Pilot Touhill

 

PensEyeView.com (PEV): How would you describe your sound and what do you feel makes you stand out over the others in your genre?
I'd say we fall somewhere between Rock and Pop with Reggae influences. Its hard to define the music in one particular genre and I think that gives us a fresh sound that you can't quite pigeon-hole which is nice because it allows us to make music without boundaries.
PEV: Based out of Los Angeles and Orange County, California, what kind of music where the members of the band into growing up? Do you remember your first concert?
Everyone in the band are from different places and have completely different influences which is great because everyone brings a little of what they grew up listening to to the songs. I think its kind of boring when everyone has the same taste in music because the music usually ends up all sounding the same. My first concert was The Police.
PEV: Tell us your take on the music scene is like in your hometown and what was it like trying to break into it?
There is alot of good music coming out of LA and Orange County right now. I can't think of any place I would rather be making music and calling home than California.
PEV: With that, what can fans expect from a live Pilot Touhill show?
Our live shows are full of energy and passion. We want everyone to have a good time and feel the music we are playing.
PEV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you step on stage?
Don't forget the lyrics.
PEV: Having all played, practiced or just been booked with other musicians from time to time, how is playing with Pilot Touhill as a group, different then the others?
Ive had the good fortune to play with some pretty incredible people throughout my career but I believe every great band has to become a family to succeed. We have molded into a dysfunctional family at its finest. Our personalities are all very different but they usually balance each other out.
 

PEV: What was the underlining inspiration for your music? Where do get your best ideas for songs?
Love & loss. Those are the two most powerful and devastating emotions that someone can go through. Unfortunately, you have to experience them both to express heartfelt lyrics...at least thats my opinion. Addiction is a pretty powerful thing as well. Its something that never truly goes away.
PEV: Thinking back to when you first started out do you ever look back at your career and think about your earlier days and how you’ve arrived where you are today?
The first band I was ever in played half covers and half originals back in Queens, NY. Its fun to listen back to them and laugh at the demos. We always complained how great we were and why we weren't getting signed, listening back to the demos I have all the answers why. Ive been in all kinds of different styles of bands and took something away from each of them.
PEV: What’s one thing we’d be surprised to hear about the members of Pilot Touhill?
Probably how different we all are and how different we all live our lives when we are away from the band.
PEV: Was there a certain point in your life when you knew that music was going to be a a huge – if not the biggest – part of your lives?
Ive always used music as therapy and as a way to get things off my chest or express what Im feeling. Im more comfortable telling someone how I feel or talking about something Ive experienced than saying it in person. Its been a part of my life for so long, I can't remember what life was like without it.
PEV: Tell us about your latest release. What can fans expect from this? How is this different from past works?
Our latest release is called Paper Armour. It was produced by Mark Lowe Jr. in Los Angeles. Basically, we all just keep constantly writing songs and when we feel like there is a batch of songs that are strong enough or cohesive enough to call an album, we release it. I think the songwriting is maturing a bit from our first release but I like the material on the first 2 releases as much as this album. Brandon Osorio was a much bigger part of the writing on this album and Emmanual Puno wrote Head to Toe which seems to be one of everyones favorite tracks so far.
PEV: How is life on the road for you in the music world? Best and worst parts?
Life on the road has its ups and downs. There is so much downtime between actually playing the shows, that sometimes it gets to you. Then again thats where we come up with alot of ideas. I live in Hermosa Beach at the moment and I really like being near the ocean so Im happy when Im home but theres nothing like the feeling of playing a live show, thats why we all do it. Im sure a huge tour bus with a driver would help ease the pain..were working on that.
PEV: Is there one area you wish you could travel around and play that you have not yet?
Europe, South America & Asia.
PEV: How have all your friends and family reacted to your career? What’s it like when you get to play at your hometown?
Everyone has been so supportive and pushing for our success, its been great. Its always nice to come home and see everyone but its just as exciting to play new places and meet new people. Thats another great thing about being in the band.
PEV: What can we find each of you doing in your spare time, aside from playing/writing music?
Adam is always playing his drums with someone. Emmanual is a great tattoo artist and does that when he's not on the road. Brandon is balancing finishing school with playing in the band and I can usually be found writing songs with someone somewhere.
PEV: Name one present and past artist or group that would be your dream collaboration? Why?

Past artist would probably have to be Bob Marley or Jim Morrison. Present artist probably the Red Hot Chili Peppers or Sting.
PEV:  Is there an up and coming band or artist you think we should all be looking out for now?
Micah Brown out of Orange County is a singer/songwriter that has alot of soul, definitely worth checking him out. Liars Anonymous is another great band I saw by accident from Los Angeles a couple weeks ago that has some really original sounds going on. I think you'll be hearing about them real soon.
PEV: If you weren’t playing music now what do you think each of you would be your career?
Inmate, Father, Scholar and super-talented homeless guy.
PEV: So, what is next for Pilot Touhill?
We are in the process of setting up a national tour in support of our newest release Paper Armour.