Spy Radio

"Spy Radio carries on in the tradition of great bands such as Green Day, Weezer and Cheap Trick and not so great bands like Garys Army, The Pugeot Sound and Winged Leopards of Fury, writing and singing songs of lost love, self deprecation and futility, but dont worry its all in good fun." - My Space.

First of all, what has the band been up to recently? 

We have been playing some shows locally, testing out new material before we go into the studio to start work on our next CD. 

How would you describe your music? 

Its usually pretty hi-energy... Personally I hate labeling bands and their music as "pop-punk", or "punk", or "alternative" or whatever... Then everyone expects them to act, look and sound the same....and I'd like to think we didn't.... If I had to describe it... I'd say it was sort of a mix of Sum41 and Weezer with a bit of... ummm... something else???? I guess us.. yep.. that sounds like an answer.. 

The media influencing young people is a big issue at the moment. How much of an influence do you think music has on today's youth? What kind of influence does it have? 

I'm not sure music itself has that big of an influence anymore.. except on maybe fashion... there aren't too many bands trying to get out a message... and when they do... NOFX - "son of an idiot".. no matter how important the message and how great the cd is... and it is !!!! I didn't see it changing anyone's mind on how they feel about an issue.. in this case.. one of politics... I think most people already have an idea about how they feel.. of course there are always expectations :) 

No... we do try to appeal to a feeling or a situation.. but its always on a personal level... never anything to effect world change. 

Have you ever experienced conflict as a result of dressing a certain way/listening to a certain music/being a part of a certain group? If so, what form did this conflict take? 

No not really.. I guess I've never been that extreme.. or something. 

Have you ever been to a show/gig (either one of your own or someone else’s) where violence has broken out? Why do you think this violence starts? 

I am sure we have avoided a few mishaps... one in particular was.. skinheads not happy with our tongue in cheek.. good natured flavor of music...we just kept smiling and playing.. they eventually got the idea and went looking for a better fight somewhere else. 

People are represented / stereotyped in a certain way for the way they dress. Does this 'labelling' also happen to people for the kind of music they listen to? What are your opinions on this? 

I don't think so... unless maybe they are listening to country (ha ha)... I suppose there are divisions or labeling that occurs.... I dont think too many listeners of Nazi Death Metal are hanging out with kids listening to Feable Weiner... but maybe???? It would make an interesting mix..... 

What kind of music are you into at the moment? Any favourite bands? 

I like a lot of stuff... for a lot of different reasons... From old school hip-hop (Young MC, Biz Markie) to classic rock (Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Cheap Trick) to the somewhat obscure (Atom and His Package, Alister, Brandston, "A")...depends on what kinda mood I'm in... there was a time when all I listened to was Alkaline Trio (still a favorite).. for months.. I think I musta been kinda angry then... 

What has the band got planned next? 

A new Cd... a trip to the U.K. ... places to sleep when we get there... 

Finally, is there anything else you’d like to add or promote? 

Just the band... check us out at www.thespyradio.com or @ www.myspace.com/spyradio. 

Thanks to all the bands and promoters who have taken part in our 'Punk and Politics' Feature!