Sheppard Let Me Down Easy Interview

Sheppard Let Me Down Easy Interview

Brisbane pop 6-piece, Sheppard, have become one of 2013s breakout radio acts with sing-a-long hit 'Let Me Down Easy" igniting airwaves around the country and are pleased to unveil a new video for the track.

Sheppard features siblings Amy, George and Emma Sheppard along with friends Jay Bovino, Michael Butler and Dean Gordon, together creating a unique mix of party atmosphere and good-time melody that is taking Australia by storm.

2012 saw the band on the road both at home and in the UK, USA, The Phillipines, South Africa, and even India where they played the NH7 Weekend festival in Pune, Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.

Sheppard's hit single, Let Me Down Easy debuted in the Australian top 50, becoming one of the biggest independent hits on Australian radio this decade, with adds across the Nova and Austereo networks. This follows on from the radio success story of the band in the USA, where they've had over 750 spins on commercial radio and cracking the top 100 on the CMJ charts. On their most recent US tour they sold out Crystal Ballroom (1500cap) in Portland, where the song was #1 most requested on Portland's KNRK 94.7.

Interview with Amy Sheppard

Question: How did it feel to hear your song played all over the airwaves?

Amy Sheppard: It was the most surreal experience when I first heard our song on the radio. I was in a cab and couldn't hide my bursting excitement! I turned it up so loud and had celebrations with the cab driver and SnapChat!


Question: Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

Amy Sheppard: Many told me that it would be next to impossible to 'make it" and that I should choose another profession. It has been hard but I knew that we had something special with Sheppard. To get any radio play is next to impossible, especially for an independent band so when we broke through, it was a dream come true. It's not something that has come easy but it has been worth it!


Question: Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?

Amy Sheppard: I am one of three songwriters in the band. Along with my brother George and friend Jason Bovino, we have a great little team going on. Usually one of us will come up with the basis of the song and the other two will jump on board. Inspiration has come from many life events. We write about the usual suspects like 'break ups" and 'love" to more heavy issues such as what happens after you die. As long as the song has emotion, there's no limit to the topic you can write about.

Question: What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Amy Sheppard: We are always listening to new music. I think it's important to refresh and expand your musical knowledge. I justify my iTunes purchases as 'research";). Some bands I love right now include 'Little Green Cars", 'The Art of Sleeping" and 'Haim". I'm a sucker for the classics tho, my favourites include 'Fleetwood Mac", 'The Rolling Stones" and 'Neil Young".


Question: How have you enjoyed touring?

Amy Sheppard: I love it! We always have so much fun. At times, it can get exhausting and you do miss your friends however, you look and the bigger picture and think 'How lucky am I?!"


Question: What's next for you?

name: Currently, we are in the recording studio finishing off some songs which we hope to release later this year/ early next year. After that we are flying to Thailand to play at the 'Sonic Bang" festival. We are stoked to be on the same line up as 'Pitbull", 'Jason Maraz" and 'Placebo".


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Amy Sheppard: It's a hard choice because they are both very different experiences; however, I have to say live! It is always a thrill to be on stage and to hear people sing along to your song is priceless!


Question: What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?
Amy Sheppard: I think it was my desire to be different. I didn't want to be like everybody else. I found my dad's old guitar at the age of nine and began lessons with 'Baruka Tau" who has been our mentor ever since. I owe a lot to both him and my parents. They have really pushed us and help us take things to the next level.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Amy Sheppard: I'd say trying to get our music out into the world. Before radio play, it was a real struggle to get people to listen to our music. We did have a solid fan base growing but since radio, it has exploded. I'd say, as an independent band, getting radio play is difficult.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Amy Sheppard: My current Saturday looks a lot like this:
8:30am: Wake up
9:00am: 1 hour gym session
11-7pm: Recording studio
7-11: Sound Check, Show time, Pack up.
We don't often have a show during the week, but we do rehearse.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Amy Sheppard: My favourite part of being an artist is having people appreciate the music! Having people sing along to your song, which started in your bedroom, is just mind blowing. We are very grateful to call this our profession and can't believe that we get to do what we love every day.

Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Amy Sheppard: This is a tricky one! I'd have to say 'Coldplay" because obviously, they are incredible. Every step of that collaboration would be magical. We wouldn't hate to get up on stage at one of their shows either ;)


Question: Is it ever difficult working with siblings?

Amy Sheppard: It does get heated at times. We fight, of course, but I think overall, we get along really well. We can be honest with each other and don't have to tip toe around what needs to be said. We don't hold grudges and can get over our fights in five minutes.


Question: Do you have a website fans can visit?

Amy Sheppard: We sure do! Our website is www.wearesheppard.com. All of our social media is under wearesheppard as well.


Question: What is the story behind the band's name?

Amy Sheppard: It is our last name. There are three Sheppard kids in the band.


Interview by Brooke Hunter