Author: Meredith A. Iager
Date: 2008-04-04


Interview:
BRITISH SOUNDING ST. LOUIS BOYS, CALLED LAPUSH


There was a hidden gem on the December 14, 2007 episode of the vampire drama, Moonlight on CBS. At the end of the "Sleeping Beauty" episode you heard, the St. Louis sound the band, LAPUSH, with their captivating song called "Aurora." Lead vocal and guitarist Thom Donovan says:

"The main lyric in the chorus is 'write your name in the stars I am trying to heal your heart,' and when I wrote that line I immediately thought of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). It just kind of popped into my head. I had no choice."

Though, Moonlight wasn't the first time LAPUSH's music has been on television. Three years ago, in 2005, they were on The Last Call with Carson Daly, playing "Tout De Monde" and "Quit you now" both amazing tunes that echo throughout your brain. These songs are one-of-a-kind, that have an everlasting presence. In December 2007, some of their songs on their most current album, Modern Blues were also used for TV shows. They were a backdrop to the teens living the high life in the MTV series, The Hills, and clips of their music were also featured on various episodes of the Lifetime series Lisa Williams, Life Among the Dead. Now, one might say their music has been gravitating towards teen drama and the dark side, but right there you can tell these guys have already captured a diverse range of appeal.

LAPUSH has been together as a band since 2003, and played their first gig together that November. The group members are, Thom Donovan (lead vocals, guitar), Kevin Bachmann (bass), and Niel Bardon (drums). Donovan says, "I knew Kevin from a local music store in town and Neil lived down the street from me growing up." "We've all been friends for a long time." "Neil just joined the band about 10 months ago but I've been friends with him for a while. We used to play shows with Neil's old band around town."

Donovan who lived in London for a period of time, says the group is inspired by the sound of British rockers: U2, The Verve, Radiohead, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. He says their sound has evolved over time, and in the early days the band incorporated more electronic influences in their music. Donovan says their current tunes are "a bit stripped down lately." Other artists that have influenced the band include Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson, Johnny Cash and the genres of Motown and Blues. Everyone who has had the pleasure of listening to their songs can already tell, the blend of classic British and American rock taught them well.