In a story that exemplifies the power of friendship and perseverance, Silo, a band from the Isle of Man, has signed with London’s Easy Life Records. Their debut single, Crawl in a Bottle, marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting musical journey. Formed by five long-time friends who shared a passion for creating music, Silo’s rise to success is a testament to the organic, back-to-front way they approach their art. This is a group of musicians whose bond was solidified by years of friendship and a shared dream of making music together after the disruptions of the Covid era.
What sets Silo apart from many other bands is their deeply rooted connection to each other. Despite coming from an island known for its isolation, they found strength in their unity and belief in each other. Their story is one of determination, creativity, and a bit of serendipity, and it all came together with the release of Crawl in a Bottle, a track about the vulnerability of trying therapy for the first time.
With a sound described as alternative rock fused with a melodic, introspective edge, Silo’s music is a unique blend of hard-hitting energy and emotional depth. The band’s journey, from recording their first album with the help of the Isle of Man Arts Council to landing a record deal with Easy Life, showcases their growth as artists and their commitment to their craft. In this article, we explore the story behind Silo’s debut single and their rise to success in the competitive music industry.
The Formation of Silo: From Friendship to Music
Silo’s formation is rooted in a deep, long-lasting friendship. The band consists of Kriss Maguire (vocals), Lar Crookall (guitar), Chris Barber-Shaw (guitar), Dario Leonetti (bass), and Darren Shields (drums), all of whom have known each other since their teenage years. Music was simply the natural path for these five friends, who came together during the post-Covid period, searching for a creative outlet. Their bond, built on years of mutual support and shared experiences, became the foundation for their sound.
The key to Silo’s success, according to Chris Barber-Shaw, lies in their commitment to putting their friendship first. “Always remember mates first – the music is kind of something that naturally comes from it,” he shares. This sense of camaraderie is what sets Silo apart from other bands in the genre, as their music is born from a place of trust and respect for each other.
Silo’s Sound: Alternative Rock with a Heartfelt Twist
While Silo’s music can be described as alternative rock with heavy influences, their sound also carries a melodic, introspective quality that adds a unique dimension to their songs. Their debut single, Crawl in a Bottle, is a prime example of this dynamic. The track, which reflects the vulnerability of seeking therapy for the first time, is a fusion of classic rock energy and emotionally driven storytelling.
The band’s ability to blend powerful rock elements with deeply relatable themes is one of the reasons their music resonates with listeners. Silo is not just about heavy riffs and electrifying performances; they also focus on crafting songs that delve into the human experience, making their music accessible and emotionally impactful. Their sound is defined not only by its raw energy but by the thoughtful reflection they put into their lyrics.
From Isle of Man to Easy Life Records: A Serendipitous Journey
Despite the challenges that come with being based in the relatively isolated Isle of Man, Silo’s journey to success has been nothing short of remarkable. With the help of the Isle of Man Arts Council, the band was able to record their music as a keepsake, and they quickly realized that their songs had potential far beyond their local community. Their first recording session took place in Southampton with producer Kel Pinchin, who, according to the band, was pivotal in bringing their sound to life.
Lar Crookall describes how they “twisted” the producer’s arm into recording their album without him hearing any of their music, a decision that would ultimately pay off. As the band continued to work on their album, they began sending out their music to industry contacts, eventually catching the attention of Easy Life Records. The label was intrigued by the sound of the band and reached out to them with an offer they couldn’t refuse.
“We got an email from Easy Life,” recalls Lar. “It said: ‘Who are you? What’s this album?’” The label’s immediate interest led to a signing, and soon after, they were asked to cancel their original December release to give way for the label’s plans.
The Support of the Arts Council and Their Path to Success
The support of the Isle of Man Arts Council has been crucial to Silo’s development as a band. The Arts Council helped them lay the foundation for their musical journey, enabling them to record their music and gain exposure to a broader audience. As Dario Leonetti, the band’s bassist, explains, the group is united in their shared vision, and they credit their success to their strong bond and commitment to their music.
“The recipe of the band is the thing that’s made it happen,” Dario says. Their collaborative spirit, combined with the Arts Council’s support, has been key in helping the band navigate the challenges of the music industry. Despite the isolating nature of their location, Silo has managed to connect with audiences far beyond their island home, thanks to their authenticity and determination.
Conclusion
Silo’s story is one of friendship, determination, and unexpected success. From their humble beginnings on the Isle of Man to signing with Easy Life Records, the band has proven that passion and perseverance can lead to incredible achievements. With their debut single Crawl in a Bottle already making waves, it’s clear that Silo is a band to watch. Their journey serves as an inspiring example of how creativity, when nurtured by genuine friendship and support, can break boundaries and lead to success in even the most challenging industries.
