Silversun Pickups’ Keyboardist Joe Lester Discusses Band’s Evolution and Midland Show in Kansas City

Kansas City’s Midland Show Features Silversun Pickups’ Joe Lester

Joe Lester, keyboardist and founding member of the indie rock band Silversun Pickups, opens up about the band’s current U.S. tour, their continuous evolution of sound and what it was like working with renowned record producer, Butch Vig. Lester’s discussion comes ahead of the band’s show at The Midland in Kansas City.

Lester initially joined Silversun Pickups, known for their unique blend of indie rock and shoe-gaze, in 2002, after being asked to step away from LA-based band Pine Marten. This decision led to Lester becoming the band’s “weird sounds” guy, and, as he says, the rest is history.

Despite being born and bred in California, Lester has a strong affiliation with Kansas City. His wife hails from the city and over the past 15 years, he has spent considerable time visiting and exploring the city’s local spots, such as Kansas City Joe’s for barbecue and Kauffman Stadium for baseball games.

The Evolution of Silversun Pickups

Despite starting his music career as a bassist, Lester now fulfills the role of the band’s keyboardist and sound guy, creating weird and unique sounds with synthesizers. Over the years, the band’s sound has evolved, moving towards more identifiable sounds and departing from the undefined and smeary soundscapes that previously characterized their music.

The band’s recent record Physical Thrills, offered a departure for the band, with a piano-forward song fronted by bassist Nikki Monninger. Recorded in the wake of COVID-19, the album grew organically, formed from bits of demos made at Butch Vig’s studio.

Working with Butch Vig

Working with legendary producer Butch Vig was a standout experience for the band. Known for his work with bands like Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins, Vig’s deep understanding of music and strong instinct for where a song should go largely influenced the band’s creative process. Lester describes working with Vig as easy and streamlined, and hopes to collaborate with him in future projects.

Silversun Pickup’s Musical Influences and Future Plans

Lester asserts that Silversun Pickups’ music has been influenced by a plethora of sources. From being inspired by new and old bands to film scores, the band’s musical direction is steered by life experiences and the current interests of the members. Despite remaining off the charts, the band’s records have still found their way into the lives of their listeners in various ways, something that the band values more than chart positions.

While there’s no set timeline for a new album release, Lester reveals that there are already some song ideas forming and that the band plans to do some recording later this year. They also anticipate a potential ‘Carnavas’-themed tour next year, in an homage to the album that accelerated the band’s fame.

As for Lester’s own musical tastes, fans might be interested to hear that he’s dived into Paisley Underground, revisiting old tracks from The Dream Syndicate and discovering new gems from young bands like Hello Mary and Rocket.

The indie rock scene remains alive and diverse, much like the sound of Silversun Pickups. Their evolution continues through every tour, every bandmate’s influence, and every crowd they play to. Lester’s mark on the band’s sound is unmistakable and will continue to be heard in the many more years of music they’re slated to deliver.

Find out more about Silversun Pickups and their upcoming performance at The Midland in Kansas City here.