Romeo Spike: Sweet Enough For The Chicks, Tough Enough For The Dudes

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

By Josh Fritz and Rachael Spencer.

On a cool and brisk Tuesday night, Rachael Spencer and I sat down with Will Brown from the band Romeo Spike for an interview. A very cordial young man and was quite welcoming to us both. After talking for a bit, we dove directly into the interview. The other band members weren’t able to make it to the interview, but did provide answers. Through the four of them, this is the end result.

TheRealAtlanta.com: Who is Romeo Spike?

-Will Brown (drums)

-Donn Aaron (guitar, pedal steel, backing vocals)

-Sky Ross (bass guitar, backing vocals)

-Mike Kunz (lead vocals, keyboards, guitar)

TheRealAtlanta.com: Where did the name Romeo Spike originate?

There are actually different reasons behind this one. Will talked about the actual Romeo spike, which was used in the historic southern cities, traditionally, for men to climb trees and poles to meet their ‘Juliet’s.’ Mike also echoed this, as well as Donn. Another main reason comes from Donn’s second solo album, Unfinished Symphonies. One of his favorite songs on the album was indeed called, “Romeo Spike”

TheRealAtlanta.com: What kind of music does yours fall under? Who are your major influences?

There were entirely too many bands to list. When we were talking to Will and through the answers that we received from other members of the band, there is no doubt that they not only love what they do, but there is a world of influence out there. A little southern rock, but a constant breath of fresh air every time they play.

TheRealAtlanta.com: How did you guys come together?

According to Will, Mike and Donn came together through a musical competition. This eventually evolved into a song-writing team that eventually became Romeo Spike. They continued writing music and loved what they did, but when it came time to play live, they knew that they needed to add to the band. The result is now known as Romeo Spike. They have been playing together, collectively, as a band for just under a year.

TheRealAtlanta.com: What inspired you to make music together?

Mike and Donn already had something special. But, Will and Sky added to the mix. All of them emphasized how much they enjoy playing together and how much of a cohesive unit they all are together. A great deal of camaraderie between these four gentleman.

TheRealAtlanta.com: Anything specific about your instruments? Brand loyalty or just what works?

All of them told us that they have no particular brand that they are loyal to. However, they all have a certain sound that they are looking for. They have their favorite instruments, tuned how they like and when it feels right, it is right. Will mentioned ‘warmth’ with instruments a few times, talking about the feeling of the music. The warmth of a vintage is so much more natural compared to new aged instruments, from drums to keyboards.

TheRealAtlanta.com: Most favorite and least favorite venues?

Hummingbird in Macon was preferred by all members of the band. Will also mentioned Buffington’s in Milledgeville and Mike mentioned Juanita’s in Little Rock. Will told us a story about a venue in Nashville, where it was a mom and pop who were running the place. As soon as the band walked in, the owners came up to them and asked, “Ya’ll are bringin’ people, right?” After that, there was a rather odd mix of bands, the last of which finally got off the stage at 1:00am and the place was closing at 2. The owner of the bar told them that nobody had bought beer in the last thirty minutes, so there wasn’t any real point in playing. They got the point and have not been back since. As far as places in Atlanta, The Star Bar (Little 5 Points), The Earl (East Atlanta) and Lenny’s (Midtown) were all pointed out to us.

TheRealAtlanta.com: Any covers we might hear? Do you have a set list of songs or do you just wing it?

The only cover that they play on occasion is the Cowboy Song by Thin Lizzy. Will mentioned a couple of others that they may bring out, but swore us to absolute secrecy. If you go to one of their shows, keep an ear out for some classic rock. Given that Donn and Mike switch instruments so often, they try and stick with a set list of songs, otherwise the switching can become cumbersome. But, given their love of music, one could almost guarantee it won’t be the same show twice.

TheRealAtlanta.com: Who writes the songs?

On their album, it was mostly Donn and Mike. However, they do have some new music written and it is more of a collaborative effort. A musical accident, if you will. Something that started out as a warm-up jam and just evolved from there. The lyrics are typically Donn and Mike, but there is an understanding with all of them that they all have unique backgrounds and a great deal of mutual respect. It was also pointed out that the end product that we, as the audience, hear is what they all have decided on. That end creation isn’t just something that they said, “Okay” and walked away from, they worked on it and tried different things until they were equally satisfied.

TheRealAtlanta.com: What is your ultimate dream? What/where is your Woodstock?

Mike wants to be the biggest band in the world, selling out stadiums and have all the guitars he wants. Donn wants to headline international tours with all the fixin’s. Sky wants to play a world benefit tour, such as Live Aid. Will wants to carve out their own niche.

Guilty (musical) pleasures :

Mike : Christmas Music (not religious, just Christmas. Especially Emmett Otter’s Jugband Christmas.

Donn : Everything But the Girl.

Will : 80’s music, Hall and Oates and Michael McDonald.

Sky : Shakira.

TheRealAtlanta.com: Any last words?

Mike : Come to Lenny’s on Thursday.

Donn : There are no ‘last’ words. Just ‘more’ words.

Sky : (none)

Will : Thanks to my dad for letting us borrow his Surburban to go on tour.

Thursday night, February 25^th at 9:00pm. They are going to be headlining the show with Author’s Apology and Metreaux as their supporting acts. Come check them out at Lenny’s. 486 Decatur St. Southeast. Atlanta, GA 30312.

We would like to thank Will Brown and the rest of the band for taking the time out of their day to come either spend time with us or to answer the questions that we posed for them. Come on down to the show and make sure to bring your dancing shoes. It’s going to be a good time and I for one am looking forward to it.

For more information about Romeo Spike, be sure to visit their website at www.romeospike.com.

Tags: Atlanta, Josh Fritz, live, music, Rachael Spencer