August 15, 2015
Originating in Austin, Texas, U.S
MAKESHIFT PARACHUTES, is a newfangled rock band,
they lives his music simple and enjoyable.
Installed in New Zealand to continue growing
in their artistic purposes, these young talents transmit much sweetness and harmonious personality.
And they are appreciative of the charm that gives them the art who choose to express their experiences.
When and how was formed the band, and why the name "MAKESHIFT PARACHUTES"? The members of the band.
The band was formed in Austin Texas during the summer of 2012. The band consists of Christian McCollum (vocals/guitar), Sharif O’Connor (guitar/composition), Daniel O’Connor (bass/composition) Arthur Brewer (drums).
We decided on the name “Makeshift Parachutes” while sitting under an old parachute in the outdoor area of the bar “Cheer Up Charlies” on east 6th street in Austin. We liked the imagery of the name and the idea of makeshift safety.
What is the musical style?
We play big sounding, psychedelic, dreamy melodies.
What is the subject matter of his songs?
We sing about life, ideas and feelings.
How many songs have and what are inspired to compose?
We have written about 20 songs and are inspired by good and bad trips, mittens on kittens and the ocean.
Mittens on kittens, what is?
Small knitted gloves on baby cats.
What are your musical influences? The musicians of reference.
Pink Floyd, The Flaming Lips, The Beatles, Tame Impala and many others.
Each of you, where they studied music?
In our bedrooms, at the beach, at live shows and in our dreams.
No music school, right?
That's right, none of us went to music school.
What other genres listen?
All of them.
How time they dedicate rehearse and how they are organized to work?
We rehearse almost everyday, sometimes jamming and sometimes structured practice.
Where are presented regularly and how many presentations have since the formation of the band?
We just relocated the band to New Zealand and are currently preparing for our first show here.
Are living in New Zealand for your music, how that is change of residence?
Yes, we moved to New Zealand to pursue music. The change has been great so far. New Zealand is a beautiful place.
How important is for you the aesthetic on stage (costume, performance, communication with the public, lights, sound, etc)
Connecting with our audience, good sound and better vibes are what matter most to us.
As is the public that follows your band?
We have a varied and generally open minded fan base.
What are the most requested songs?
The Doorway, Asylum, Smooth and The Gods.
Would sing in another language (e.g. spanish) to reach other audiences?
At the moment we express ourselves best in english but we are not closed to the idea of lyrics in other languages.
In places where acting charge a fixed cashed by presentation, or depending on where the price varies?
It depends on the venue and occasion.
Participated in festivals, contests, other shows?
Just local shows so far. We are currently booking our first New Zealand tour. It will be in September.
What place in the world, would you like play ever?
Wherever the wonderful people are.
What is the main means of dissemination of their music?
Word of mouth.
The local media (radio, tv, etc) what space grant them to disseminate his work?
At the moment we are focused on writing our first full length album and plan to promote it in every way available.
What songs have recorded in a professional manner, Demo, EP, Single, etc?
The EP “Fiction Has Evolved” is available on itunes or at www.makeshiftparachutes.com
Tell us how was the work of his first EP?
We feel that our first EP captured only a few aspects of the sound and feelings we would like to produce.
Our recording cost was quite minimal because our singer Chris owned and operated a recording studio in Austin Texas in the early days of our band.
Presented their material to record companies, they went to see some Record Company, local, national or international?
At this point in our musical journey, we feel it is best to remain independent.
Do you have a music manager or representative? Have they worked with some?
We manage ourselves at the moment but will soon be looking for a manager.
Although they have not worked with a manager, what do they think of the music managers?
We are not opposed to working with a manager as long as artistic integrity remains intact.
What is the support they receive from their families, friends and colleagues of study or work?
We’ve had mixed levels of support from family and friends. Many have been ultra supportive while others don’t give 1/3 of a shit.
Government policies that apply in your country for musicians?
New Zealand government is supportive of the arts, but having said that, we have to do this on our own.
Why you like the art of music?
For it’s indescribable beauty and the way it makes us feel.
What is the message wishing to transmit to those who listen?
We prefer to transmit good vibes and feelings rather than any particular message.
What are the dreams and the expectations that have?
To live life to the fullest and to give back a small portion of all that music has given to us.
MAKESHIFT PARACHUTES