Sunday Morning Chameleon is an up-and-coming rock band surely making a mark for themselves in Chicago's local music scene. The band consists of four Illinois natives, lead singer Ryan Flagstad, bassist Josh Veselsky, lead guitarist Jamie Cassedy, and drummer Dan Siegfried.
When I arrived at The Metro Saturday night to meet with Sunday Morning Chameleon for an interview, I had only one problem: I couldn't find the band. I looked around backstage at The Metro. I took a seat and reviewed my notes, and even asked a few staff members; but no one knew where they were. I decided to call Dan Siegfried to track them down. I dialed, got him on the phone, and he explained that he and the band were finishing up dinner at Yatzees next door and we could have our interview there. I walked back into the cold, and made my way next door. As I walked into Yatzees, having no idea who I was looking for, four guys on bar stools simultaneously turned around and looked at me, all smiling graciously. At the end of the line was Dan in a button down shirt with a hat on who stood up and asked “Anthony?” It was clear then that this was not a pretentious rock band aiming for celebrity status who I'd be interviewing; but, rather, four average and approachable guys who seemed thankful to be able to talk about their music.
All of the members of the band were light hearted, appreciative, and comical, but when the time came to be serious, they had no problem switching gears to discuss their band, their music, and their future.
What is your favorite place to play in Chicago?
Dan: Well, House of Blues was exciting. We opened for Sister Hazel there, and they have amazing sound equipment - but, other than that, Subterranean is one of our favorites. There's just something about that place.
Who are some of your influences?
Ryan: That's a tough one to answer. Gosh, well we could go around the circle here and give our answers, but I think Radiohead would be the one we all agree on, maybe some oasis, David Gray, U2, and the brit rock influence in general
Josh :Definitely Radiohead
Jamie: Radiohead
Dan : The Stills definitely, maybe some Wilco, and My Morning Jacket.
Do you have a message you try to convey in your music?
Ryan: Wow, I don't know that we have a particular message we try to convey
Dan: I think its definitely a lot of observations on people, and the way people act, the way people are like social observations.
Your MySpace page has you listed as an Indie Band - do you consider yourself an Indie band?
Dan: I don't particularly care for that word - and it's a tough category because what do you really consider Indie? It's like when you first start out you're cool, but then when teenagers listen to your music and you make it big, you become a sell out. I would say more of pop or rock would be a better description.
What are your goals as a Band?
Jamie: Well, right now it's the new EP. And I think just overall making a career out of our music. We would love opportunities to be playing our music every night.
Where did the name Sunday Morning Chameleon originate?
Dan: It's kind of an open and mixed definition. I mean you could have a guy that goes to Church on Sunday morning, but then is unfaithful to his wife. Or you could have the complete opposite and have a guy that maybe is perceived as a bad person, but in reality does many good things. It's just an observation on how we perceive identity and how people portray themselves.
How do you find inspiration to write new songs?
Jamie: I think we revisit the music, and the way we find new songs is always changing. I'd say it's really a collective effort.
Do you have a large fan base and do fans communicate with you?
Dan: Yes, we have a pretty good base of fans. Myspace is good, but it is such a hard
way to filter being there is so much spam and people making requests to be
added as friends, and we have to figure out if it is someone actually interested
in our music, or trying to promote something. But our fan base outside of Chicago
seems to be growing.
How has the band evolved in the past year?
Ryan: Well, for starters, we have a new lead guitar player. I think we learned a lot on how to record songs by working with people, good people who are experienced producers. Our first album we focused on recording what we played - now our performances are better since working on the new album, and when dissecting the music we understand it better. I'd say we are a lot more polished now.
What can we expect from Sunday Morning Chameleon in the next year?
Josh: We hope to do some regional touring in some Midwest cities, maybe do some college tours, and just in general more live shows.
Is there a particular song that you feel is your proudest work or defines you as a band?
Dan: I wouldn't say there is one song that defines us, but Light Year seems to be the song that when we play it live it's like you can almost feel all of our faces light up,
and you know we are all having fun playing it.
What keeps you motivated?
Dan: Hearing from fans is always motivating. We got a message from a kid in the U.K. who said he loved our music. That's always uplifting to hear something like that. But I think what keeps us motivated is the music. If Ryan brings in a new song, and then when something clicks and we can make something out of that, there really is no other better feeling in the world.
What is one thing you would want people to know about your band or your music?
Ryan: Well, several of the band members are bi-lingual and speak Spanish. Unfortunately I only speak a little bit of Spanish. And another thing to add is that we are aware as a band that our name (Sunday Morning Chameleon) is way too long.
Top photo courtesy of Sunday Monring Chameleon
