Just finished their set at Vans Warped Tour in St. Louis!
From Shreveport, LA Super Water Sympathy band members Billy Hargrove (Bassist), Clyde Hargrove (Guitarist), Ryan Robinson (Drums), Jason Mills (Keyboards), Ansley Hughes (Vocals) joined the Vans Warped Tour in St. Louis, MO. Super Water Sympathy introduced their original type of music “Water Pop”. The band came up with “Water Pop” while trying to describe their music on Face Book. Super Water Sympathy has created a wall of sound in an ethereal arena that includes all of the instruments and vocals. The sound blends all aspects so well that not one single aspect sticks out over the others.
Super Water Sympathy came up with their name while writing their song called “Spain”. According to Clyde Hargrove the name means “Having an historic command of water and being able to sympathize with its abuse.” While touring, the band will quite often stop along the side of the road to write a new song. Nature is their main inspiration. From the Redwoods of California to the sound of water and according to Clyde Hargrove even Mexican Food has helped the band create their music. Every member of Super Water Sympathy contributes to the lyrics and music of their songs. Not only do they collaborate on their own music but they have also been working with other artists. While at a musical showcase in Atlanta in September, 2011 some A&R from Atlantic Warner Brothers attended the showcase. After Super Water Sympathy finished Atlantic Warner Brothers sent the band to New York City and they wrote the track “Chandelier” which appeared on B.O.B’s latest album. The band produced seven other songs while in New York.
So how did Super Water Sympathy get their start? Well Ansley Hughes (Vocals) shares the story. Billy Hargrove (Bassist) and Clyde Hargrove (Guitarist), who are brothers, had been in a band several years ago which disbanded. A couple of years ago they decided to try again with a new band. A cousin of theirs knew Ansley Hughes (Vocals) and introduced her to them. This same cousin also new Ryan Robinson (Drums) so Ryan was brought in also. Clyde Hargrove and Jason Mills (Keyboards) had been friends for 15 years. One day the friends were having lunch together after not seeing each other for a couple of years and after lunch Clyde asked Jason to join the band. Each of the members was involved with music prior to joining the band. Ansley Hughes did theatre with America’s Children’s Theatre. Ryan has been playing drums for years just like Jason has been playing music for a long time. This was the Hargrove brothers’ second band. We cannot forget the band’s support crew of Charlie Scott and Jyoti Suri.
When asked who or what bands were the biggest influence each member had someone different. Billy Hargrove felt Blur was his biggest influence, while Clyde liked Granddaddy. Ansley stated Coldplay who Jason also likes but Jason picked an Icelandic band called Sigur Ros. Now Ryan had to be completely different and decided that Paul Simon was his biggest influence. These individual influences certainly impact Super Water Sympathy’s style. So along with the different influences and the organic basis for their music, Super Water Sympathy shares a wonderful, fun, full-bodied musical sound.
Super Water Sympathy got their start in late summer of 2010, debuted their first full length album “Vesper Belle” in 2011 and recorded their second album in London this summer before joining Vans Warped Tour in St Louis. After the tour the band plans to work on some singles and build the hype for the release of their second album in 2013. Their biggest hope and plan is to become internationally known. For all you fans and those who like to listen to the latest and greatest, check out Super Water Sympathy on ITunes, www.facebook.com/superwatersympathy, and www.superwatersympathy.com for their music. You can also catch them on the Vans Warped Tour through July 18, 2012 and pick up their CD’s. Check out their website for future concert dates and release date for Album 2.
Now Paper Dragon Ink fans here are our final four questions and the band’s answers.
When the zombies take over the world where will you be?
Clyde Hargrove answered for the band stating Luxembourg. His reasoning is the city-state is strong with tunnels for hiding and surviving. He felt Luxembourg would have good protection from zombies.
Jedi, Ninja, vampire, were-wolf, pirate, fairy or Spartan?
Billy Hargrove stated Indiana Jones and then thought part Ninja and part Spartan
Clyde Hargrove, Ansley Hughes and Jason Mills all stated Pirate.
The Jedi would be Ryan Robinson.
What one piece of art, be it music, book, film or picture, do you think people must experience before they die?
Clyde Hargrove is quoted “Watch “Riverworld”, cult classic”.
Billy Hargrove stated “The Simpsons”
Ansley Hughes feels everyone should experience riding a horse at full speed.
Ryan Robinson is quoted “Read The Love Story of J. Alfred Proofrock.”
Jason Mills feels everyone should perform on stage.
Give one fact that most people would not believe about you?
Clyde Hargrove: Bred a Pearl Dragon in Dragonville
Billy Hargrove: Has a male cat named Miley Cyrus (why, because he thought the cat was a female and left the name when he found out otherwise)
Ansley Hughes: owns a snake
Ryan Robinson: has a solo album from before Super Water Sympathy, he is a drummer, singer and songwriter
Jason Mills: his father is a groundbreaking cancer doctor.
Interview by Antya Lentes, Paper Dragon Ink
