So then, what’s the band name and what do you ‘do’ in the band?
Whitaker. I’m Ryan. I do the front man thing.
What do you reckon people will say you sound like?
People seem to reference The Shins, Sufjan Stevens and Elbow a bit. That’s probably about right if they’re listening to some of our newer stuff.
What do you love about making music?
It’s when I feel most at home.
What do you hate about the music industry?
You mean ‘Who do you want to piss off?’ I’ve been asked this question before. My answer was ‘the industry part’.
If you could travel back in time and show one of your musical heroes your stuff, who would it be and why?
I honestly don’t know. Most of my heroes are still alive so the whole catching them before they died thing doesn’t really apply. In any event, I’d be way to self-conscious to show anyone I admired Whitaker’s music in person. I hate it when I’m in the same room as someone that’s hearing our stuff for the first time – unless it’s family.
If you could assassinate one person or band from popular music, who would it be and why?
The Beatles – they set that bar way too high. But if I actually went through with it I suppose we’d all still be stuck playing variations on the blues…
What can a punter expect from your live show?
Five people (and maybe some guests) churning out tunes we’ve recorded and others we haven’t. There’ll be lights, speakers and a bar – that kind of stuff.
What’ve you got to sell CD-wise?
You can grab our new EP Wichita, from Bandcamp (whitaker.bandcamp.com) and iTunes.
When’s the gig and with who?
Friday November 29 at Revolver. We launch our EP with friends Tom Kline and Al Parkinson in support.
Anything else to add?
Just water.
