Sun Stereo might be exactly what you’re searching for this weekend. Solid, upbeat tunes and the stage act to go along with it. These locals combine a mix of electronic elements with vocals reminiscent of the Beatles and a funky horn section. Their band is taking Central Illinois and some of the Midwest by storm.
I was lucky enough to get to interview band member and lead singer Kelly McMorris. He is passionate about music and has a refreshing sense of humor.
Smile Politely: How did the band meet?
Kelly McMorris: Jesse [Greenlee] and I met 14 years ago when we were picking beans in Guatemala. I met Josh [Houchin] when he lived across the street from me when we both lived at the base of Krakatoa. The rest of the dudes were in the U of I Jazz program.
SP: How long have you guys been playing together?
McMorris: Three years. But Jesse and I have played together off and on for 14 years.
SP: How did you come up with the name Sun Stereo?
McMorris: It was a warm summer night. I had just finished watching Murder She Wrote, and scarfed down a TV dinner, when suddenly, there was a rapping on my window. As I reached for the plunger it hit me…
SP: You can’t force a great band name; you just have to let it come to you.
What is your musical background (self-taught, formal education…)
McMorris: I’ve always been a prolific tapper. My mother said it started in the womb. I don’t really remember much from then though.
SP: What serves as your muse for your music?
McMorris: Existence.
SP: What music was your inspiration?
McMorris: The Goldberg Variations. Bach/Glenn Gould.
SP: If you could go to see anyone in concert, dead or alive, who would it be?
McMorris: Mozart.
SP: That would be a sight to see — Mozart playing his famous symphonies and concertos.
If you could jam out with one musician, dead or alive, who would it be?
McMorris: Richard Nixon.
SP: Some may think this is a strange answer but low and behold, Nixon played five different instruments which included piano, saxophone, clarinet, accordion, and violin.
What’s your favorite song to play live?
McMorris: Usually whatever the latest tune I’ve written.
SP: What’s your pre-show ritual?
McMorris: Turkey Sandwich — always.
SP: Nothing beats the satisfaction of a turkey sandwich, especially when the crust has been cut off.
Describe the personality of the band in one or a couple words.
McMorris: Warm static.
SP: What’s your favorite activity to do as a band outside of making/playing music?
McMorris: Eat barbecue and ride the tilt-a-whirl.
SP: Who is the funniest/most mischievous member of the band?
McMorris: Josh is the funniest. Jesse is the most mischievous.
SP: It is always good to have a jokester around, unless these jokes are being made at your expense. What’s your favorite movie?
McMorris: The Godfather.
SP: Don Corleone is a boss to say the least.
Why do you love making/ playing music?
McMorris: For the same reasons we love to have sex.
SP: How has music changed or shaped your life?
McMorris: I started out kinda like a weird circular blob, but now I’m more of a rhombus.
SP: It is good to become more well-rounded in life, or develop some edges.
Sun Stereo brings the energy to their show and they will show you a show like you’ve never seen before. Check them out this Friday night at 10 p.m. at Cowboy Monkey, only $5.