Ahead of their upcoming shows with Buckcherry in July, Waterloo alt-rockers Sierra Pilot have just released their single “The Thief”, alongside a brand new video. We caught up with the band’s lead vocalist and songwriter Taylor Leith to chat about the new music, their upcoming album release, and some under-the-radar bands they’ve been listening to lately.
From The Strait: Tell us about the new single, “The Thief”.
Taylor Leith: The Thief is a song that is super close to my heart. I think it was the first song that I wrote where I was completely honest with myself when writing it. I wrote it about watching a friend go from a bad relationship to a worse relationship and never really catching their breath from the last. I wanted to try and put their seeming addiction to words and voice the pain that a lot of us go through when we are in toxic relationships.
FTS: Your new album Phantom Pains is set to be released this coming September – what can fans expect from it?
Taylor Leith: Phantom Pains is a collection of anthemic, melodic songs that run the gamut from alternative/modern rock to hard rock and is meant to be listened to cranked up LOUD. When we were making this record I said to myself I want people to be singing along at the top of their lungs in their cars, at home, or our shows. The lyrics are meaningful and relatable so I hope they connect with a lot of listeners.
FTS: As you gear up for a Canadian tour with Skid Row and Buckcherry later this year, what are you most looking forward to? And how do you prep for a tour like that?
Taylor Leith: First, we are gearing up for three shows with Buckcherry in early July in Oshawa, Hamilton, and London. The tour with Skid Row and Buckcherry is in October, right after the album comes out, and I’m not sure I can narrow the excitement to just one thing! I’m excited to share the stage with both bands – they are legends! Tours like this are great learning experiences for up-and-coming acts so we plan to take full advantage of that. We are also excited to be playing in bigger venues than we have ever played before (arenas, casinos, and big event centers). We have never toured outside of Ontario so it will be exciting to hit Western Canada for the first time. The opportunity to play in front of these new audiences will not be squandered. By the end of this tour, we hope to have a whole new fanbase.
FTS: What are some under-the-radar bands or artists you love, and want to share with our readers?
Taylor Leith: I’m going to shamelessly plug some of my very talented friends and say you all need to check out Excuses Excuses, The Jailbirds, Revive the Rose, and Living Room for Small.
FTS: What’s one question you wish you were asked in an interview? (And what’s your answer to it?)
Taylor Leith: I’ve been asked this question only once and it haunts me to this day because I didn’t answer it the way I wanted, but it’s a great question!
The question was “Which superhero villain would you want to be?” And my new answer would be The Joker because he’s just a dude with no superhuman abilities. Instead, he uses his expertise in chemical engineering to develop poisonous and thematic weaponry like razor-tipped playing cards, deadly joy buzzers, and acid-spraying lapel flowers. Part of me really respects that… Mwahahaha! Stay in school, kids!
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Check out “The Thief”, the new video & single from Sierra Pilot!
Follow Sierra Pilot on Facebook and Instagram
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