1. Who are Shadow Puppet Theatre, can you tell us more about who you are?
We are a fun loving 4 piece band from Malaysia consisting of an alternative vocalist, a blues guitarist, a soul/funk bassist and a prog metal drummer. In truth were just a bunch of honest Joes with a common love for rock music. (Some, if not all of us secretly enjoy Britney spears and Backstreet Boys too).
2. Your first EO, ‘Night Vision’ was released in 2017 how much has your
music style and songwriting changed since then?
I would say our musical style has evolved to be more dynamic, creative and hopefully more interesting. Lyrics wise it would be more bespoke and situationally inspired, but most importantly heartfelt. For example the song Doctor was inspired by a conversation with an Emergency Physician who was describing how her hospitals received pregnant women who were needing ventilators due to Covid, which is a rather critical situation for mother and unborn child.
4. How long did this song take to write?
The initial “test idea” for Codename Summer took about 2 to 3 hours in terms of the basic lyrics and melody, then we start jamming it out over a few sessions. so about 1 to 2 weeks to complete the song idea as an iterative process . Recording and production might reveal different ideas in terms of detailing though.
5.What comes first the music or the lyrics?
Generally the music first if the song has a unique riffs, which kind of acts like the canvas and sets the mood for the lyrics. It could also happen the other way around where the lyrics are triggered by a heartfelt conversation, a memorable event or an interesting observation.
6. How do you decide what will make a single or on to an ep etc?
At the beginning of our journey we didn’t have much material so it just started off as a single and an EP and then the Album to consolidate the work. These days it is a bit more planned, so for our previous two local language singles were targeted at local radio in which we did receive national airplay, and the next album will be the next collection of songs, though the release strategy is via singles first.
7.When is your second album coming out? What can you tell us about it?
Our next album will be either by late this year or in 2023 as there have been some setbacks with Covid, lockdowns, and changes in the production team members. In terms of narrative and style the new album will showcase our new drummer who brings his talent and energy to the table, and as far as the songs are concerned we are aiming for quality over quantity, like Led Zeppelin IV.
8. What song writers would you like to work with?
There’s many on that list but, id like to learn from Chris Martin, Jimmy Page, Lady Gaga, Slash, and if we could go back in time a little, Freddie Mercury.
9. What music are you currently streaming?
A few good old tunes from the likes of Michael Buble, Elton John and also the Narcos theme song Tuyo. Makes for some easy listening.
10. Live shows what do you have coming up?
For the time being we are on hold due as the pandemic has not been kind to venues and crowds, but hopefully soon!
11.Summer plans?
It’s always summer here in Malaysia, and were planning to record and release more music.
12. Final messages?
Stay safe, stay humble and if you know someone in need during these hard times, do lend them a helping hand.
https://www.sptband.com/https://www.facebook.com/ShadowPuppetTheatrehttps://twitter.com/Sptbandhttps://www.instagram.com/sptband/
