10 Questions with ... Seabird

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

LINE-UP:

• Brandon Weaver (bass)
• Ryan Morgan (guitar)
• Preston Lane (drums)
• Aaron Morgan (keys)

LABEL: Credential Recordings

DISCOGRAPHY:

• Rocks Into Rivers (2009)

1) Introduce the members of the band using personality traits.

Brandon Weaver: Computer Genius / ProTools Guru

Preston Lane: Actor / Shopaholic

Ryan Morgan: Band Chauffeur

Aaron Morgan: The comedian

2) Can you offer a brief look at the story of how the band started?

We started our band by competing in a HUGE battle of the bands competition in Cincinnati. The absolute WORST way to start a band. We came in second place and stuck in there with it until we signed a record deal with EMI/Credential Recordings. The rest is history.

3) What's the message or story you hope is conveyed through the new album "Rocks Into Rivers"?

I wouldn't say there is one concurrent message throughout this record, but it certainly tells a very revealing story of our own lives, good or bad. Ultimately we want people to be left with a message of hope even in the midst of tragedy.

4) What is your favorite city/venue to play?

Probably Chicago. We're here in the Windy City now and it's great because it's one of the bigger cities in our country but doesn't have the snobby attitude that other unmentioned cities have. Plus, we have some great memories of playing here in subzero temperatures with Fiction Family.

5) Is there any special story behind the current radio single "Don't You Know You're Beautiful"?

Yeah, it's about a girl who carries the weight of her parents divorce on her own shoulders, believing that it's her fault and her responsibility to fix it. Thankfully she comes to know the truth about herself, that she is a beautiful creation set apart for bigger things.

6) Have you paid many radio stations a visit yet? Do you have any funny or interesting stories from your stops and talks with radio?

Um yeah, we went to one and they saw my keyboard in my hands and said, "Oh, you won't need that," which wouldn't be that funny if I knew how to play other instruments. Then I asked for some water and the DJ said, "Ohhhhhh, we actually don't have any water." He looks down at his desk and notices his sport bottle and says, "If you don't mind drinking after me, you can have some of this." [Smile]

7) Was there a moment in the studio, working on the record, that you thought, "Ah-ha! Wow. Now we have a record!"?

Yeah for sure. Making this record with Paul Moak and Matt Hales was a huge confidence builder for the band, and a much needed one at that. We recorded this record in 18 days, and we're thoroughly excited about the end result of each song. We're really excited to finally be able to play them live.

8) What's your favorite song to play live?

Probably "Cottonmouth." It has a really satisfying pay off after a drawn-out first half.

9) If you weren't doing music, what would you be doing?

Fixing computers. I had an I.T. Desk job for six years before starting Seabird.

10) Do you have much time to listen to other artists' music? What are you listening to right now?

I don't listen to a lot of music to be honest, but when I do I find myself going back to a lot of classic British rock bands like The Beatles, ELO, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.