On Saturday January 9, Atlanta rockers The Swear came to Planet Rock and delivered an electrifying performance! Band members Elizabeth Elkins, Jeremy Zamora, Kevin Williams and Steve Moretti played for two groups of students and then fielded questions from parents and students alike. The band rocked songs from both of their albums – the Every Trick’s A Good One EP and the full length Hotel Rooms and Heart Attacks – as well as several new songs.
Each band member talked about the importance of music in their lives, and how empty their lives would be without it. Kevin, who grew up in a small town in South Carolina, talked about how fortunate students at Planet Rock are:
“My town didn’t even have a music store,” he said. “I spent two summers mowing lawns to save up for a drum kit, so I could be the one kid in town who played. It would have been so great to have had the opportunity that you all have today.”
Steve, a Grammy-nominated drummer who has plays all styles of music, discussed the importance of diversifying your playing. “Today I wanted you to think that rock music was what I do best,” he explained. “But I also play with jazz groups, and Latin groups. And if you were to see me play with those bands, I would want you to think that was what I was best at. It’s so important to understand all musical styles. It broadens your opportunities to have a career, and makes you a better player.”
Steve also explained his click-track set up, demonstrating what he hears in his in-ear monitors, and the importance of being able to play to a metronome. He also talked extensively about his own musical inspiration, which includes many ‘90s alternative rock bands. When the rest of the band discussed their own musical heroes, it became clear that The Swear is the sum of four people with very different influences.
“I think that is a very important component of the music we make,” Elizabeth said. “If we all listened to the same bands, we might have a very boring sound. But where I love The Smiths, Jeremy loves Hot Water Music and Fugazi and Kevin loves Rush – and when we are writing a song, all of those forces come together and create something unique, rather than derivative. That is key to what makes The Swear work.”
Jeremy took some time to talk about his love of Led Zeppelin before lamenting the one thing he would change about his musical past.
“I wish I had stayed with piano lessons,” he said. “Not only is it the most versatile instrument, but it is also a great skill to have when writing songs. I wish all the time that I knew how to play better. So don’t quit piano lessons, even if you hate it now.”
The Swear is one of the best known independent rock bands in the country. Their songs have appeared on FOX, The CW, ABC, VH1, FX, TNT, MTV, The N, The Discovery Channel and in several films. The band is a Grand Prize winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and has performed at SXSW, at the CMJ New Music Marathon, on the Warped Tour and on several Grammy showcases. Their music is available on iTunes worldwide. Visit The Swear online at http://www.theswear.com and www.myspace.com/theswear.
