Meaning: The quote reflects the perspective of Daniel Johns, the frontman of the Australian rock band Silverchair, as he reflects on the band's early years. It captures the band's humble beginnings and their initial motivations for making music. The quote also sheds light on the band's musical influences, with references to iconic rock bands such as Black Sabbath and Soundgarden.

In the quote, Daniel Johns expresses a sense of modesty and self-awareness by stating, "We never considered ourselves to be a good band or anything." This humility is quite common among artists, especially in the early stages of their careers. It illustrates the band's down-to-earth approach and their focus on the enjoyment of creating music rather than any grandiose ambitions for success or recognition.

Furthermore, Johns emphasizes the band's primary motivation for making music, stating, "we just thought we were playing for fun." This sentiment encapsulates the pure joy and passion that often drives musicians to form bands and create music. It highlights the intrinsic value of music as a form of self-expression and enjoyment, irrespective of external validation or acclaim.

The reference to wanting to "play music that sounded like Black Sabbath or Soundgarden" provides insight into the band's musical influences and aspirations. Both Black Sabbath and Soundgarden are renowned for their contributions to the rock and grunge genres, and their impact on Silverchair's musical style is evident in their early work. This acknowledgment of influential bands also reflects the band's honesty and transparency about their inspirations, showcasing a genuine love for the music that shaped their own artistic identity.

Silverchair's musical journey began in the early 1990s when the band members were still in their mid-teens. Their debut album, "Frogstomp," released in 1995, garnered international attention and critical acclaim, propelling the band to fame at a remarkably young age. Despite their rapid rise to stardom, the quote from Daniel Johns indicates that, at the outset, the band's focus was on channeling their passion for rock music and emulating the sounds that resonated with them.

The band's early sound was characterized by heavy guitar riffs, raw energy, and introspective lyrics, reflecting the influence of the grunge movement that had gained prominence in the 1990s. This musical aesthetic aligned with the bands referenced in the quote, such as Black Sabbath, known for pioneering heavy metal, and Soundgarden, a prominent figure in the grunge scene. By acknowledging these influences, Silverchair's music pays homage to the rich legacy of rock and grunge while also carving out its own distinct sound.

Overall, Daniel Johns' quote encapsulates the authentic and unassuming ethos that underpinned Silverchair's formative years. It reveals the band's genuine love for creating music, their reverence for influential rock acts, and their initial motivations for embarking on their musical journey. The quote serves as a reminder of the purity of artistic expression and the inherent value of creating music for the sheer joy of it, independent of external perceptions or expectations.