Interview by Morticia
Interview “mini-view” March, 2018.
When did Spider lillies (SP) form? What is the origin behind the band name?
Stacey: Spider Lilies was formed around 1998 in Tallahassee, FL, before I joined Cruxshadows as a guitarist. Rogue of CXS produced the first song, “Sand”. “Spider Lilies” was chosen as a name for the project for a couple of reasons: 1) my initials S and L; and 2) the name sounded appropriately feminine, while still evoking a dark feeling with the word “spider.”
I continued Spider Lilies on my own after I left CXS. I programmed/played almost all of the sounds on the first Spider Lilies album, “In the Light,” and then recruited other members to play live and continue writing new music with me. Members have changed over the years for various reasons – health issues, moving, etc. Former members are all still dear friends of mine. I’ve been working with the current lineup for a few years now, and it’s going great so far!
How many band members are there and what are their stances in the band?
Stacey Campbell (me): Vocals, Guitar, writing/programming
Chad VanPelt: Guitar, writing/programming
Tom Lynch: Keyboards, writing/programming for keys
Mike Johnson: Live drums
What are band practices like? Do you have a set time each week?
We collaborate on writing projects by sending demos and projects to each other. When we’re preparing for performances, we ramp up practicing on our own, and meet about once a week. Usually Monday nights online...
Since I live in a different city than the rest of the guys, we use an interesting piece of technology, called JamLink to practice remotely online, through an account on MusicianLink.com. Hello sponsorship? 😉The JamLink has been very useful. Although there are occasional technical issues, it’s more reasonable than travelling 2-3 hours for practice.
Every so often, we do meet for an in-person practice. We all squeeze into the small room I call a studio and try not to crash into each other.
What has been your biggest challenge as a band?
Trying to convince Mike to reveal the location of the fountain of youth!
If you guys could play at any venue anywhere, where would it be?
Stacey: We’d LOVE to get out of the country and play some festivals overseas!
Tom: I also want to play the 9:30 Club in DC. It doesn't count that Mike has already done that.
Do you have a Motto for the band? Or a superstition?
Tom: Superstition: Chad has Samson-like hair. If he ever cuts his hair, he'll lose his power chords.
Chad: As the owner of said hair I approve this message
Morticia: You guys are funny! Thanks for such a fun interview!
You can find Spider Lilies here:
Website: spiderliliesmusic.com
Bandcamp: spiderlilies.bandcamp.com
Facebook: facebook.com/spiderlilies
Reverbnation: reverbnation.com/spiderlilies
Twitter: twitter.com/TheSpiderLilies
YouTube: youtube.com/TheSpiderLilies