▶ Tell us the interesting story behind the bands moniker.
I (Niall) met Chris (Guitar) in 2009, after having met on a N.I music forum. He brought his acoustic guitar to my then girlfriend’s house and we spent an afternoon playing together and writing. Everything was going smoothly, when I said “So, have you got a band?” He said “No, but I’ve got a name: Sweet Taste.” “Hmmm, I don’t like it.” “It’s a deal breaker mate.” And it stuck ever since.
▶ When did the band form and how long did it take to find the bands own sound?
We spent 2009 and 2010 getting a lineup together, writing, rehearsing and starting the gigging process. We recently have acquired Mark Russel (bass) and Shane Watters (Drums), and our sound is evolving through their influence. We feel like we started writing as a Black Crowes-esque rock’n’blues band, but now we’re becoming so much more. We still wear our influences on our sleeves, as we’re big music fans at the end of the day, but we don’t want to be a “revival” band.
▶ What releases have you put out thus far, and which would be the one to listen to for the uninitiated?
We released our first E.P in December 2009 and we’re working currently on a new release. For the uninitiated, the soundcloud link contains all our recorded material. A song like “Dancin’ Shoes” is typical of the material we’re writing now: Rock’n’roll with elements of funk, blues and soul.
▶ Is there a particular live show that stands out amongst all the rest?
Recently, we supported Million Dollar Reload in The Empire in Belfast. We were blown away not only by the support of our existing fans, but by the response from those who hadn’t seen us before. We had taken a few months from early 2012 to cement a new line up and The Empire show was going to be our “comeback”. It did very nicely!
▶ Can you talk about a Highlight and a Lowlight of the journey so far?
The highlight so far would have to be the whole “Hard Rock Hell” experience. We had to go through a “battle of the bands” style competition (a format that we’re not huge fans of in all honesty), but we won a slot at a festival in Wales. We got to share the stage with some our favourite bands: Therapy?, The Quireboys, Million Dollar Reload, Crash Diet, Black Stone Cherry and many more. Low points have included the usual line up changes: members leaving due to other commitments. The process of finding new people is always a tough one, but we feel that we have a fantastic group of musicians now who can achieve anything they put their minds to!
▶ What does ‘success’ mean to the band?
Success is of course a relative term. Success for us would be to play the music we create for a living. We’re very realistic about how far artists can go in today’s market. Just to be spreading Sweet Taste to as many people as we can, while having food on the table, would be great for us.
▶ You are in control of forming a 4 piece ‘supergroup’ – who is in it and what do they do?
I’ve been asked this before! But the answer has slightly changed since then! Lead vocals – Chris Cornell – his voice is incredible – He’s just so slick as well! // Lead Guitar – we’ve got Mathew Bellamy (from Muse) … That’s like having 2 guitarists anyway the guy’s that good! // Bass Guitar – I always say Flea from RHCP- I saw them live years ago in Manchester and he was just mesmerizing. // Drums – We’ve got Dave Grohl … you don’t have to ask why..
▶ If you and 3 bands of your choosing were to do a world tour; who would the other 3 bands be? (Active or not)
Tom Jones, Aerosmith, Wilson Pickett.
▶ What will be the 3 strangest things on your rider when you’re able to make any demand?
Exercise equipment and healthy food(high in fibre and protein, low in fat and carbs)! Never underestimate how important staying healthy is on the road!
▶ Finally, in a climate saturated with bands vying for listener attention; why should the good old folks at home listen to you guys?
We feel that the Rock market, in particular, is a little saturated with the “Guns’n’Roses” thing. It’s all very aggressive, very manly, very fake. Sweet Taste is music you can dance to, music that won’t have your girlfriend rolling her eyes!
