Satellite Citi – LA Alt-Rock Band

Satellite Citi: A cool band from LA

Interview conducted on April 23, 2018

by Daniel Locke

 

Satellite Citi are an Alt-Rock band, hailing from Los Angeles, California. Anna Gevorkian (lead vocals/drums) and Shaunt Sulahian (guitars/backing vocals). Anna, pushes the limits as front-woman by combining her singing and drumming synergies, while Shaunt brings his own edge with heavy yet melodic guitars. Additionally, the band are joined by their two anonymous “Spacewalkers” (dressed as astronauts), on bass and guitar, to give them a fuller sound, creating an atmospheric aesthetic for their live shows.

In 2018, Satellite Citi teamed up with famed rock producer, Brad Wood (Placebo, Smashing Pumpkins) creating their debut EP, Negative Space. Despite Negative Space being a raw, rock and roll EP filled with relentless energy and growling guitars, it thematically features sensitive and introspective subject matters. The EP is inspired by topics which motivate them lyrically, from societal issues and corruption of politics, to battling internal demons and struggling to find solace.

Dan Locke: Tell me about your background?

Shaunt: Started playing guitar roughly 14-15 years ago and the rest was sort of history. Been in and out of bands ever since until I met Anna. We sort of found our footing with Satellite Citi and progressively keep trying to move forward and put out content whether its new songs or videos to accompany a new single.

Anna: Same. I played drums in some bands growing up but nothing serious. Picked up the ukulele and released a solo acoustic EP “Reflections” in 2014. That was around the time Shaunt and I started playing acoustic shows together in the beginning and then decided we could go all the way and have me on drums.

How did you start playing music?

Shaunt: My dad had a bunch of guitars lying in his room, so I just grabbed one and started messing around until that became a daily activity that hasn’t really ended.

Anna: Honestly, I switched hobbies and instruments a lot as a kid because nothing ever held my interest for long enough. I tried a little bit of everything before drums, which I started playing at the age of 12, and never looked back.

I see there are only two core members of the band. Anna Gevorkian – Lead Vocals + Drums and Shaunt Sulahian – Guitars + Vocals. The other members are listed as Spacewalker #1 and #2. Is this like Ghost which one no really knows their ID?

Sort of! However, unlike Ghost, we’re not super secretive of the identity of our Spacewalkers. If people figure it out, that’s awesome, but I think people tend to enjoy the mysticism of it all and deep down they want it to be a secret.

You are a band from Los Angeles. And there are 1,000s of other bands in LA. What makes your stand above the others?

Shaunt: Well, while we’re on the topic of Spacewalkers. we had the idea of live members joining us in a sort of non-traditional way when we were about to start playing live. It just made sense that they would be astronauts giving our band name and our sci-fi vibes. Also, I haven’t personally seen many female drummer/vocalists in the hard rock scene out here in Los Angeles. Maybe we haven’t looked hard enough, but I think Anna is definitely working hard to present our fans with something original, and a form of entertainment that hasn’t been done so often. Not to mention that it’s basically a full-on workout for her after every live show, so it’s a win-win.

Anna, you do freelance video editing. I like your reel. How did you get into Video Editing? You have come alone ways from Angel in Disguise.

Wow, you dug deep into the vaults for that one! I started editing in high school and then got my BFA in Film Editing. I think of it as rhythmic imagery – finding a pace and rhythm and cutting to that tempo. Which in a way connects back to drumming?

What video editing software do you use?

I’ve had to work in different programs depending on the job but I’m currently using Premiere CC Pro.

And I liked K’noup – Going to California – Music Video.

Thank you! K’noup is a good friend of ours who makes some badass music, so it was a lot of fun working with him on that.

Anna, what happened with your solo project REFLECTIONS? Was that the first project that you and Shaunt did together?

I briefly touched on that earlier but yeah it was the first project we worked on together. I had just started writing my solo songs on ukulele and Shaunt was kind enough to help me and play guitars/sing backing vocals on that. We realized how much fun it was making music together and it opened the doorway to more music and songwriting together.

I see that you went to Providence High School. Maybe you will make it onto their website under Famous Alumni?

Hopefully, we’ll accomplish more than that but that’s a good starting point!

Shaunt I looked at your video audition piece. Are you trained, classical guitarist? And how long did you study for?

That was definitely a long time ago! I studied classical guitar for about 4 years under Chris Volak and Bryan Fasola, so I have some training and some moderate knowledge of classical guitar. I’d definitely like to hone that craft a bit more and possibly incorporate some classical music elements to Satellite.

So, you are fairly new. You formed in 2015. Worked with Brad Wood (placebo and Smashing Pumpkins), how did you find him?

The forces of the universe brought us together and we were very grateful for that. We had been fans of Brad’s work for a long time and his manager, Sandy got us in touch with him.

How did Brad Wood help you to complete the EP? How long were you working on it?

Before recording in the studio, we did a ton of pre-production and even wrote some songs in between recording sessions that ended up making it on the EP. Brad is an overall tremendous producer and person. He really made sure the process was as smooth as can be, and in the end, we not only got a record we were extremely proud of but made an awesome friend. We worked on the EP for about 10 months since everyone’s schedule was pretty hectic.

How would you describe your sound?

