Canterbury based metal band 'Life Under Surveillance' are set to play a gig at the 'Beer Cart Arms' This week. Kate Gibson spoke to lead singer and guitarist, Sean Palmer
On entering Sean Palmer’s home, it is instantly clear that he has no ordinary ‘nine to five’. With two amps’ stacked well over six feet high by the front door and various instruments littering the living room, a musicians presence is immediately evident.
But what is it that makes this twenty-two year old drum tutor come rock star tick? As Sean places my mug of tea on the coffee table, I proceed to find out.
So how long would you say you have been into music?
Since I was about seven, when I took up piano.
Did you have lessons?
I did but I didn’t enjoy them, so I told my parents I didn’t want to have piano lessons anymore, but they got me a keyboard anyway! I carried on learning for ages.
So what made you change from playing the piano to the drums?
To be honest with you, it’s because I worked in a music shop. I left school at 16 and it’s then that I took an interest in other musical instruments. I’d play on the drums in the shop and really enjoyed them, so I taught myself. I picked up the guitar by having guitar lessons from another guy that worked in the shop.
If you could only ever play one instrument again, which would it be?
That’s a hard one. Drum’s make me money but guitar makes me… (he hesitates) have fun! It’d probably be guitar because I could find a way to make money teaching guitar.
Piano is in no way considered in there?!
No, piano is like my boring…I don’t even know why I’ve got a piano. I’m constantly thinking of selling it.
Some would say that’s a waste of talent though?
Could be, but when you’ve got three things, one you’ll do more. But you never know, ten years down the line, I might decide to go back to my piano. I doubt it very much though!
Is the piano not cool?
Not cool! that’s it. With guitar you get to head bang and rock out with people! The drums have become too much of a work thing. If I had a kit at home, I’d never play it, ‘cause no-one wants work at home.
So do you see yourself as two different people, Sean Palmer the teacher and Sean Palmer the rock star?
(Hesitates) No, believe it or not, I feel the same. I like to feel that way, that I have experience of the rock star thing that I do; without it, I think I’d be quite boring. The kids ask about the band and we talk about it a lot. I relate the lessons to that. So I’d say they’re the same person.
Could you pick one favourite song of all time?
No, I have too many favourite songs, I can’t just choose one.
Could you narrow it to a genre?
Yeah, Heavy metal or Reggae… Or Metal Reggae, which is a genre of music as well! The combination of them both is amazing.
Where would you like to be with your band in five years time?
Signed and famous.
Is fame an important part for you?
I’d like to be famous but the important bit is playing. I enjoy performing in front of audiences. I wouldn’t be better if I got famous, but anyone in a band would like to get signed and sell records. Yeah… and be mega rich and buy houses.
Would you give up teaching for performing?
I wouldn’t want to but I would if I had to. I’d have to if I moved to America. I’m not desperate to get out of it though, because it’s enjoyable and you can earn good money. It’s not like a boring office job where you’d get famous and say “I’m done”
You’ve mentioned moving to America. Do you think you’d stand a better chance of hitting the big time there?
Definitely, I’d like to go to America ’cause there are so many more record labels out there. Oh, and it’s bigger! (we both laugh)
I thank Sean for his time and can’t help but be enthused with his excitement for music and his dreams of success. He goes to show that it is possible to live two different lives concurrently…
By Kate Gibson
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