Sheppard's secrets to success
If there's a song that epitomises Australian indie pop band Sheppard, it's their breakout hit Geronimo.
The song is about taking a leap of faith.
The six-piece, which now comprises siblings George, Amy and Emma Sheppard and their friends Michael Butler, Jason Bovino and Dean Gordon, took their own leap of faith when they ventured into the music industry in 2009.
Starting off as a duo of Amy and George it was a slow start as they struggled to make a name for themselves on home soil.
They collected the other four members along the way and then came their big break in the form of Geronimo.
When it hit airwaves in 2014, the catchy, dance-inducing track was an instant hit and was certified platinum in six countries, including Australia and the US.
That same year, Sheppard took home the Australian Recording Industry Association Music Awards (ARIA) award for Best Group.
Emma, 22, —Sheppard's bassist and despite the family connection, the last member to join the band— hasn't looked back since joining her siblings three years ago.
She told M: "It's a good theme for us, releasing our album and taking that leap of faith. I guess it's a really good metaphor for where we were as a band at that time."
Geronimo has also become a popular choice for those making a bold venture with someone special.
It has been used in several marriage proposals, including flash mob videos.
"We're honoured that people want to use our songs especially for proposals because that's going to be a song that they'll have for the rest of their lives," she said
Family Business
For Emma and her siblings, seeing the pride in their parents' eyes is the most rewarding part about being successful.
She is grateful that her parents were there for her every step of the way.
"It's a family business and mum has always been proud of it. She acts as the tour manager as well," she said.
"Dad always been so excited about it, every little achievement. It's exciting when we see that they're so proud of us."
And her folks show just how proud they are of their children whenever they get the chance.
"They're just like typical crowd parents, we'll look out into the crowd and mum will be dancing," Emma said, laughing.
"When dad comes down to our shows he always yells out my name. It's so embarrassing."
In fact, the whole idea of a family business can be traced back to when Sheppard started out as a duo.
The genesis of the band started when Amy had left her music school assignment to the last minute and needed George's help.
The two then started making music together.
Emma admits that she is unsure if Sheppard would exist if her sister had completed her work on time.
"I guess it's lucky that she left her assignment to the last minute. I think everything happens for a reason," she said.
Singapore Food
It won't be Sheppard's first time in Singapore when they stop by as Irish rock band Kodaline's special guests on August 13.
Emma has nothing but fond memories of the country she frequently visits with her family.
"We've been to Singapore a few times. Once for a (promotional tour) but as a family we travel to Singapore a lot," she said.
She added that she loves Singapore food and had the opportunity to try a few local dishes during her trips here.
"I enjoyed having a lot of seafood. We tried laksa and on the last promo we did this food tour."
One dish that made an impression was ice kachang.
"It was like shaved ice with beans or something," she said.
She, like the rest of the band is looking forward to their next gig here.
"(Singapore) is one of my favourite places. I love the tropical, humid weather and it's such a clean city."
FYI
What: Kodaline with special guests Sheppard Live in Singapore!
When: August 13, 730pm
Where: *SCAPE, Playspace
Ticket: S$108 (exclusive of booking fee) from Sistic
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now