This is an article I write every month featuring young musicians with a big focus and purpose. Contact us if you know a student worthy of featuring. ~Stephan Hume, Band Dynamics Co-Founder.
This month we feature Bad, a very motivated and confident young band in Denver. As much as I love talking to individual musicians, I love talking to bands just as much. We will briefly discuss this band’s experience as a group trying to make an impact. Be sure to check them out and support them as they work to entertain and excite the world!
CMB: Can you guys talk about your group and what you are up to?
Bad: Well our group consists of members between the ages of 16 and 21. We all come from previous groups so it is fun putting something new together. We are Carter, Aaron, LaRissa, Alex and Seth. We were founded as a big group of people who just don’t seem to fit in. We decided that since the world didn’t seem to have a fit for people like us that the healing power of music would save us. We are Bad! We play Fire! Actually, it is more a dark Rock/Opera sound that we believe is completely new to the world of music. We take pride in our raw theatrics and our combustible sound. We hope to make a big impact on the music scene!
CMB: What are your musical influences and what keeps your band together?
Bad: Well, our influences are unique to each of us, but when we collaborate it works out. Some of these groups include The Red Hot Chili Peppers, My Chemical Romance, Fallout Boy, etc. But aside from these notable bands, we are also highly influenced by the common man who spends life striving to be more. And, on a separate note, we are driven to help noble causes like Autism Research.
CMB: Very nice! What is your band doing to make a unique mark in Denver?
Bad: Well, we can honestly say that we hand out over 100 CDs every week. Some of us go to live shows almost every night and we help promote other artists we believe in, as well as just to help get a feel for what our music scene is like. We hang up fliers for local shows including Honor the Fallen, Regret Night, and more!
CMB: Well, can you talk about your recordings and why people should listen to them?
Bad: Well, we just put out our full-length album May 12th on iTunes. We are doing a CD release party on May 30th at the Marquis Theatre. We would love to hear what people think of the show. We focus on every performance to make it highly theatrically charged. If anyone would like to hear our music for free they can at MySpace.com/BandCalledBad.
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FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK
May 5, 2010
After such an amazing response to last month’s column, I have decided to issue another edition of tips this month. For those of you just tuning in, this space of the magazine is dedicated to featuring young musicians in interviews as well as giving
sound, relatable advice. Keep looking here to learn about what the young Rock stars of Colorado are up to!Last month we talked about the importance of showing up. I put it in context with the life of a young musician. It is not always easy to balance rehearsals, school and a social life. That being said, this month’s advice is pretty straightforward again, but highly important. Here are two simple facts to remember:
1. Playing in a band is like being in a relationship.
2. Agree to talk about the music and not about each other.
Being in a band – Playing music with others is one of the most fun things you can do! It is creative, it is thrilling, and it makes you better on your instrument. But, remember every music project is a relationship. You must relate musically to those around you. You must relate your feelings about the growth of the music to others. That being said, this is perhaps the biggest challenge of being in a band. Many people do not know how to relate their thoughts or feelings to others.
This does not mean you should throw in the towel. Even Metallica, one of the biggest bands in history, released a DVD showing the world how difficult it is for them to relate to one another. But, when they learned how to come to a compromise and communicate, then great things happened.
It’s all about the music – Some of the best musical relationships I have had were based on this simple fact. Remember, music is fun! It is the reason that you are playing music with someone in the first place. Many people begin to relate their musical opinions and may forget not to take things personally. Here is a great example: The drummer says to the guitarist, “That last part did not sound right to me.” The guitarist who is taking it personally may have heard, “You are a lousy player,” and might think the drummer is therefore a buffoon. But what was really said was that the part could be improved and the enlightened guitarist would simply ask how to play it differently and move on. How easy is that, young Rock stars? You don’t have to light candles or grab a box of tissues. You just have to be clear and have fun.
