~ASBURY PARK VIBES' BAND OF THE WEEK~

March 15, 2021

HOMETOWN

Derby

YEAR FORMED

2004

BAND MEMBERS

Stephen, Vocals

Liam, Guitar

Ricky, Bass

Sam, Drums

*Sam answered the questions.*

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND TO SOMEONE WHO HASN’T YET HEARD YOUR MUSIC?

As a band we have never tried to fit into a particular genre, Esteban are the first Desert Funk band in the world and because of that, we exist out on our own in some crazy party happening along some ancient road someplace. If you want to come along for the ride then, that’s cool with us. We coined the term ‘Desert Funk’ to describe our sound and it stuck, it’s the sound that we have always made when the four of us get into a room, funky bass and drums, four-part harmonies with a bit of Latin guitar thrown in, it’s a groove that makes you move.

HOW DID THE STARS ALIGN TO BRING YOU ALL TOGETHER?

Three of us started many moons ago in 1995 when we were school kids in Staffordshire. We met Stephen (vocals) when Liam (guitar) was studying Music Technology at Derby University together in 2004. We quickly got to work writing our first songs together and self-producing our debut album Still in Time and its follow-up Finding Will under the name Onion. Something was ignited back then, which ever since has driven us to continue creating new music.

IF BANDS WERE REQUIRED TO HAVE A SLOGAN … WHAT WOULD YOUR BAND SLOGAN BE?

Be good to one another - especially on the dance floor.

A PROJECT YOU’RE CURRENTLY WORKING ON THAT YOU’RE REALLY EXCITED ABOUT.

We have just released our second Esteban album Jackpot Motel, a 16-track desert funk odyssey and we're chomping at the bit to take it live! However, like everyone we've put the shows on the back burner for now. We have managed to release some remixes from the album too. Suburban Paradise (The Comfy House Mix) and (The Real Feel Mix) are something new for us. Mat Leppanen from our label The Animal Farm Music did a great job of taking Suburban Paradise to two musically different places, we are very lucky to be working with such a talent. And, with more mixes on the way, we’ll be busy having fun making videos with our fans.

HOW DOES THE BAND FLESH OUT A SONG FROM START (IDEA IN YOUR HEAD) TO FINISH (RECORDING)?

When Liam comes up with new music, he generally brings 3 or four guitar parts to the table which flow and interconnect in a sonically nice way. I’d bring lyrical concepts picked up from my travels and experiences which are usually written up prior to matching with the music. It’s quite usual for us to bring a number of ideas to the table quite quickly and make a rough demo which we then communicate via WhatsApp. The demos are then sent to our label The Animal Farm and they let us know what they think. In the case of Jackpot Motel, nearly all the concepts made the record.

WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS THE BEST SONG YOU EVER RELEASED, AND WHY?

'She's Just A Girl' is a song that Esteban wrote for "Because I'm A Girl", a global campaign highlighting the issues faced by girls in the world's poorest countries because of their lack of access to education and legal rights. The campaign is coordinated by Esteban's favoured NGO Plan UK and uses old African proverbs in its lyrics including "When you educate a man, you feed his family. When you educate a girl, you feed the nation" re-quoted in 2008 by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the President of Liberia in support of Plan UK's campaign. She's Just A Girl was released on 7th December 2009 with 100% proceeds going to the charity.

LET’S GEEK OUT FOR A SECOND … TELL US WHAT YOUR ABSOLUTE FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSICAL EQUIPMENT IS RIGHT NOW?

Roland BT-1 trigger bar. It beats buying hundreds of noisemakers, now at the turn of a button I’ve got them all to hand.

WHICH MUSICIAN OR BAND INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A MUSICIAN?

When I think back as far as I can, I remember singing with my Dad in the garage whilst we worked on motorbikes and tractors, they were mostly Nina Simone songs and I’d make up the lyrics. It was years later that I realised the life she had and the lyrics she sang were painting a very real picture, one that educated me on the spot.

AN ALBUM THAT’S HAD A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON YOU.

Days of Future Passed - Moody Blues, again one of my Dad’s favourite bands. For years I couldn’t go anywhere without it.

DRUMMER WITH KILLER CHOPS?

Stanley Randolph - Get’s up to get down with living soul and funk legends.

IF POSSIBLE, DESCRIBE WHAT PERFORMING LIVE FEELS LIKE FOR YOU.

Slow motion, like I’m just there observing the audience rather than the other way round. It’s a connection like no other - when the four of us are ringing out as one and the place is alive giving it all back to you in spades, dancing, the joy, the fun - there is no better place than being on stage.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR FANS GET FROM YOUR MUSIC? IS THERE ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE THEM TO KNOW?

Nah, if you see us live, let yourself go. If you want to listen to the lyrics, you’ll be surprised - maybe that’s the Nina effect.

MOST DON’T ALLOW THEMSELVES TO BELIEVE THAT WHAT THEY REALLY WANT ... CAN ACTUALLY HAPPEN. CLOSE YOUR EYES AND VISUALIZE WHAT YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR ULTIMATE SUCCESS. WHAT DO YOU SEE?

Back on the big stage, in front of thousands, it’s only happened a few times so far but I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.

WHAT ARE YOU DETERMINED TO SEE HAPPEN FOR YOUR BAND IN THE NEXT YEAR?

One step at a time, I think. When it’s safe, we’ll rehearse, let’s just go from there.

WHAT CONCERT DID YOU ATTEND THAT YOU’LL NEVER, EVER FORGET?

Chris Barber Jazz and Blues Band, probably around 1994 or 95 - the reason I am a drummer.

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN.

c. 2006. Scott Cortez Silverman, Guitarist for Brant Bjork & The Bro’s leaning across the stage after the gig he said “Don’t chase the money”.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST VALUED MATERIAL POSSESSION?

My leather jacket.

AN ALBUM YOU NEVER GET TIRED OF LISTENING TO.

Siamese Dream - Smashing Pumpkins

WHAT SONG ARE YOU CURRENTLY OBSESSED WITH?

Future Islands - For Sure

WHAT’S YOUR BENCHMARK FOR A GREAT MUSICIAN?

Anyone who stays true to themselves and their mission - David Bowie

Asbury Park Vibes is a media publication dedicated to shining a light on the live music scene, as well as promoting the artists we love! We strive to provide show reviews, photographs, and artist stories that bring fans and musicians closer together.

Our coverage focuses keenly on the artists and venues in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York; however, you'll also catch us featuring musicians and shows all across the U.S!!! There's nothing better than the ENERGY and VIBES we all feel from live music! We're sure we'll see you at a show somewhere very soon!