Interview: Swiss Lips

With varied musical influences - ranging from the Beach Boys, to Madonna, to The Weeknd, and everything in between - electro-pop band Swiss Lips creates music that is both empowering and heartbreaking. According to lead-singer Sam Hammond, songs are written by "Coffee, modafinil, and tears, " for the purpose of adding something positive to the world. And for the sake of ego, of course.  Swiss Lips are best known for their single "U Got the Power."

The five members of the band are: Sam Hammond (vocals), Tim Estherby (keyboards), Luke Daniel (guitar), Nic Kozubik (drums) and Tom White (bass). Swiss Lips' latest single, Books, is about "smashing everything up and starting again."

The band signed a four album deal in 2011 with Epic Sony, and will be releasing their debut album March 16. Sam says music is something he's always wanted to do - but tries not to look at it as a career. And what are his goals for the future? Well, owning both a lion and a segway is definitely one of them...

Here's my conversation with Sam:

What made you decide to get into music? Have you considered other career options?

It's something I've always wanted to do. I try not to look at it as a career at the moment as it's so hard to make money out of music these days. Taking away that pressure by doing something else for money makes better music too. I'm thinking of becoming a WWE wrestler next.

What three musicians/bands would you say have influenced Swiss Lips' sound most?

Difficult one, we have so many influences between the five of us. When I was a kid my older brother had 3 old singles on 7 inch that he'd bought from a jumble sale and I used to listen to them on repeat : Dirty Cash (Money Talks), Madonna 'Vogue' and 'Run to you' by Bryan Adams. Kind of makes sense.

How are most of your songs written?

Coffee, Modafinil and tears.

Tell us what your song Books is about.

It's about smashing everything up and starting again

How does it feel to be finally releasing your debut album?

A huge sense of relief and excitement, I wasn't sure we would get there for a while.

Here's a tough one for you: is melody or lyrics more important?

It's always been melody for me but I'm starting to realise just how important lyrics are aswell.

What are your goals for, say, the next four years?

We've got a small but dedicated fanbase and I love it when people tell us how much our music has helped them or made them feel something, so if we can keep making music that is relevant to people then I'll be happy. I want a lion and a segway too.

What drives you most to keep making music?

Ego / the need to add something positive to the world.

Are there any last words you'd like to leave the Stereofox community and your fans with?

Please download our album, it's out on 16th March everywhere.  If you don't like it you can have your money back (in travellers cheques).