Rig Rundown - Spotlights

When the Loch Ness Monster gets its summer blockbuster return, Spotlights should score that silver-screen comeback. Just like the mythical creature, the power trio summons up emotions that teeter from impending doom and chaotic destruction to a delicate beauty and alluring mysticism.

The band got its start just over five years ago via husband-and-wife duo Mario (guitars/synths/drums/vocals) and Sarah Quintero (bass/guitars/vocals). Often Sarah crushes like a mallet while Mario pierces like a katana—proving the couple that plays together, slays together.

Their earliest work features the pair handling all instrumentation. Mario previously was the drummer for Machines Learning, so they were able to assemble their self-released debut EP, 2014’s Demonstration, then 2016’s long-player Tidals, followed by 2017’s Seismic (their first on Mike Patton’s Ipecac Recordings). When it came time to hit the road, they would often tap drummer Josh Cooper until scheduling conflicts (in)conveniently intervened, putting Chris Enriquez on their radar. He filled in on a tour when Spotlights opened for If These Trees Could Talk and became a permanent member, lending his boom to both 2019’s Love & Decay and 2020’s EP We Are All Atomic. The fortified lineup have honed their punishing dynamics, making the pastoral more tranquil and the destructive more devastating.

While working on new material that will most certainly cast murky shadows and crescendo-ing crushers, Mario and Sarah virtually welcomed PG’s Chris Kies into their Pittsburgh-based jam space. Inside this episode, we find out why they avoid cork-sniffing in favor of any gear that works. Mario showcases a digital-meets-analog setup that could power a SpaceX rocket, while Sarah describes and demos the elements for her bass thunderstorm. Plus, she divulges how gear swaps—especially pedals—not only keep the marriage fresh but continues enriching the band’s blossoming sound.

00:00 - Intro
01:45 - Fender Player Stratocaster HSH
04:59 - Dunable Cyclops
06:36 - PureSalem La Flaca
09:08 - 1984 Marshall JCM800
10:05 - Orange Crush Pro 120
12:09 - Mario Quintero's Pedalboard
28:05 - Squier Classic Vibe ’70s Precision Bass
31:41 - Orange OB1-500
33:55 - Sarah Quintero's Pedalboard

#rigrundown #spotlights #premierguitar

[ileutur]

I love how Sarah approaches getting gnarly bass tones, I have a similar gain staging thing going on my board and it works amazing for getting different textures while still keeping that roaring low end. Yes people, bass does sound amazing through pedals

[ZachWish]

Hell yeah! Love seeing Spotlights on here. ⚡️

[standinsilence]

The intro sounds like theyre trying to figure out how to play a Soundgarden song.

[hooche_dAddy]

These folks ROCK!!! Bassist is super legit

[xeverettx]

SG Special with mini humbuckers, I’d like to hear that! What years did they issue them? I’ve only seen P-90’s which I love in an SG, but mini HB’s have to sound gnarly!!!!

[stevefaure]

I think he needs to add a little gain to his rig. Too clean!

[nedim_guitar]

Great band! Some of those bass tones aren't great on their own, but in context of the while band, they are killer! The same goes with guitar tones too. That's a good thing to think about when you're looking for a tone. It needs to be tried in context.

[gregatron]

I came here to find out what that was. I saw them last Saturday and when I saw the Helix, I was like what is THAT???

[peteytwofinger]

whats going on with her cable comin out of the bass ?

[pinhole]

I'd love to see a rig rundown for the band Palm!

[seanfromaustin]

What's up with him leaving the delay on his mic for so long? Was he trolling or just not paying attention? Shit was annoying.

[ahiwalter]

Sarah: I don’t really collect or hang on to things that aren’t being used.
Her exes: ☠️

[BrindiSea]

me thinks Chris was crushing a bit on Sarah