Idiot Pilot Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Mar 9th 2010 1:32PM by Jane Kelly
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In 2007, Idiot Pilot (aka Daniel Anderson and Michael Harris) released their second album, 'Wolves'. Featuring Chris Pennie from Dillinger Escape Plan and Travis Barker from Blink-182 guesting on drums, the record also contains te song 'Retina and the Sky,' which was included on the soundtrack for the blockbuster 'Transformers.' Although only in their early 20s, these two friends have already toured the UK extensively and are heading to Austin for SXSW. They recently spoke with Spinner about fashion, social networking and, of course, music.

Describe your sound in your own words.

Michael Harris: The best description we've come up with is that we kind of sound like the noise it would make if someone was creating music on a laptop and all of a sudden fell down the stairs.

How did you guys start playing music together?

Daniel Anderson: We've been friends since the third grade, then at middle school we both started playing in a kind of rock-band setup. The story of us breaking off from that to form Idiot Pilot is too unexciting to tell. We decided when we were in the kitchen, I think.

What are some of your musical influences?

DA: Sunny Day Real Estate was an important part of my life growing up, but as far as main influences or favorite bands go we both agree it is constantly changing. For the most part, the bands we like usually sound nothing like Idiot Pilot.

How did you come up with your band name?

MH: Here's another situation where the story isn't really all that exciting. We pretty much just put the two words together and said 'alright'."

How would you describe your style?

DA: Being interested in certain looks can be fun and I enjoy checking out styles and clothing, but as far as "fashion" goes I really know nothing about it and couldn't tell you what the latest trend is. All I know is that I like clothes but I don't keep up on the most current styles.

What do you think about social media today and how it affects bands and their music?

MH: With social media, it makes it possible for fans to feel as if they have a closer connection to a band compared to if they had only seen them play or bought the CD. There is more access for bands to follow other bands, and downloading their music is always a good thing to be able to do. It's also a valuable resource because some bands have been able to find financing through their social media pages.
DA: On some levels, a band can be just as connected to their fans as they would be to a close friend due to the amount of communication that can occur at any time from anywhere.
MH: It's good promotion obviously, but it also floods out the market. However, this can be a good thing because it forces us to do what's required to stand out.

In today's age of celebrity, would either of you ever want to be uber-famous?

DA: It's hard to say because I've never really had that experience and I wonder what I would do with the responsibility that's sure to come with it.
MH: I would appreciate the money fame brings, but I would only want to be famous for something worthwhile like music, not like some of these people who are famous for pretty much absolutely nothing.

Are you cat or dog people?

DA: I used to hate cats because I had one growing up that was really mean, but I've grown to love them as I've gotten older.
MH: I love dogs and consider myself an uncle but we pretty much both love both cats and dogs, equally.

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