We got to catch up with Brisbane rock band The Secret Whisper's Bass player Chris Stewart and talk about the ep, tour, history of the band and everything coming up!
Tell us about your EP Le Jeune Amour, what inspired you while putting the songs together?
Well Temper Trap, Getaway Plan, Two Door Cinema Club and bands like Block Party and even The Amity Affliction have been massive inspirations for me personally. But all the members of "The Secret Whisper" compose in their own ways and have their own inspirations, and I suppose that's one of the most interesting characteristics about the band and Le Jeune Amour.
Where were you the first time you heard yourself on the radio?
I was in New Zealand taking a break from touring with a long time girlfriend. Can I say how amazing the snowboarding is there and also say thank you to the good people of Ski FM New Zealand who played us on the radio!
How did you start playing together?
We all grew up together in Gympie.
You’re known for your work promoting human rights and you’ve recently headlined for the Amnesty International ARTIllary Festival, how did that come about?
Well my brother Billy has been involved with Amnesty International for a long time, he called them up one day to offer The Secret Whisper’s services any way we could. It was just luck that they were looking for a headline band for their ARTillery Festival, so when they offered the show we were happy to play. Amnesty will also be at our show at The Zoo February 24th with a stall providing information to anyone who is interested. It’s so amazing, especially with our fans and friends that people want to be aware of global issues and if they know a way to help, they will.
If you could describe your sound in three words what would they be?
passion passion passion. It’s getting the feeling the vibe or the passion of the song through my guitar, through Jess's voice to the punters so they can understand the song and it hopefully leaves an impression on them that they can take away. So one day, when they hear the song again they will remember all the feelings and the passion of the song once again and all over again the passion comes back.
You’re touring the East Coast at the moment, what do you miss the most about home when you’re touring?
Probably the warm water the most, I'm not one to enjoy crowded freezing conditions probably because I grew up surfing in QLD.
It can get pretty crowded on the road, does anyone have any annoying habits?
haha I'm sure we all do
Your video clip for ‘Remember When’ has been on regular rotation on Channel V, what was it like filming the clip?
The video clip was a one shot, one continual marathon, one shot window of opportunity that went all day and all night. So to sum it up, "A brutally solid gruelling effort".
If you could play any festival which one would it be and why?
I would play Glastonbury because it’s always for me a bench mark. The biggest rock festival in Europe.
So what’s on the cards for The Secret Whisper in the year ahead?
Extensive touring we have some big upcoming shows this year, very exciting but for now our future plans will have to remain a secret...
If The Secret Whisper was an animal, what would it be?
I think if "The Secret Whisper" were an animal it would be a cat. The band has so many different faces and inspirations with five fully fledged song writers that work their creations into one another's musical passions, tastes and of course composition's. So you never know what vibe or where it’s going to end up in the songs with so many different inputs and opinions in the melting pot. You never know what mood or where or how it will turn out until The Cat has been locked down on the record.
Renuka Nicail - AAA Backstage
