Name: Tristan Pullen
Age: 20
Band name: Smithtown Riot
Where did you grow up: Sydney
Role in band: lead guitar
Web:
www.myspace.com/smithtownriot
How do you describe your bands’ sound?
I would describe it as a blend of melodic Rock N Roll with Pop. We have also been described as foot tapping, head nodding goodness.
Name one song or album that totally sums you up?
I don’t know about sums up, but I like the Vibe on Aerosmith’s album Pump, as it’s just positive and fun, it’s one of the cds I cant really get sick of.
What other bands influence your music?
Our band as a whole is influenced by many different bands a few members really love their 70s and 80s rock, whilst other members really enjoy power pop and punk. I think having different influences is beneficial as each member brings something different to the song writing process. We are also influenced by many of the bands we share the stage with.
ActNow is all about taking action on issues that people are passionate about—so what does “action” mean to you?
Action to me means doing things that are positive, with a purpose and intent. “It’s not how you do something it’s the way you do it”.
What issues are you passionate about?
Any form of violence against women and children. Also the lack of opportunities which are faced by minorities in society due to stereotypes, which I think just creates the cycle of poverty which makes it very hard to break.
What are some hot issues in your local area?
Living in the Shire a few issues facing the area is the repercussions from last year’s Cronulla riots which involved a lot of violence and racism. So now it’s about maintaining the peace, and hopefully this summer everyone can get along and enjoy it without a repeat of last year.
Do issues in the world around you effect how you write your material?
I don’t personally write the lyrics, but generally all the songs are about life, so in an direct way issues around the world influence some of our material.
How important do you think music is to create awareness around issues that the world faces today?
Music is an interesting medium through which we are free to express ideas into the mainstream media. It is very important medium as it allows people to learn and grow, as well as raising awareness for issues, for example the recent legs 11 festival was a great initiative to raise awareness for cancer.
If you weren’t a musician what would you be doing?
Expressing myself creatively through another outlet. However I can’t see myself doing anything else it will have to be something in music weather it be teaching, tour managing etc.
Where do you see your band in five years time?
Hopefully where some of our favourite bands are at the moment—playing festivals, being able to tour the country and overseas headlining our own shows on the back of a album.
If you could change one thing about the world in which you live, what would it be?
To eliminate the corruption in any organisation that is supposed to be for the people.