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Tips for the Young Musician
April 1, 2010
Welcome to a brand new edition of “For Those About to Rock.” I interview some pretty amazing youth every month. Many people are responding with questions about what it takes to make it to this column. You must pay me a large sum of money.
Ha! Wouldn’t that be nice?!
Seriously, the focus of this column has always been to feature young musicians with a big purpose. I feature those who are doing well academically, those who are well rounded, or simply those who are highly focused on becoming better musicians.
In “Tips For the Young Musician” I will share some free secrets to making a special mark on your local music scene that may also improve your chances of being featured. You don’t have to take my word for it. Just try them and see for yourself. This month I will describe the three basic keys to help you be a success: 1) Show up; 2) Show up; 3) SHOW UP! Consider the following:
Band Rehearsal. First of all, if you aren’t showing up to jam with people, you won’t last long. Your warm body and presence are the reason you play with the group instead of a backing track or a nice cardboard cutout of you. You may not always have perfected the music before the session, but showing up shows everyone you care. Plus, it is never as hard as you think to catch up.
School. Teachers take this weird thing called “attendance” for a reason. It actually is more than “the man trying to bring you down.” On average, struggling students who show up consistently do better than bright students who do not. The test won’t study itself. Your seat won’t learn the day’s lesson for you. Neither will the Xbox. Again, show up and the grades will come easier than you thought.
Loved Ones. The most forgiving people are usually your friends and family. But if you have plans for dinner, a hangout at the Skate Park, or just time to cut coupons with grandma, show up to that. Things happen. Things come up. But stick to your plans and show up to even the most laid back of plans. Guess what? You will gain confidence for the bigger stuff.
Life. How you do something is how you do anything. I haven’t met a working musician who does not agree. It doesn’t matter what the occasion, seemingly big or small. Show up. Some days the bed sounds more enticing than getting up to face the day. But, show up anyway. There are always going to be talented people. There will always be opportunities for them. Ultimately, the same two, talented people can be involved, but the one who gets the job is the one that simply shows up.
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Alec rockin’ The Dnote
March 1, 2010
Alec Jeffries Story and Photo By: Stephan Hume Stephan.Hume@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com This month I want to get right into it. We are featuring a very motivated and talented freshman, learning the ways of playing music in a rock band. Alec Jeffries of Southwest Early College talks with us about college, music, and life as a bass guitar player. CMB: So, Alec. You are a student of Southwest Early College and you play bass guitar in a rock band. How do you feel about
life at the school and what other activities are you up to besides music? AJ: Well, for starters I am pretty much just into music these days. I am focused on my playing. As far as Southwest Early College goes, it is actually a really nice place because you come in as a high school student and you have all of your college classes already lined up for you. It’s like you are just automatically geared towards success. You come in the first week as a freshman and they are like, ‘Oh, by the way, here is your first college class you will be taking in about a week.’ It’s really sweet. CMB: Well, that is a very thorough way to get your education, man. Let’s talk about your bass playing. Let’s face it, I don’t get to meet that
many bass players compared to guitarists. What is your take on your “role” in the band? AJ: Yeah, I am the member of the band that you don’t need! (laughs) It’s actually really a lot of fun because my brother plays guitar in my band and he can show me how to play stuff at home. It’s also not really that difficult of an instrument to tackle, but I hear it uses both sides of your brain, which I would agree with. I think that helps you be a better student ‘cause if you normally fall asleep in class or get distracted, you are more used to using more of your brain to keep you focused. CMB: Very well, I would agree with that. On another topic, your band just played a huge show with Band Dynamics at the D-note. How did that go? AJ: It was freakin’ awesome, if I can say that! There were way many more people there than I thought and the other bands before and after us just blew my mind! CMB: That is the rock star dream in action! Do you have words of inspiration? AJ: Sure, I guess. I think the bass is really unique because it is the glue that holds everything together. There is a really cool part in the
book, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist that says ‘we are underneath every moment. We are the ones that take this thing called time and line it up with this thing called music.’ I may be paraphrasing but yeah. Also, I truly believe that how you do something is how you do everything. So if you can learn to be dedicated to what you are passionate about like music, school, and friends, you can be sure to always be dedicated all around.
