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Band page - Syrym
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Band Profile
What is your name and your current position in the band?
Jeffrey Winslow, Vocalist.
How would you categorize the style of the band? And did you ever consider or try playing other styles of music than the one(s) you are playing now?
Melodic Hard Rock. In this band, we never thought about playing anything else, but I've been involved in everything from funk rock to R&B to soul to classical to gospel.
What is your latest album and why should people buy it?
Our self-titled debut album is 12 tracks of catchy hard rock, featuring amazing guitar work from Babylon A.D.'s six-string wunderkind Ron Freschi, thundering drums from Jamey Pacheco (also of Babylon A.D.), booming bass playing from Rich Talley, and vocals that are gritty and soulful.
Tell us about the history of the band. More specifically, when was the band formed, how did you meet, and have there been any particular highlights or low points in your career, any crucial events that have taken you where you are today?
Syrym started in late 2007, with Ron posting an ad looking for a singer. We connected, started writing, and eventually had an album's worth of material recorded. We brought Jamey and Rich in around the middle of summer, 2008, to re-record all the drum and bass parts. That was definitely one of the crucial events in the history of the band, because having those guys in the band definitely helped make the songs really come alive. Highlights of the past year include receiving eight awards for the demo version of "Foul Mouth Blues" and having several reviewers place our album in their Top 20 Albums of 2008. Low points? We're trying to avoid those.
Was there ever a time when you wondered if your band would remain just a local outfit and never make it in the industry?
We never really looked at it that way. Initially, we formed to just record a song or two, as a project. As we got closer to completing the album, however, we realized we had something bigger on our hands. Now it's up to the fans to determine if we "make it in the industry." I'd say we're definitely headed in the right direction.
Can you share with us one or two of your favourite moments with the band?
One of my favorite moments with the band was early in the recording process, when we realized there was a unique chemistry and a sound that we just weren't going to be able to keep to ourselves. There was a feeling that we were creating something musically that was bigger than we'd originally planned. That was an exciting feeling.
How is the writing process in the band?
For a majority of the songs on the album, Ron wrote the music and laid down the basic tracks. Then I wrote lyrics and melodies. There were a few exceptions. One was the fact that we re-recorded the Babylon A.D. song, "The Sky Is Falling," which was written in the late nineties by Ron and B.A.D. singer Derek Davis. Also, I was involved in writing music for the chorus of "Brokedown," and "What I'm Trying To Say" was a song I'd written on piano about two years before I met Ron.
What brought you on the path to becoming a musician? Did you ever consider or take any other paths through life besides music?
I studied piano as a kid, and always found myself writing music while sitting down at the piano. I picked up the bass late in high school, and have been singing for as long as I remember. I've done a lot of things in my life, from sales to marketing to graphic design. Music's my passion, but in the end, you've got to pay the bills one way or another.
Do you have any idols? If yes, who?
I don't know about particular "idols," but I'm always drawn to individuals who persevere in the face of great adversity. I guess I see, in some small way, a parallel to my life. No one thought I'd have any success in the music business, and yet here I am.
Do you have any regrets looking back at your career? For example any songs or even full albums that you regret recording? If so, what made you regret it?
No regrets. I only wish this opportunity had come sooner. But everything in its time.
Are there particular songs in your catalogue that the fans love but you're not particular fond of yourself?
Not yet. I look forward to having a catalogue large enough that it becomes an issue.
How important do you rate the lyrical side of your albums?
As the lyricist, it's critically important to me. I want to make sure I tell a story or express a feeling or emotion in an interesting and different way, but always with an ear toward connecting with the listener. If I write something in such a way that only I know what it means, whatever feeling I was trying to express will be lost on the listener.
What do you think about the state of the music industry today?
I would say it's definitely in flux-at a crossroads. The days of the behemoth record companies controlling the flow of music and the tastes of music lovers is coming to an end. The smaller, more agile music organizations are finally gaining a solid toehold, mainly because the increasing importance of the Internet in the discovery and distribution of new music.
What do you think is the best way to fight music piracy?
I don't have a good answer for that. While I understand the desire to own as much music as possible, and the attractiveness of something that seems free, there could be serious damage to the career of the artist, to the point where they might no longer be able to make music. For me, as both a musician and music lover, that's the best deterrent pirating music.
Do you have a life philosophy? If yes, what is it?
Persevere. Don't let go of your dream, no matter how unreachable it might seem. I've seen too many people simply let their dreams and goals fall by the wayside. Hell, I've done it myself. But because of that, and the fact that I've finally seen my music dream come to fruition, I can say that it's worth the effort to keep pushing ahead.
Can you describe a typical day in your life?
No day is typical. But, in general, there's work, practice, keeping up with family obligations, working to promote the new album, and anywhere from two to five hours of sleep.
What do you like to spend your time with besides music?
I enjoy spending time with my family, watching my kids grow up and take part in numerous activities. I don't get enough quality time with my wife, but definitely enjoy it when we get to go out, or just sit down in the family room and watch a movie together. I also enjoy doing graphic design work, and still bring in new clients for everything from logo design and branding to website creation.
What's the craziest thing that has ever happened on a tour?
I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.
You're heading off to live on a deserted island for a couple of years with your portable entertainment system... Which albums, movies or books would you bring? (Max. 3 of each)
Albums: Tesla - Mechanical Resonance, Billy Joel - 52nd Street, My Chemical Romance - Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge
Movies: That Thing You Do! (That first moment when the band first hears their single on the radio and start going crazy? I always wanted to have that moment, and now I have.), The Matrix, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (okay, I know that's cheating, but humor me!)
Books: Up Country - Nelson DeMille, The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien, Jurassic Park - Michael Crichton
What is your favourite joke?
So this pirate walks into a bar, and he's got a steering wheel sticking out of his pants. The bartender says, "Hey, you know you've got a steering wheel in your pants?" And the pirate says, "Aarrrh, and it's drivin' me nuts!"
Can you tell us about any future plans for you and your band?
We're busy promoting our debut album, and in the initial stages of planning for our first video. We're hoping to possibly have more music out by the end of the year.
Thanks for answering these questions. Now you are free to write a few lines to our readers.
I hope all the readers of RevelationZ Magazine check out our debut album. I think you're gonna like it. Keep it rockin'!
Added by Steen - 1/19/2009
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