by Emily Meenan
Morning Parade is an English alternative rock band that have gained tons of American recognition since the release of “Headlights,” a catchy single that’s been making listeners want more from this band.
“We are completely overwhelmed by the response to ‘Headlights,’” Morning Parade’s lead vocalist, Steve Sparrow, tells when asked about the craze over their latest single. “It was written in 15 minutes. We can’t believe our baby is now walking and talking all on its own.” Not only is their “baby” walking and talking, it’s also gaining them top spots on the Alternative charts and acclaim from many big names, like MTW and Vogue. This isn’t what keeps them going, though. “I don’t tend to read press or reviews about us. They’re just opinions, if we’re happy then I’m happy,” Sparrow explains. “I don’t ever think of us ‘making it’, we just think about the next show.”
There does indeed always seem to be another show for Morning Parade. They toured the UK in 2011 and are touring the US with the Smashing Pumpkins this fall. Sparrow admits that it’s quite difficult to find a balance between family and work. “We’re all still learning about how to be in a band without being a dick. It’s a very selfish career so we’re very lucky to have amazingly understanding and patient people around us, from our families and management to our tech and tour manager.” Making time for it all isn’t exactly a chore for Sparrow, though. “I tend not to think of my family as an obligation I actually quite like them, relaxing is more difficult.”
The band, although busy, has hobbies other than music. “I can’t remember what down time is!” Sparrow jokes when asked about some other things he does with his time. “We like to attempt to play golf, get to the football (soccer), exercise, sleep, walk the dog, etc. We’re social butterflies so we like to go party with all our friends too.” In the end, it all boils down to the same thing for them, though. “After a few days I always end up with a guitar or a piano – I’m kind of addicted to making music.”
Their addiction to making music is incredibly evident, and their recent self titled album demonstrates their love for what they do. “Morning Parade” was their debut album, and a quite unexpected one at that. “The recording process was strange. It was kind of unplanned. We started just demoing stuff and it turned out to be the bones of the album.” It was recorded at 13 Studios, an interesting place to say the least. “13 is a special place, a strange secret studio co-inhabited by Damon Albarn, Jamie Hewlett and for awhile, us.” The studio is owned and run by some big names. “Jason Cox (producer) has been working with Blur and Gorillaz for most of his life so it was amazing just to hear the stories.”
Once their album was in the works, Morning Parade began playing in the US and have come back often. “We’ve been here a few times this year. We came out in March and did a few shows with The Kooks on the east coast before being introduced to the frenzy that is SXSW. We came out again in June and did three and a half weeks with Walk The Moon which was amazing. Such a nice group of guys and an amazing way to be introduced to touring in America.” Touring in America has proved to be different than in the UK, Sparrow tells. “The Americans definitely respond as soon as they hear the British accent, even if it’s because they think we’re Australian.” It’s not just the accent-love that makes the US crowds different, though. “I like the audiences here. They come to the shows to have a good time.”
Speaking of a good time, Sparrow and some band mates have had some in Philadelphia! “We ate at an amazing Mexican called La Vaz I think, and then ended up in a gay bar. It was a strange night.”
Sparrow leaves with a few last words relating to his secrets to success, or lack thereof. “There are no secrets. Just a relentless itch and an unquenchable desire. Other than that, a lot of hardwork, a thick skin and an acrid determination.”
For the readers to the north- be sure to catch Morning Parade at Mr. Small’s in Pittsburgh on Friday, November 16th!
