What is your name and role within the band?
Sean Parkin I write music, produce, backing vocals and play guitar.
How did you start?
Playing guitar, self taught. I started because of my dads influence really, he was always a great guitarist. So I used to listen to his records and CDs looping sections and mimicking the great bands like Zeppelin, Hendrix, Cream & Thin Lizzy.
But in terms of the band I was asked to join after Simon got me drunk at Christmas 5 years ago when I was visiting home from studying Audio Production in London. I agreed to a European tour and totally forgot till he reminded me 5 days before the tour started. Cos I agreed I couldn’t back down on my word so I joined and ended up dropping out of Uni!
Where are you based?
Currently living in London, rest of the guys are still in South Yorkshire where I also originate.
Please give an example of your music writing process?
Weird one, every song is a different process. Some start with a melody, some a lyrical concept. Some written on acoustic by Simon and some after I’ve sampled his vocal from a voice memo and build the track around that.
What are you working on right now?
Currently I’ve been getting into writing music for advertisements and commercial clients wanting music for online video content. It’s great fun. Really tests your skills and makes you develop all kind of production and writing skills. And as a band we’ve been doing the same as well as coming up with a library of concept songs for the next album / singles.
What is your gear setup?
Currently using a Gibson ES-345 with Blackstar Artist 30 series amplifier. Pedals wise I’m using Electro-Harmonix Memory Man with Hazzerai delay pedal, Earth Quaker Avalanche Run as well as MIDI Keyboard Controller and MacBook setup for my multitude of synth parts.
What do you like to do outside of music and does it affect your music?
I dabble in Mixology so I’m abbot of an Alcohol and spirits guru.
How would you describe your music genre?
Alt-pop is what it’s been dubbed which I guess is a fair description. It’s intricate indie with synthesis and hooky melodies. Quite dark and brooding at times but we’re pretty dynamic between each songs’ aesthetics and mood.
Do you know any music theory?
Probably too much for most but I can’t sight read in the slightest. I don’t really know my scales. But I spend a lot of time analysing everything I hear to recognise different sounds and techniques.
What are your plans for the future?
Just to carry on growing and taking our stuff to new audiences all over the world. I hope we get to play Maddison Square Garden at some point but who knows what the future holds!
How did you get into music?
From a very early age. It’s been the core of my existence for as long as I can remember.
What are you listening to at the moment?
NAO, Bonobo, Jack Garrett, Mr. Jukes, Two Door Cinema Club to name a few but constantly on the look out for new interesting things.
Who are your top 5 influences and icons?
Beatles
Led Zeppelin
Thin Lizzy
The Strokes
Crowded House.
When are you playing next?
This Friday in London at 1000 Island.
Please feel free to include any extra info.
Our album ‘Somewhere Between’ is out now! So you can stream from or download from all the usual places.
Check out alvarezkings.com for links and tour dates
Please include some images or I can grab a couple from the internet.