The Phantom Rockets 05/08/22
MM: Can you tell us about your Band and whos your biggest influences
The band originally started as a power duo, just me (Stefano, guitars/vocals) and Mattia (Drums). We formed right before the whole pandemic thing started so we wrote the most of our songs during lockdown and the subsequent restriction period.
After releasing a couple singles we realized our sound was taking a different direction. What we were writing was different and we felt we just couldn’t do it as duo. We then decided to add a bass player to the band and that’s how Albert (Bass guitar) joined the band. We now are a power trio, although we have another guitar player on live shows.
We all have different musical backgrounds although we have a lot in common. So, talking about our biggest influences, I guess we all have different ones. Me (Stefano Vocals/Guitar) personally, I’m a big fan of that rock/americana wave but I grew up with punk-rock so I tend to mix these two things in our songs.
MM: Where do you draw your inspirations and ideas from
Anywhere.. I mean, it could be another song, a book, a movie or something that I experience or somebody else does..
MM: What would you say is your Bands favourite song ?
That’s a tough question.. I think we all have different ones.. it’s hard to tell because for example, I could name a song of ours that I like better than the others (to listen) but it might not be the one that I like playing live the most.. So, let me just say: Come Undone. It’s our new single so I’ll pick that one.
MM: Plans tour and festival wise for 2023
We’ll release our new EP in Sept. 2023 and we’re planning shows to promote it. We’ll be hitting the road around October and we actually can’t wait for it.
MM: What can we expect from The Phantom Rockets live
Fireworks, girls dancing on stage and a whole lot of special effects.
Of course I’m just kidding.. we love playing our music live and we do our best to do it properly. So what you can expect is seeing 4 guys doing what they love to do.
MM: What do you like best and worst about touring
Of course the best thing is playing music, I mean we do it for that reason. The worst.. well, it depends. Sometimes, some shows are not well organized and you happen to find yourself in awkward situations where you think: What the hell am I doing here? Other times you end up sleeping in the van, in the middle of nowhere and maybe it’s even wintertime.. I think the worst thing though is to be away from home for a long time and you miss your family, but, at the end of the day, you always remember that you’re doing what you love and you have to be thankful for that.
MM: Which three Bands would be your ultimate touring buddies
Motley Crue, Metallica and Black Sabbath but only if we could travel back in time and do it with them in the 80’s.lol. That’d be tough, I don’t know if we’d make it out of there but it’d be a lot of fun, that’s for sure!
MM: What's the most memorable concert you've been to (other than your own) and why
I think the most memorable for me is a festival I’ve been to in 2001. I was only 15 and, getting out of school, I stopped at a record store I always used to go to. They used to have a drawing board in their window with all the upcoming concerts they sold tickets for. I remember I saw this festival coming up named “Extreme Festival” that would take place on the beach, in a seaside town 4 hours away from where I lived. There were acts like The Vandals, H20, The Ataris and Less than Jake. I remember I bought the ticket without even knowing how I’d get there. In the end I managed to go, somehow, and I was completely by my self but it was so much of a cool experience to me that I enjoyed every second. 4 hours away from home, at a festival with thousands of people, all alone and only 15 years old. I’ll never forget how cool that experience has been!
MM: What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment so far with
I’d definitely say being able to write your music and play it with your friends. That’s the biggest accomplishment and that should always be.
MM: Which are your Two favourite Albums of all time
That’s another tough one! I don’t think I have two favourite albums of all time.. It depends on periods. When I was a kid in high school my favourite albums were ‘End Is Forever’ by the Ataris Forever’ and ‘More Betterness’ from No Use For A Name. Before that, ‘Machina’ from the Smashing Pumpkins was my favourite one. As I got older I fell in love with Johnny Cash and I love all of his records. So, ya, it’s difficult to pick one or two but if really have to, then I’d say ‘End is Forever’ and ‘More Betterness’ ‘cause those were the records that really got me into playing music.
MM: Can you remember the first time you ever played live and how it felt to have people watching you?
Ya definitely, I was 14 and I played with my band at the time at the high school party at the end of the year. I felt really nervous ‘cause it was my first time playing a live show but at the same time it felt really cool to be able to play in front of all those people, and of course in front of your high school crush hahah.
MM: Growing up which Bands posters did you have on your bedroom wall.
I had so many! I used to buy magazines and cut the pages off to hang ‘em on the wall. My room was filled with bands posters. I remember I had one of Phil Anselmo saying ‘I won’t die so easily’. It was from an article right after he experienced a cardiac arrest from heroin overdose in 1996. I had posters from the Descendents and Social Distortion.. I can’t remember all the ones I had but trust me, the walls were completely full of bands photos.
MM: Who do you think influenced the world of Metal / Rock more than any other person
Well, if we’re talking about Metal then I’d definitely say Metallica.. like it or not, they always set new trends. In their Trash Metal era they were the trend setter (of course alongside Slayer, Anthrax etc..) and when The Black Album came out it’s been a game changer for the whole metal scene and for all the bands they came out after.
Regarding rock, it’s a little more difficult ‘cause the most of the people would say The Beatles and of course they influenced the world of rock, I mean I guess they influenced the world of music in general. Personally, I think The Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen are the biggest influences in the rock world. I mean, they’re in their 70’s / 80’s and they’re still rockin’out.. what more can I say?
MM : What's the most important thing to the band right now?
Getting’our EP released in September and touring as much as possible!
MM:If you could do a cover of any song which one would it be and why?
Definitely ‘Stand Inside Your Love’ from the Smashing Pumpkins. It’s such a great song! But, you know, songs like that are so perfect the way they are that covering ‘em is a big risk..and it’s hard too ‘cause they’re just so good the way they’re written that you can just play them as they are. But, never know.. maybe one day I’ll have the right inspiration to cover it in our style.
MM: Tell us why we should buy and listen to your Band
Well, we play what we love, with no compromise and we do it honestly. Nowadays, I see a lot of ‘artists’ doing what they do just to reach success and/or money and to me, they don’t sound like they love what they’re doing at all.. So, if you like something honest and true then you should give us a chance!
MM: Four words to describe The Phantom Rockets
Four Friends Playing Music. That’s what it is. And that’s the most important thing.
Final Words for your fans and our readers
Our new Single ‘Come Undone’ is out on all streaming platforms along with the official video on our youtube channel. Check it out! We really hope you’ll enjoy it and if you do, make sure you swing by our Instagram page @thephantomrockets and let’s get in touch!