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Ben Poland is Ready to Rock!
February 1, 2010
If you follow this column regularly, you already know that I also run a Rock music school called Band Dynamics. It is very miraculous to see the lives of our students evolve the way they do. Inevitably they grow up, graduate high school, and we are left with a memory of the time they spent in our studios. Ben Poland will soon be one of the many bright lights that lit up our rooms and stages throughout Denver. He is a senior with enormous potential at Heritage High School, and this month we get to hear his perspective on life, music and growth.
CMB: Before we get into the buzz of your music, can you talk about your athletic and extracurricular life?
BP: Well, I run cross-country. I really like it because it is a great release and you get to sort of get away from it all for like an hour while you run. But yeah, I just like to do all kinds of things. Like, this year I am in the school musical, “Bye Bye Birdie.” It’s just my senior year and I decided that I would do things that I wouldn’t normally do, I guess. But, I am also on the school’s ultimate Frisbee team, and that is a ton of fun. Last year we won state in that!
CMB: That is a lot of action, my friend! We began talking because you told me last semester you got higher than a 4.0 grade point average. That is phenomenal! What do you want to be when you grow up, and can you talk about your musical journey a bit?
BP: Well, I have no idea what I want to be when I grow up! (laughs) I don’t know, there are a lot of things I know I would love, but I am not worried about figuring it out. Among these ideas is doing mission work that also involved my music. I mean, I started playing guitar in seventh grade with this plastic kind-of guitar. Then I went through a handful of guitar teachers until we found Band Dynamics. I really like the band I am in and it has changed a lot over the years. It isn’t always what I imagined it would be, but it is fun so that is what counts.
CMB: That is the best way to look at a band! Please share your experience learning to communicate with others, and your specific style of music.
BP: Well, I remember being a freshman and feeling awkward and not knowing who I was (laughs), and I am not saying I have any clue now! But, when I meet new people to jam with I like to imagine how I would have liked to be approached when I first started a band. I guess it just goes back to having faith. I have learned a lot about myself through playing live shows. Now I actually love performing, public speaking and stuff. I also lead music in my youth group and I love acoustic music. I like being versatile and the youth group music is less about the individual and more about leading others for the greater good of the service. It’s music so it’s all good!
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Becca Krueger
January 1, 2010
The best thing about writing this column is meeting so many great people. The future of our world is always in the hands of our youth. My goal is to point out how many smart and talented people are going to lead the way. This month I would like to feature Becca Krueger. She keeps a great standing in her regular and honors classes while still pursuing interest in singing, guitar playing, debate, theater, and even jumping hurdles in track. She knows how to stay busy while having fun!
CMB: Okay, Becca. Can you talk about your philosophy on life at the moment? You really seem to work hard.
BK: Well, I just want to be involved in everything that I can. I mean, I really love music and I believe that if you want to pursue music, you should go for it! But it is important to be good at as many things as you can. I am actually very competitiveand I want to have my hands in just about everything, so that keeps me trying a lot of things. Also, I think it is important to remember to never stop playing. I mean, no matter what anybody says, it is important to keep playing and keep trying. I didn’t make the musical that I tried out for this year. But that doesn’t mean that I won’t try again next year!
CMB: Well that is certainly a wonderful attitude! Can you talk a little bit about your passion for acting and your inspirations in music?
BK: Well this past weekend I was at the Thespian Conference and it was so amazing! I really love being in musical theater and there is nothing like being around 3,000 other people that share that same passion. I also really like acting just like music because I believe that you have to be really passionate about it to do it right! I also have been singing for a while and realized only recently that it is possible for people to sing Pop and actually sound good. In my opinion there are a lot of non-talented Pop stars out there, but there are still great ones like Jeff Buckley and I really love Stevie Nicks and Bonnie Raitt. I mean, when they walk in the room they can shut the room up in a second! When they sing, you listen.
