Brisbane rockers Street Pieces have made their most determined steps forward as a band this year, releasing their sophomore EP 'Everything You Ever Wanted'.
Vocalist Ben Tilney says the past 12 months has seen them progress rapidly both in the studio and as a live unit. "I think we've found our groove with this new EP," he says.
"It's gone in a bit of a heavier direction but we still pride ourselves on being able to infuse it with that sexy, bluesy, groovy vibe.
"Our songwriting has started to take on more of a jam approach... We all vibe off each other and if we're all felling excited about an idea, we'll follow it through to the end. That's where all these songs came from really."
Street Pieces initially began as a musical project when the members met at university and after some early success, decided a full-time band was worth pursuing.
"We decided to take it that next step further after we graduated because people were starting to tell us we didn't sound that bad," Ben laughs.
"We thought maybe we were on to something… we all had pretty good chemistry when we got together and the rest is history really.
"I think deep down all of us had a little fantasy to get a rock band together. Myself personally, I'd always been into rock bands but I'd only ever done work on my own.
"When I met the guys and we started to vibe together, it just felt good; it felt natural and we wanted to take things forward."
And forward they went, recording their first EP 'The Other Side' in 2014. Prior to recording their latest EP, original bassist Justin Alley was replaced by Jon Mengede who Ben says has brought a fresh, creative energy and drive to the band.
"When Jon came into the mix not too long ago, he came and gave a different energy as well," Ben explains, saying Jon has also become the new benchmark for the standard of their live performances.
"Jon really likes to move around on stage, put his feet on the foldbacks, sing and get into it. He brought a new energy and has had a very positive effect on the band's creative process and just our attitude in general. When we're on-stage we try to explode out of the gate straight away."
With 'Everything You Ever Wanted' out in the world, Street Pieces move into live mode from next year, starting with a home-town show before heading out on a bigger tour that is still being confirmed. "Brisbane will be the first date to mark our 'Everything You Ever Wanted' tour," Ben says.
"Further dates are to be announced and we're putting together an amazing bill of bands that will be confirmed and announced very soon.
"We've spent a little time out west and also up and down the coast, but this will be our busiest tour yet with the most dates and we're really excited to get out on the road. We're so proud of what we've created and we can't wait to share it with you all [sic]."
