Sweet Desire Discusses Growing Up in Altoona, Band Life, and their Imminent Debut Album
Interview ★ Kenzie Gay ★ @kenzwrites ★ 1.1k Words
Reminiscent of The Doors, the band this very magazine is named after, Sweet Desire is an up and coming rock group I’ve had my eye on for quite some time. They’ve been mentioned to me a few times, mostly by fellow rock band Velvet Daydream, and I thought it was finally time to take a deep dive for myself.
Composed of drummer Trey Boore, vocalist Jordan McCaulley, guitarist Kenton Lewis, and bassist Joshua Simpson, the band caught a moment to answer some questions both about the music and beyond.
Sweet Desire ★ Right photo via Darlene Hassinger
Your double sided single, Two Live Forty-Five’s, recently dropped in late March. Can you walk through the night this was recorded?
It was recorded at Phantom Power in Millersville with accompanying musician Alex Snyder on the Piano/Keyboard. We were one of four bands to play that night and had our set recorded professionally. After listening to the set we chose Hummingbird because it is about one of our good friends who is in the military but was home for this show. We also chose Feelin’ Alright because it was groovy and a song we enjoyed playing especially with Alex.
Aside from the sound of Sweet Desire, the general vibe is very clearly reminiscent of the 1970s. What about this era is so inspiring in terms of fashion, attitude, and aesthetic?
We are very inspired by the 60’s and 70’s era because of the prominence of self expression and pushing boundaries of society. The aesthetic of this time period is also so inspiring because of the attention to detail in automobiles, album covers, houseware, and clothing. There was a lot more color and people actually cared about the quality of what they created. We just admire the authenticity and community of the time and want to bring it back.
You’ve been compared to The Doors quite often. Aside from them, who are each individual member’s biggest musical influences? Are there any that some wouldn’t expect?
(Josh) While I am heavily inspired by music from the 60’s/70’s I am also inspired by many contemporary bass players like thundercat, Joe Dart, Mononeon, and especially other legends like Victor Wooten, Flea, and Jaco Pastorious.
(Jordan) Some of my biggest influences range from Jim Morrison, Robert Plant, Steve Marriott, and Paul Rodgers. I also am heavily influenced by 80’s hair metal frontmen like Don Dokken, Jeff Keith from Tesla, Tom Keifer of Cinderella, and Jack Russell from Great White. To finish, 90’s country singers such as Travis Tritt, Alan Jackson, and Sammy Kershaw have influenced my style/writing as well.
(Kenton) I am heavily inspired by 60s/70s psych/blues rock players like Paul Kossoff, Dickey Betts, Duane Allman, Stephen Stills, Steve Miller, Peter Frampton, Jerry Garcia, and Roger McGuinn in terms of their approach to playing and writing, especially for the time period. I am also inspired by a lot of contemporaries as well such as Marcus King, Jake Kiszka, Tyler Armstrong, Kingfish, Dalton Love, Jag Robinson, Kaeden Keys, Dorian Hotz, and Ryder King.
(Trey) I’ve grown up listening to Electric Light Orchestra, when I got older I found myself appreciating Jeff Lynne’s writing and composition a lot. The late 60s drumming style will always peak my interest because of the innovative sounds and tones at the time. It was raw, heavy, quiet, weird, but powerful. Honorable drummer mentions: Bev Bevan, Buddy Miles, John Bonham, Keith Moon, Ginger Baker, Alan White, Bill Kreutzmann, Carl Palmer.
Altoona, PA, has historically had a lot of jazz and blues scenes. Do you think having an upbringing in Altoona had an impact on the band’s sound compared to if you grew up somewhere else such as Los Angeles or Chicago?
We believe that being born and raised in a former industrial town like Altoona has definitely shaped the emotions that we feel and express through our music. Altoona isn't the happiest of towns in the world, so the prominence of jazz and blues music goes hand in hand with the darker, gloomier aspect of our hometown. Growing up, going to these concerts and musical events was a big part in all of our lives, and definitely played a role in inspiring us all to become the types of musicians we have today.
Individually, what is your favorite thing about being in a band?
(Kenton) My favorite thing about being in a band is writing, traveling to, and performing our songs to new and different audiences across the country, and it only seems to get bigger.
(Jordan) My favorite part of being in a band is getting to express myself and connect to people on stage through my words and physical movements. There is not another feeling quite like it in my opinion.
(Josh) My favorite part of being in a band is travelling and meeting all kinds of people who have different experiences to tell you about and learning a lot from that. Also the ability to play and write music with my closest friends that hopefully connects with people that can take something from it whether it be inspiration, enjoyment or anything else.
(Trey) I really enjoy traveling and being able to do it with the same group of guys, it’s a thrill of complete freedom. Playing music is just the icing on the cake.
What is your opinion on the common notion that rock n roll has died?
We believe whole-heartedly that rock n roll has not died and it is alive and well when you look in the right places. The rising popularity of things such as vinyl records and the style of the 70’s has kept Rock n’ Roll influencing pop culture and is making it mainstream once again.
Is there a backstory behind the band’s name?
The name “Sweet Desire” is derived from a lyric from one of our favorite bands “Electric Light Orchestra” in a song named “Livin’ Thing”. We felt it had a nice ring to it.
By all means, you are still in the early stages of your journey as a band since you just started in 2021. Where would you like to see yourselves in ten years?
In ten years, we’d like to have had the opportunity to tour the world and put out several albums. To bring back the authenticity of music and the concept of going to live shows is what we hope to accomplish.
Is there anything you’d like to plug for our readers? (upcoming releases, tour dates, festivals, video projects, etc.)
We’d like to announce that our first album “Sweet Desire” will be released on June 14th. It’ll be available on all streaming platforms along with CD’s and vinyl records. We also have just filmed a music video for our track “Easy Woman, Lovin’ Woman” which will be out within the next month as well.
Also some festivals we are attending include, Pyro Music Festival in Grand Junction, MI on June 7th. Movement On the Mountain in Tionesta, PA on June 21st. Central PA Festival of the Arts in State College, PA on July 12th. And lastly, Rock the Mountains in Cumberland, MD on July 26th.
