 4. Your EP ‘Playing With Fire’ includes a great cover of Proud Mary. How did you approach the original song, musically speaking?

We initially introduced that song to fill out our set live and to keep the crowd on their toes! We recorded it for a bit of fun but it ended up making it on the record. The song isn’t far from the original but we did modulate the key and change the guitar riff – its a little more Status Quo’ish now! Its a fun song to play and it always gets everybody up dancing! 

 5. You have a new single out, called: One More Day. Would you like to let us know how did you compose it and which was the inspiration behind it?

‘One More Day’ has had various different incarnations. When we initially recorded the track it had so many different sections that it was more like a piece of music than a good rock n’ roll anthem. Anyway, when we went back into the studio we stripped it down completely and re-wrote the whole track based off that one guitar riff in the beginning. The bass drives the song in the chorus with that ascending line and that is what builds the tension and release. The song is wrote about learning to trust in the natural progression of life. We cant turn back time here, we have to move forward and we always have another day to find the light.

6. How did you choose to create a lyric video for the song One More Day?

Well, we’ve always wanted to be made into cartoon characters and man, have you ever filmed a music video? Those things are exhausting to film – you cant walk for a week! Haha! It’s came out awesome and we have never released a lyric video before – the reaction has been so positive! 

7. Do you like the Romesh Dodangoda’s remix of the song and are you going to include different remixes in your new album?

Romesh has done an amazing job. His CV speaks for itself – and we are thrilled to have him on board. We may include different remixes on the album it’s definitely a conversation we will be having soon for sure. 

8. Would you like to describe us your new album? I can’t wait to hear about it…

It’s a journey. We have been through hell and back as a band and the songs reflect that. We recorded a whole album, scrapped it and then re-wrote it and that is where we are now. We are excited for everyone to hear it – the band has a more modern sound now and the songs are much stronger than they were before! 

9. Have you planned any tour dates? Please give us all the details…

We have a tour in March coming up and all those dates can be found on our website – www.pistonuk.com  If all goes to plan, we will have a second batch of shows for around April and May! 

10. How do you adjust yourself to the current status of the music industry?

We are still learning but it’s about maintaining a personal connection with our followers. We talk to them directly and listen to their opinions. There is little money to be made in this industry as an upcoming band and money does not motivate us. We do this band for us and we are very fortunate to have followers that love what we do! 

Information & image source:
www.pistonuk.com