Photo by David Morris/Double Windsor Photography
Country-rock band The Gillis Silo has had a landmark year. Their music video for the song "She's My Hurricane" was featured on CMT, and was also selected for licensing by Pulse Records through Sonicbids. This fall, the band will also release its first EP. Now, country's newest band to watch talks about their climb to the top and the opportunities that have emerged along the way.
How did The Gillis Silo come together?
The band traces its roots back to the Louisiana Army National Guard post called the Gillis W. Long Center and its enlisted club called The Silo. While stationed there, singer/songwriter Caleb Paul conceived the idea for the band just prior to his deployment to Afghanistan. Once he returned, he and his longtime friends formed The Gillis Silo.
Tell us a little bit about "She's My Hurricane" and the inspiration behind the video.
The song was written while Caleb was in Afghanistan. It's basically a list of all of the things that drove him crazy about a girl he once had very strong feelings for, and paints his daydreams overseas as he thought about her some nights. The video storyline was written to demonstrate the positive visions those feelings could have grown into.
What's it been like to have your music video in rotation on CMT?
It's been absolutely incredible to see ourselves on television and hear ourselves on the radio. A lot of times, we still can't believe that it's happened. It's truly a one-of-a-kind feeling – something we dreamed about when we were growing up and picked up our first instruments.
How did the licensing opportunity come about?
We submitted to the Pulse Records licensing opportunity using Sonicbids. They contacted us and said they really loved our video and wanted to license it on closed-circuit television outlets in retail stores, gyms, malls, restaurants, and bars throughout the US for six to eight weeks. It's expected to have over a million plays. This is huge exposure for us.
What's the most crucial thing that got your music career to where it is today?
There are a few things that we consider crucial to our success. First and foremost, it's the amazing work ethic and passion of each member of the band. Secondly, it's having a manager who shares our vision and who is always working tirelessly to help us get to the next level.
What role does Sonicbids play at this stage in your career?
Our main focus with Sonicbids is gaining licensing opportunities. Sonicbids has been able to compartmentalize all of the band's pertinent information into a great-looking EPK, which gives people a sense of who the band is and what we're about, instead of just hearing our music.
What's your number one piece of advice for other rising bands hoping to get licensed?
Licensing is a side of the industry that a lot of up-and-coming bands don't know or forget about. It does two things: one, it allows for initial and continuous compensation, and two, it can give your band great exposure. Practice your craft and do your research. Professionals in the industry expect you to be informed and have the same business outlook as they do. Inform yourself and work hard. Submit to any licensing opportunity you can. You won't always get selected, but that doesn't mean your music isn't good – it just means that it wasn't the right fit for that company.
What's next for you guys?
We're finalizing our debut EP this fall and touring the country as heavily as possible to reach new fans from all over. We're also talking with a few different booking agencies and hoping to get on an agency roster. Of course, we'll still be submitting for licensing opportunities through Sonicbids.