Hard rock with a bit of everything else!

What is the process in your songwriting?

Shaunt: There are some days where we decide that we wanna jam and try and write a tune, and others where it happens naturally. Anna usually comes in with a melody idea and some lyrics and I might have a riff or two that I’m really excited about. We come together and combine our ideas and slowly see the progress come to life.

Anna: Yeah it can start with just guitars and then throwing vocals on, or just drums and throwing guitars or just vocals…we kind of feel each song out and guide it in the direction that it wants to go in.

Negative Space is your new release. Are you getting any airplay yet? Either on the radio or on the web?

We’re getting some airplay on The Edge Rock Radio from our friends Melissa and Wes Anderson! Shout out to them for always being so kind.

 

Why was “Rock Bottom” a commemoration of the Armenian Genocide?  Who’s an idea of the video?

Well, we’re both Armenian, and being Armenian we automatically feel a responsibility to inform the world about the Armenian Genocide. The Armenian Genocide was committed in 1915 by the Ottoman Empire as they systematically massacred 1.5 million Armenians. Although many countries recognize the Genocide today, the United States and Turkey still does not, so we decided to make our first single/music video in commemoration of the 100th year of the Armenian Genocide in 2015. It was sort of both our idea, with Anna’s sister Audrey directing the music video and lending her talents.

And I see you have many different causes. Like Blue Orchid. You give warning about how it could induce seizures for people with photosensitive Epilepsy. Did you know about The Banned Pokémon Episode That Gave Children Seizures?

No, but you’ve peaked our interest.

By the way your version is better than The White Stripes. You are more than a White Stripes clone.

Why thank you!

What is Borek and why is it so good?

Borek is God’s gift to us. We are not worthy of its delicious, layered goodness. It’s basically a thin pastry filled with either cheese, meat or spinach. Humans have been fighting over it since the dawn of time. We highly recommend you try it.

Who influences you and why?

The inventors of Borek.

What type of clubs/places do you like to play in (size)?

Well, we love the Troubadour and several venues across Silverlake.

What music fests would you like to play in?

Anything from Aftershock, to Outsidelands, Download, Rock am Ring/Rock I’m Park, Reading, and Leeds.

Would you like to play Rock on the Range aka: Sonic Temple and why?

Of course, why not? Sharing a bill with likeminded passionate musicians is enough for us.

How would you explain your live performance?

It’s like a mini adventure for your mind. We always try and give high energy performances, but people do love our well-dressed Spacewalkers!

What year, make and model gear do you have?

Shaunt: I got a 2014 American Strat and a Peavey 3120.

Anna: I mix two vintage Ludwig Kits – A blue vistalite kit from the 70s and a sparkle kit from the 60s with a 60s supra phonic snare drum.

If someone was listening to you for the first time, what 3 videos or songs would you tell them to look/listen to and why?

Probably Undead, Slow Kill, and Blue Orchid.

“Undead” because we love the message of the music video and we feel like it resonates well with youth and a lot of people can relate/connect with it.

“Slow Kill” because the video comes out on 4/6 and we worked really hard to make a unique stop-motion music video for you guys.

And “Blue Orchid” because people love cover songs because they feel like they can relate to the band somehow without knowing their original songs.

Favorite Quotes?

“Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do” Our good friend Bruce Lee.

Favorite Reading?

Shaunt: Just finished Ready Player One, and mid-way into Snow Crash.

Anna: At the moment…the Rugrats comic book. They need to make more issues.

Any Hobbies?

Shaunt: Does the gym count?

Anna: Painting and Muay Thai

Favorite Drink?

Shaunt: Uh Juice.

Anna: Yerba Mate with mint has been stealing my heart lately.

Favorite thing you like to cook/eat?

Shaunt: Anna’s Banana Cheesecake.

Anna: I guess Banana Cheesecake… haha

Who is your favorite female singer and why?

Shaunt: Anna, because she’s just too cool.

Anna: It’s hard to pick a favorite but Hayley Williams definitely got me into singing growing up. I used to sing along to the first couple Paramore albums all the time.

How is your favorite female guitar player?

Shaunt: I don’t know many… maybe Nita Strauss because she’s badass.

Anna: Joan Jett is pretty badass too.

How do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Kickin ass and taking names.

If you could jam with anyone who would it be?

Satellite Citi (creadit: Jake Hagopian )

Shaunt: Abe Lincoln and teach him an instrument.

Anna: Damn Abe Lincoln would be legendary…I might have to join in on that jam.

Any guilty pleasures your fans would be surprised you listen to?

Shaunt: I honestly love Paramore’s first 2 or 3 albums. A guilty pleasure of mine most definitely.

Anna: ABBA for sure. My parents used to play it on road trips growing up and I grew to love them.

What is on your bucket list?

Shaunt: Play guitar while sky-diving.

Anna: To play some crazy shows in Japan.

What is on your phone for music now?

Shaunt: Leprous – Malina… Been streaming that for a month straight now.

Anna: Nothing But Thieves – Broken Machine has been on loop for a while now.

Anything in closing you would like to say?

Shaunt: This has been the best interview we’ve ever done.

Anna: It’s definitely been a unique and memorable interview! Thanks for having us.

Website | Facebook |YouTube | Twitter| Instagram |