Take some great vocals, add a generous portion of musicianship, kick it up a notch with a combination of smart and wonderfully witty wordplay, and you end up with the exact recipe that results in self-confessed "Geek" Rockers, Sunspot.
Recently I conversed with Mike Hubert, lead vocalist and bass player for the band, over e-mail and we discussed the band's history, their music, some of their quirky titles, and their plans for the future.
Well, the first thing I'm curious about is the name of the band. How did you end up calling yourselves Sunspot? Is there significance to it, or was it simply the first thing that popped into your collective heads?
When we were working on a name originally, it was the only one that we could all agree on. So, it was a victory of it being the least offensive name. Plus, by their definition, sunspots are the most mysterious, unknown, coolest and weirdest parts of the sun and their cycles and appearances mess with Earth and our radio waves. It sounded sci-fi and interesting to us, so we all picked it.
Who are you guys and what do you play? Sure, it's a cheesy question, but coming from someone only recently acquainted with your music (regrettably so, by the way) I'm just curious as to who's who and who plays what.
Mike Huberty – Lead Vocals and bass, Wendy Lynn Staats – Drums and vocals, Ben Jaeger – Guitars and vocals
Where did you all meet? Did you always know each other and want to (someday) be in a band together, or did your individual love for music introduce you to each other later on life?
Ben and Mike went to grade school together and started playing in bands early on. Ben knew Wendy through a performing organization and they all went to college at the University of Wisconsin. They were already friends, so when they were looking for a drummer, she said she played and they started immediately.
Having mentioned music, even a few casual listens to any one of your albums reveal that you not only love music, but also especially love being in a band and playing music. Where did that come from? What kind of music does everyone listen to? Any specific artists inspire you to want to have a go at making and playing music for a living?
Article comments
1 - Steven K
I have much love and respect for Sunpot. They have played shows for me many times, and you can't ask for an easier band to work with. And the kids love them, as do I.
-Steve/ELB