Formed in 2009, Arizona five piece The Summer Set specialise in pop/rock with a punk edge, made popular and famous by the likes of Good Charlotte and A Day To Remember. The band has developed their sound over the past five years to a highly polished degree, culminating in their latest album Everything’s Fine released in Australia earlier this month.
The Summer Set is currently en route to Australia to join the Soundwave Festival and, despite being one of the less heavy bands on the lineup, lead singer Brian Dales is happy to reflect on the punk ethos and what’s become of it. “Punk doesn’t mean what it once did,” he says. “The word has morphed from what it meant, especially when it came into prominence back in the seventies, with bands like Black Flag, The Clash and early Sex Pistols.”
The bands Dales mentions really highlight the anti-government, anarchist, and rebellion stance popular in the late seventies and early eighties. These days, while there is still a punk underground movement, it isn’t what it once was. Punk music has become something of a product and a commodity in the music industry. It has become infinitely more commercial. Punk, as a concept, is more a way of life than a tangible image these days; true punks are not discernable as mohawk-wearing, pierced anarchists anymore.
“Bruce Springsteen, believe it or not, has really inspired me as a singer,” says Dales when asked who inspires him to follow the path he has. “He will always be a cornerstone in my life, on both an artistic and personal level. I love his song writing and incredible sense of power and high energy on stage. The way he holds and commands an audience is something that is absolutely joyous and inspiring.”
While all of the members of The Summer Set come from different points of inspiration, there is a great deal of common ground in their musical interests and like. One can tell by listening to their work that they are big fans of nineties alternative bands such as Third Eye Blind and the like, very much being children of that decade.
Where has life taken The Summer Set during their career? “Our first record was somewhat rushed, being recorded between tours. On our latest album, we’ve made a point of taking more time in the recording process. When we were younger, we didn’t totally know what we were doing. This latest release feels like a stronger portrait of the band musically. We did a lot of experimentation and tried different things and instruments in the studio. It was a really enjoyable process.”
Paul Doucette, from Matchbox 20 — another musical act that has been a formative influence on The Summer Set — wrote two songs on Everything’s Fine. Dales is proud to have had Doucette collaborate with him on the latest release. “He has been one of my favourite people to write with. He really got our dynamic, being part of a five piece band like us. It was like having an extra member in the band. He taught us so much about music. I couldn’t be happier with the results. We really wanted to create something honest and sincere with the new record. I experienced a lot of trials and tribulations with a major personal relationship, which inspired me lyrically.”
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An age-old tale: art being inspired by less than positive personal experiences and feelings. It adds a sense of truth and being to the music on Everything’s Fine. Even the album title is quite telling in relation to where Dales was at spiritually when writing and recording the album. The release is a great example of healing through music; a timely and timeless quality that music possesses.
The time The Summer Set have spent together as a band has been an enlightening and enriching experience, both on a personal and professional level. “We made a lot of mistakes when we first started. I signed my first record contract, a bad one as it turned out, when I was eighteen. I wouldn’t have swapped the mistakes and missteps that we’ve made for the world. It has taught me what I want and don’t want to do as far as being a musician is concerned,” explains Dales.
“Working in the studio and playing live are two completely different entities that I love equally. With playing live, we try to bring a lot of energy to what we do. We want to be a fun band that people enjoy seeing live. The record industry isn’t what it once was. More and more, bands are relying more on live performances to get across to people. As a result, the live arena is incredibly important to us.”
The Summer Set land in Oz this week for Soundwave Festival (kicking off Saturday in Brisbane) as well as Sidewaves with A Rocket To The Moon, The Ready Set and The Dangerous Summer on Tuesday 28th February at The Annandale, Sydney, and Thursday 1st March at The Hi Fi, Melbourne. Both Sidewaves are 18+.