CMB: I agree with that, for sure! Can you describe your ideal day for me? Also, if you could ask Bonnie Raitt anything, what would you ask her?
BK: Well, honestly, my favorite day would have absolutely as much music as possible. From the time I wake up until the time I go to bed, I like to have music surrounding me. Also, I really just love to learn so I would also be constantly learning any day I could. If I could ask Bonnie anything, I guess I would ask her how or when she decided to make music her full-time career, instead of just a hobby. That would be really great to know!
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Sam Hines!
December 1, 2009
Don’t let his height fool you: 12-year-old Sam Hines packs a tall order of Rock into his life! He recently slimmed down his extracurricular lifestyle to include only Boy Scouts and music. The seventh-grade student at Collegiate Academy has already
been playing for a few years and is in his second band. He visits the halls of Band Dynamics so I see him often. I already knew I wanted to feature him, I just had to make sure his grades were looking good – “As and Bs” all around, baby!
been playing for a few years and is in his second band. He visits the halls of Band Dynamics so I see him often. I already knew I wanted to feature him, I just had to make sure his grades were looking good – “As and Bs” all around, baby!CMB: Sam, can you talk about your style of playing?
SH: Yeah, I would say I mostly like to play a lot of Rock and good, fun strumming songs. I really like Metallica, AC/DC, Nirvana and, yeah, lots of stuff like that!
CMB: Yeah, when I was 12, you couldn’t tell me that any other band existed but Metallica! What got you started and can you talk about what practicing is like for you?
SH: Sure! Well, I just really liked music so I thought I would try to learn to play it so I picked up the guitar about three years ago. It was the first instrument I picked up. When I practice I like to just listen to songs and get a feel for them, then I work on the music ’til I get it! I used to practice about a half hour a day, now I am up to about an hour a day. Of course, I can’t practice every day, but when I can, I do.
CMB: That is awesome! This black guitar you have is really sweet looking, what kind is it?
SH: Well, it’s a PRS guitar. It is a Les Paul-style body. I actually got my neighbor who works at Guitar Center to sell it to me. I just picked it up and it sounded great, so it’s the one I wanted!
CMB: You have the tools to get the job done! You are now in your second band at the Rock school, Band Dynamics. What was your first band all about and what do you hope to get out of working with these guys?
SH: My first band was at Collegiate Academy through a thing called Encore Music, which was really a lot of fun! We started with Jazz music and also some of the great tunes by AC/DC like “TNT” and “Highway to Hell.” What I really like about this new band is the songs, too. Also the people and the fun! I just hope to do music for the rest of my life so I am just glad to be in a band.
CMB: Well, it sure is great to know what you love in your life at such a young age, huh? Keep on rocking, Sam!
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Graham Ewing
November 1, 2009
If you have never seen the movie, “August Rush,” do yourself a favor and rent it. If you already have, then you will better understand the way Graham Ewing will inspire you. His guitar playing challenges tradition and expectation in every way. While many guitarists grab a pick and play chords, Graham is plucking and slapping the guitar like a drum. While others sing melodies and simply use the guitar to accompany the voice, Graham folds together multiple strings of melody with both hands and sometimes even a violin bow. If you trust your eyes, you will know that he is playing just one guitar. But, if you trust your ears, you will swear that you are listening to an entire band.Graham joins a league of modern guitar players who approach the instrument this way. I had a chance to speak with this Heritage High School senior about his craft. He shared his modest motivation and creativity as an everyday, upstanding student. While he enjoys playing guitar as well as the ukulele, he also loves playing Ultimate Frisbee and performing live. He travels here and there with ease and enthusiasm, carrying his instruments in the back of his pickup truck.
CMB: It’s such a pleasure to hear you play. What got you into playing the guitar?
