By Kat Diltz

Staff Writer

Midnight Satellites (MSATS) is a band that thinks outside of the musical box. Playing punk riffs, bluesy jams, modern pop tunes and much more, MSATS refuses to be listed as another generic rock band.

From playing small open mics in bars and restaurants to playing The House of Blues in Los Angeles, the band’s top priority is performing music that will get you out of your chair and singing along.

Based in Southern California’s “winery capital,” Temecula, MSATS is fronted by Sal Spinelli on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, with Brennan Kilpatrick on harmonizing vocals and lead guitar, Ryan Kilpatrick on bass and Nick Seiwert on drums. The four share a serious passion for performing and writing music that started out as jam sessions, covering their favorite blues and classic rock songs. Weekly performances for their friends and families quickly developed into a realization of a full-blown profession in the music industry. In 2012, the band found themselves on a songwriting enterprise, finding their gritty, yet smooth sound, appealing to listeners of all ages. The following year, by popular request, the band recorded their first self-titled EP with Alex Pappas (Finch) and percussionist Jackie Bertone (Beach Boys, Tower of Power). Their down-to-earth lyrics, seamless harmonies and enduring guitar solos sparked the interest of many more music lovers in the Valley, and since been featured on local and online radio, and self-booked 200 shows in 2013 that included performances with artists such as Hoobastank, Andrew WK and Uncle Kracker. Midnight Satellites also played the well-known Camp Pendleton Mud Runs and Fourth of July Beach Bash to an audience of over 50,000 people. The band’s devotion to music is unmistakable, and their gleaming success is just the beginning.

Aside from rocking out at night, Sal and Brennan also teach at Riffs Music in Murrieta, California. Brennan taught guitar for three years, putting his experience of playing guitar for over 15 years in various genres to work outside of being on stage. Sal is vocal coach, and also teaches how to play guitar, bass or piano with simultaneous vocals.

Sal gave me some insight of the work it takes to be in a professional rock band, as well as some personal/musical favorites in this exclusive interview for The Cougar Chronicle:

Kat Diltz (KD): What’s your favorite song to perform live?

Sal Spinelli (SS): I really like to play Drug Me live. Locking into a vibe with my band during that song feels great.

KD: Any pre/post-show traditions?

SS: Not really. I’m usually pretty calm most of the day up until 30 minutes till we play. I don’t know if it’s a tradition, but absolutely a habit of trying to find a quiet room and zoning out to ease some nerves before the set.

KD: Who/what inspired you to become a musician?

SS: I’ve been around musicians in my family when growing up. Seemed like a very natural thing to do. My uncle and grandfather really gave me my initial inspiration.

KD: If you could perform with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

SS: If I had the opportunity to be on the stage with Jeff Beck, just so I could comp him and hear his perfection in that live setting… that would be a huge thing for me.

KD: The most enjoyable and the most difficult parts of being in a band?

SS: The most enjoyable part is being able to achieve great things with like-minded friends. Nothing better than writing a song that just works when we play it live. And when the crowd reacts to a moment when we really lock in, it’s a very unique feeling.  The most difficult is the occasional butting heads. It’s to be expected, but when it happens it’s never fun. Being in a band requires a lot of time commitment. Practicing, writing, performing, etc., all take time out of the day or night that you could spend with family and friends.

KD: Advice to anyone who wants to break into the music industry?

SS: Patience, persistence and practice. Just like any other career, you have to focus and concentrate on what it is you want to achieve and it will only benefit you. Don’t break into it for fame and fortune. There is a lot of blood, sweat and tears that will be shed during the process of breaking into the industry. Make connections, make friends, stay true to yourself and be nice.

Midnight Satellites is available now on iTunes and BandCamp (digital), and at any live show (physical copy).

Midnight Satellites EP track listing personal review:

Drug Me: a bluesy, aggressive, rock headbanger with catchy riffs and an unexpected soft breakdown.

Revelation: a progressive rock tune with a classic, familiar chorus and anticipating guitar-solo-buildup.

Shut My Eyes: a garage-concert tune, with hints of Nirvana and Led Zeppelin in the powerful chorus, that will remind any listener of the 90’s grunge scene.

Let Her Go: a catchy, transitional post-breakup song, reminiscent of a mix of Rob Thomas and early Maroon 5, with hints of gravely, Levine/Thomas-like vibratos in Spinelli’s vocals.

Come For You (Demo, Bonus Track): with a consistent riff, similar to that of “I’m An Animal” by Kiss, “Hit Me Like A Man” by The Pretty Reckless and “Who Knows” by Jimi Hendrix, this upbeat and honest track is sure to be a crowd favorite.