MK] Autopilot have been through quite a few changes over the past year or so. Who were the original members, and who are the new members?
AUTOPILOT] The original members were Shane - vocals/guitar, Sykes - guitar, Seanny C - bass/backing vocals and Riaan - drums. Shane and Sykes are the only 2 remaining original members and were joined by Dutch - bass and Nixx - drums in late 2006. Jade joined on vocals in December 2006 but has thus since been replaced by the awesome Brigette in mid 2007.
MK] Clearly you're sounding better than ever before - but what brought about all these changes?
AUTOPILOT] We signed to a management company at the end of 2006 which was a definite step in the right direction. We became more focused on what we were doing and started getting a lot more exposure. This is also attributed to a distribution deal that we have with Bowline Music.
MK] You brought in a female vocalist earlier this year - has that been a major adaptation for the rest of the band?
AUTOPILOT] It was a tough decision, at first it was a lot of hard work, but now with Brigette everything is falling nicely into place and we are really gelling as a unit.
MK] What has been Autopilot's biggest moment so far?
AUTOPILOT] We were recently selected in the TOP 6 new bands in the country out of over 200 for the SABC3 production, Pump Up The Volume, which has been airing on Sunday nights at 21:30. We were flown up to Jozi to compete against the other finalists and participate in workshops. We were really honoured to share the stage with the other 5 bands. We have received some great exposure this way and more and more people are getting turned onto Autopilot through the airing of the show. Oh yeah...and our music video for 'Beautiful' is sitting in the MK89 Top 10!
MK] If you could pick one band to get together again, who would you pick?
AUTOPILOT] The Beatles
MK] If you could pick one band to break up and never reform, who would you pick?
AUTOPILOT] The Backstreet Boys
MK] What is Humpty Dumpty Alternative Rock?
AUTOPILOT] As kids we grew up listening to and singing songs like the 'Teddy Bears Picnic' and 'Humpty Dumpty'. Some years later these songs are still fresh in our minds because they have the most awesome vocal melodies and hooks that one just can't forget. We try and write our tunes in the same manner - so that you will be humming the song for days after hearing it...thus Humpty Dumpty Alternative Rock.
MK] What is your favourite line from an Autopilot song?
AUTOPILOT] 'I look around and see the music in your eyes, flowing thru your veins, into your heart and straight back to mine'
MK] Have you ever done something on stage that you are ashamed of?
AUTOPILOT] We play rock 'n roll - we are ashamed of nothing.
MK] Where can people get to see you over the Christmas holidays?
AUTOPILOT] We don't have that many gigs lined up over the Christmas holidays as we are concentrating on writing some new material and are also in need of a break - it has been a real busy past 12 months for Autopilot. But you can catch us at the following venues:
8 Dec 2007: Zula Bar, Long Street - Cape Town (with the Ragdolls)
14 Dec 2007: Edgemead Soccer Club, Edgemead Drive - Edgemead (with Reburn & Kabel Tour)
09 Jan 2007: Mercury Lounge, de Villiers Street - Cape Town (with Kings of Vegas)
We are sure that more gigs will be added in along the way. Please check for updates on Autopilot at www.autopilot.co.za or www.myspace.com/autopilotza.
ROCK ON!
AUTOPILOT(7 Dec 2007)
mediaspeler