GE: It’s funny. I never really thought I would play the guitar. In fact, my grandpa had an opportunity to give back to a music store. Instead of just giving them money, he ended up deciding to buy something, but he had no interest in playing anything. So he called me up one day and asked me, “Graham, if there were any instrument you would want to learn, what would it be?” I told him that I guessed it would be guitar, but that was all the conversation was. Kinda strange. The next thing I knew he showed up with this [holds up guitar]! I liked to hold it because it is so gorgeous. Then, I decided I would have to learn to play the thing.
CMB: Wow! That is not your typical start-up story. Who are your greatest influences on guitar and what is your philosophy on practicing and playing?
GE: Well, I really like Andy McKee, Craig D’Andrea, Antoine Defour, and John Butler, to name a few. They are all guys on CandyRat Records who use strange tunings, capos, and unique finger-style approaches to the instrument. As far as practice goes, I just play whenever I have some free time. It really depends on the day. When I play, I am really big on improvisation. Bobby McFerrin once said something about how improvisation is all about motion. Just keeping the same motions and rhythms throughout what you are trying to do. That is pretty much how I go about it.
CMB: I really like that way of thinking; it is very inspiring. What are your current goals?
GE: (Laughs) Well, I don’t really think about that too much, I just have fun. But, I am studying right now with Dave Preston. He is encouraging me to record some tunes on a mini demo disc or something. I have so many unfinished ideas. I do think there are a few really complete ones that are ready to be recorded, so that would be really cool to do.
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The Green Screen Effect
October 1, 2009
Motivation defines Seth Leach, Devin Vanhorne, and Patrick Shaughnessy. Their work for MSN Stunts, (“My Stoopid Movie”) is scheduled to be on MTV’s “Pranked” and the Jay Leno and Ellen shows have already aired their work. Now switch gears to snowboarding. Fight Dirty, Utopia Optics, and Snow Buddha has Patrick sponsored. But these are just some of their hobbies. If you keep your eyes and ears peeled, you will certainly see their latest music project, The Green Screen Effect, touring Colorado and the Southern states, of course, not without looking snazzy in their clothing line, designed by Against The Wall clothing. They are after their dreams, their work is being noticed, and their high school report cards are shiny.
CMB: Well then! You guys are certainly up to a lot. What does your music sound like?
GSE: We could liken it to a mix between 3OH!3 and Breathe Carolina. But more specifically, we mix Hip-Hop with Electronic beats and all kinds of lyrics. We like to play music that keeps people’s heads bobbin’ and their bodies dancing! Also, we really just like to make fun music with comedy involved. It’s nice to get the audience laughing and keep them having a party. But, we really aren’t into all the violence and fighting at some shows. We want people to show up and have fun, not get injured (laughs).
CMB: Yeah, it’s nice to go home after a show instead of the ER. What other bands inspire your sound and what is the direction of the band?
GSE: Well, music is the kind of thing that lifts us up even on a bad day. We aren’t gonna say we aren’t going anywhere, but we aren’t so concerned about that right now. We just want to keep making music and keep making people happy. We get excited to make new friends and doing what keeps us positive! Other local bands we really like are Zachery-Bot and Kill Paradise. It’s cool to see that these bands end up getting somewhere because they are just having fun! Also, we really like how Blink-182 puts on a show. They really involve the comedy aspect, although we aim to be less crude in that sense, too.
CMB: I know what you mean. You just got done putting together your first demo CD. Why should people listen to it?
GSE: When we started this project, we left other bands. Seth still plays drums and we had some interest in some more hardcore music at first. But, when we told other people that we were going to start The Green Screen Effect, we got a lot of negative comments about how it will never work and that it is a stupid idea. But, we don’t care about that. We know we are having fun and people are relating to our sound. It’s different. We aren’t trying to fit the mold of other bands around. Basically, we want people to listen and enjoy because it is a new flavor and we are all about not being afraid to take risks to do what you love. We say, “Do what you love and love what you do.”
MySpace.com/TheGSEffect.
