Flying to Firefly: Interview With Step Rockets

Prepare to give a warm welcome to Step Rockets, set to perform at this year's 3rd annual Firefly Festival in Dover, Deleware.

The four piece indie-alternative band from Minneapolis mixes psychedelic sounds with modern pop to create a sound similar to that of The Flaming Lips and The Clash, along with their own talented take on music.

Empty Lighthouse had the chance to interview the band on the rise...

Get to know Step Rockets before you catch them live this June in The Woodlands at Firefly Festival

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: How did you first get your start in music?
STEP ROCKETS: We are all self taught musicians that started around the age of 10.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: Who are your musical influences?
STEP ROCKETS: Flume, Twin Shadow, HAIM, Polica.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: Who do you listen to in your spare time, other hobbies, etc?
STEP ROCKETS: We pretty much listen to everything in the van from Tom Waits to STRFKR. We like playing Magic The Gathering and having Gongfu tea ceremonies.

There is not much to do in Minneapolis in the winter besides going to local shows and playing music so we try to get outside in the summer.

Last year we had an excellent trip to the BWCA in Northern Minnesota with the band.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: What has been your most memorable experience while touring?
STEP ROCKETS: Josh getting punched in the stomach by a guy who wet his pants.

This guy actually performed that night and was removed from the club after the incident...what a mess!

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: What is the craziest thing you've seen a fan do to get into a show / on stage, etc.?
STEP ROCKETS: Drive 5+ hours through the blinding snow just to make it to our CD release party.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: What advice would you give to other young people looking to succeed in the industry?
STEP ROCKETS: Keep writing music. It's the only thing that really matters in the end.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: When you hit a creativity block, what re-inspires you?
STEP ROCKETS: Going to a show around town is always a good way to remove creativity blocks.

There is a ton of great music in Minneapolis and we are so proud to be a part of such a cool town.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: How do you manage your time between your music and personal life?
STEP ROCKETS: We don't.

It's full speed ahead every day. We feel like there is never enough time to accomplish everything we want to do in this short life.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: What are your upcoming plans in regards to more touring, releases and producing new music?
STEP ROCKETS: We are going to keep writing and releasing singles for now while we tour as much as possible and work on our EP.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: If you could invent anything, what would it be?
STEP ROCKETS: A rocket ship/flying stage that could take us on a musical tour around the galaxy.

We would love to be the first band to play on the moon.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: If stranded on an island, what 3 things would you want to have with you?
STEP ROCKETS: Guitar, bass, and drums.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: Do you have any rituals or things you must have/do before a show?
STEP ROCKETS: We always do the Mighty Ducks...quack, quack, quack, quack...

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: What are you most excited about the upcoming festival season?
STEP ROCKETS: We can't wait to meet all of the talented and amazing band that we will be playing with.

We are so inspired by a ton of the bands at this years Firefly.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: Anything else you would like to add?
STEP ROCKETS: Thanks to all the people who have helped us along the way to have the opportunity to fulfill our dreams. Grace and love.

Check out Step Rockets and listen to the unique and eclectic sound they have to offer at http://www.steprockets.com and to find out more information on Firefly Festival, visit http://www.fireflyfestival.com.