After spending the last few months building and cultivating their sound, US duo Silk Letdown recently introduced themselves to the world with their explosive debut single 'Big Blue'.
Channelling a wonderfully rich and swaggering alt-rock aesthetic for their initial offering, 'Big Blue' makes for an incredibly fun and lively introduction to their sound so far. Filled with bold and driven grooves, a soaring atmosphere, and killer hooks layered throughout, they are certainly looking to turn plenty of heads with this infectious new release.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with the band's Pierce Guderski to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I began playing Jazz Bass in 6th grade and took pride in the instrument that no one seemed to care about. Bands like RHCP, Rush, and Primus gave me confidence that you don’t need to give up any ground because you’re “the bass player”, but playing Jazz also reinforced that: it’s arguable that the bass is the most important instrument TO the band as a whole and feeling responsible for the groove was empowering.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Red Hot Chili Peppers were my first favourite band, but I had a great local rock radio station that covered everything 90’s rock to the early 00’s. I also had very fond memories of my parent’s favorite albums such as Boston, Blue Oyster Cult, Queen, and Steely Dan. In 8th grade when my friend mixed me a metal CD and I discovered Rush, my whole musical world was blown open on another level. That led to my first two concerts ever being Ozzfest ‘07 and Rush Snakes & Arrows Tour.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first CD I had been given to “own” myself with my first CD player was the debut Los Lonely Boys album…what a hidden gem! Phenomenal blues rock musicianship with some great hooks. Red Hot Chili Peppers Greatest Hits and What Hits?! Came shortly thereafter and as you can probably guess…Flea was my first bass hero and still one of my biggest inspirations.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Wow…well done. I’ve never been so stumped by a question in my life! Feels impossible to answer with so many choices, but I’m going to fall back on my favorite song ever: Analog Kid by Rush - The energy to that song in both its double time and half time moments is so emotive and inspiring to me. It fills my heart with something every time I listen to it (which has got to be in the 10,000’s by now) because of musicianship, chord choices, overall tone of the song, but also it’s lyrics that I hold very near and dear due to their relatability.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I personally don’t really hit writer’s blocks so I just try to capture whatever flicker of that creative spark comes to mind at the moment. I’ve written songs starting from a single guitar tone, bass line, drum groove, single measure of a melody, or an entire poem I've written. I take it and run and only stop when the momentum hits a wall. Some songs write themselves in what feels like an hour and then it’s just about getting what’s in your head to the computer as quickly as possible. Other songs are a constant retooling and feel like they shouldn’t be rushed, but sat on and let ideas marinate and come naturally when they do.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
In all honesty, I struggle to find “new” artists that I really want to connect with, but some “old” artists I’m really enjoying at the moment regardless (if I always have) are King’s X, Avenged Sevenfold (City of Evil?! Unbelievably good album!, Living Colour, Tears for Fears. On the other side of things, very excited with new Dirty Loops and Haywyre releases. Strangely, if it’s new music i’m listening to, it’s usually jazz fusion or something electronic, not too much modern “rock” captures my attention to be honest.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Rush. They are in an untouchable place as my favorite band of all time for reasons I could ramble on and on about. To get to open for my biggest inspiration as musicians (and why not as humans too?) would mean I played some part in their reunion post-Neil. If I knew the music I wrote moved them in someway, I can’t imagine a better individual feeling for myself.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Having a challenging, yet healthy outlet for all of the energy in my head. I truly enjoy any time I’m able to “create” but it’s even more of an honor if ANYONE wants to listen to it. I do it for myself (meaning not to ‘please’ others) but hope that my art can inspire someone both musically and in life whether it elicits happiness, thoughtfulness, or pure amusement.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Getting music “out there”. We’re confident in the music we are creating to where would enthusiastically show anyone…but it seems the world of music these days isn’t as much about your skill as an artist, moreso the skill of your marketing engine or serendipitous luck. Working with Paul Shamy (Lead Vocals)is a blessing; I would say the most frustrating part is finding people who have the right combination of time, talent, and personality, so in a way I am happy to be flustered by something beyond general creative chemistry. A sign of the times maybe, but now there’s even considerations of how to pivot if Tik Tok is banned in the US…it all feels very serendipitous and arbitrary to “break out”, so we just need to keep grinding, believing, and enjoy the process itself!
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
I’ve been lucky to meet a few “greats” but Victor Wooten has been my favourite. After a show of his, we chatted for just a bit and he reinforced to not ever limit your creativity with playing bass (or any instrument). Do what feels right and natural, but don’t ever confine yourself to what has been done thinking that you need to follow a paved path. Don’t force it, but if you feel like doing something crazy and foreign, do it. Be an innovator.
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Silk Letdown's debut single 'Big Blue' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.