Q&A with Mik Easterman – THE LAMPLIGHTS

Q&A with Mik Easterman, drummer of Gold Coast 5 piece THE LAMPLIGHTS

:: What track changed your life ::
Underground by Tom Waits. Hearing that song as a kid was almost like proof that giants were real. You can almost hear the stomping of huge feet. Not only that but to realise that a melody doesn’t have to be pretty to be catchy was amazing.

:: What is your favourite Album ::
Rubber Soul by The Beatles

:: Name a band or artist we should checkout ::
Jess Ribeiro and The Bone Collectors. At the other end of the sonic scale I would recommend Royal Blood. Both great and both unique.

:: Favourite Quote ::
Not all who wander are lost

:: When on tour, you can’t live without ::
A constant supply of new music to listen to.

:: When you think of Australia, you think ::
A vast land that has so to share.

:: Worst thing to happen to music is ::
AutoTune, Actually any kind of auto correct function. It’s taking the soul out of music

:: Best thing about the current music industry ::
The fact that major labels have lost their stranglehold on the industry. It means that the playing field is a lot more even, so if you have good songs and you can put on a great show, the marketing behind you is less important.

:: Biggest influence ::
I’m influenced by the other guys in The Lamplights. It’s a great thing to be in a band with such inspirational musicians. Every time we get on stage the songs take on new forms, it keeps me on my toes.

:: Childhood hero ::
Batman

:: When you were younger you wanted to be ::
A vet, until I saw a Chihuahua getting a splint put in his back leg and I nearly passed out.

:: Last album bought ::
Gary Clark Jnr – Black and Blu

:: First album you ever bought ::
It was a double vinyl compilation called Dance Rap ‘83. It had songs like Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ and Herbie Hancock’s ‘Rockit’ on it.

:: First concert you went to ::
I think it was seeing John Farnham at Expo 88.

:: Last concert you went to ::
Seeing Band Of Frequencies last weekend at Perigian.

:: Favourite current band ::
I’d have to say The Bamboos.

:: Favourite drink ::
A Perfect Storm made on Sailor Jerry

:: Favourite book ::
Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins

:: Favourite actor ::
Paul Giamatti

:: Favourite website ::
Make The girls Dance, it’s a great music blog by some very passionate people.

:: The best boredom buster is ::
Boredom? What’s that?

:: The best film you ever saw was ::
North By Northwest

:: Your ultimate snack is ::
Home made Hummus with some tortilla chips for dipping

:: The first thing you do when you wake up is ::
Roll over and try to get back to sleep. It never works though.

:: Best piece of advice you’ve received ::

:: Your biggest aspirations ::
To take The Lamplights music to as many people as possible.

:: Best/worst gift you’ve ever given/received ::
My noise cancelling headphones. They keep the noise out and music in.

“What Love Is” is the title and heart of The Lamplights second album that was recorded in Byron Bay with Paul Pilseniks (Powderfinger/Angus Stone) and truly captures them finding their unique voice creatively.