Rock

Aerosmith: From Boston Streets to Rock Royalty

Born in the gritty streets of Boston in 1970, Aerosmith exploded onto the scene with a raw, blues-soaked sound that would redefine rock 'n' roll. The band, featuring the powerhouse vocals of Steven Tyler, the searing guitar of Joe Perry, the rhythmic backbone of Tom Hamilton, the thunderous drums of Joey Kramer, and the slick guitar work of Brad Whitford, were a force of nature.

Their music wasn't just hard rock, it was a potent cocktail - a blend of bluesy grit, pop sensibility, heavy metal swagger, a touch of glam, and a whole lot of rhythm and blues. Aerosmith's influence on generations of rock artists is undeniable, their legacy cemented by countless awards, accolades, and a devoted fanbase that dubbed them "the Bad Boys from Boston" and, more recently, "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band."

The creative fire behind Aerosmith's music is the songwriting partnership of Tyler and Perry, affectionately known as the "Toxic Twins." Their synergy sparked their first self-titled album in 1973, followed by the equally powerful Get Your Wings in 1974. But it was Toys in the Attic (1975) and Rocks (1976) that truly catapulted them to rock stardom. Draw the Line (1977) and Night in the Ruts (1979) solidified their position as rock royalty.

The 70s saw Aerosmith become a live phenomenon, dominating stages across the globe. They churned out a string of chart-topping singles, including their first Top 40 hit, "Sweet Emotion," and the iconic Top 10 hits, "Dream On" and "Walk This Way." From those humble Boston beginnings, Aerosmith became a global force, their music a timeless testament to the power and passion of rock and roll.

Anberlin: From Florida Roots to Chart-Topping Success

Anberlin, the American alternative rock band hailing from Winter Haven, Florida, emerged from the ashes of SaGoh 24/7, their earlier musical venture. Formed in 2002 with a fresh sound and a new name, they quickly captured the attention of Tooth & Nail Records, a leading independent label, and released their debut album, Blueprints for the Black Market, in 2003.

Their second album, Never Take Friendship Personal (2005), solidified their growing fanbase, but it was their 2007 release, Cities, that truly propelled them into the mainstream. Reaching the top 20 on the Billboard 200 with a first-week sales of 34,000 copies, Anberlin proved they were a force to be reckoned with.

This success led to a major label deal with Universal Republic in 2007, and their subsequent album, New Surrender (2008), debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard 200. The single "Feel Good Drag" dominated the Alternative Songs chart for an impressive 29 weeks, claiming the coveted No. 1 spot.

By the time their fifth studio album, Dark Is the Way, Light Is a Place, hit shelves in 2010, Anberlin had already sold over 1 million albums, solidifying their position as one of the most successful and influential alternative rock bands of the 2000s.

With their signature blend of emotive lyrics, soaring melodies, and powerful instrumentation, Anberlin carved their own path in the rock scene, captivating fans worldwide and leaving an enduring legacy in the world of alternative music.

Beyond: Hong Kong's Legendary Rock Titans

Beyond wasn't just a band; they were a phenomenon that shook the music scene of Hong Kong and beyond. Born in 1983, they stormed through the 80s and 90s, electrifying audiences across Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Mainland China, and overseas Chinese communities. Their influence, undeniable, cemented their position as the most successful and impactful Cantopop band from Hong Kong.

From Humble Beginnings to Rock Royalty:

It all began with a shared love for Pink Floyd's progressive sound, uniting vocalist Wong Ka Kui and drummer Yip Sai Wing. Driven by their passion, they entered a "Guitar Magazine" contest, forging a band with guitarist William Tang and bassist Lee Wing Chiu. Tang, envisioning a band that pushed boundaries, christened them "Beyond," a name symbolizing their ambition to transcend limitations.

Tragedy Strikes, Legacy Endures:

In 1993, the music world was stunned by the tragic passing of their charismatic leader, Wong Ka Kui, at the young age of 31. A fatal accident during a Japanese television show cut short his life and left a gaping hole in the band's heart. Despite the immense loss, Beyond persevered, continuing to perform and record music, driven by their enduring commitment to their craft and their fans.

A Final Farewell:

In 2005, after years of mourning and navigating a path without their fallen leader, the remaining members – Paul Wong, Wong Ka Keung, and Yip Sai Wing – decided to pursue individual careers. With heavy hearts, they officially disbanded, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans.

Beyond's impact on the music scene is immeasurable. They dared to be different, to experiment, and to push the boundaries of Cantopop. Their music, their energy, their spirit - all live on, etched in the hearts of their devoted followers.

Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, Big Ass Truck (BAT) carved a unique niche in the American rock scene. Their sound was a potent blend of rock, hip-hop, funk, and psychedelia, further amplified by the live turntable work of their DJ, who layered beats, loops, and samples into their recordings and electrifying performances. Following the release of their 2001 album, The Rug, the band went on hiatus, but roared back to life with live shows in 2021.

Lineup:

The original Big Ass Truck lineup featured a powerhouse of talent: drummer Robert Barnett, DJ Colin Butler, bassist Joe Boone, keyboardist Alex Greene, and singer/guitarists Robby Grant and Steve Selvidge. The band's dynamic shifted throughout the '90s, with a revolving door of bassists including John C. Stubblefield (Lucero/Jello Biafra's band), Grayson Grant, and Dros Liposack, as well as keyboardist Chris Parker. Producer Ross Rice also occasionally joined the band.

History:

Big Ass Truck's self-titled debut album dropped in 1995, quickly establishing their presence. Significant touring followed, notably a Southern US run supporting 311. They released their second album, Kent, in 1996, and also dropped the Sack Lunch EP on Yep Roc Records.

Candlebox: A Seattle Grunge Legacy

Hailing from Seattle, Washington, Candlebox emerged in 1990, quickly establishing themselves as a force in the burgeoning grunge scene. Their self-titled debut album, released in July 1993, catapulted them to immediate success. Fueled by the powerful singles "Change," "You," "Far Behind," and "Cover Me," the album achieved quadruple platinum certification from the RIAA. "Far Behind," in particular, cracked the top 20 charts.

Following up with the gold-certified Lucy (1995) and Happy Pills (1998), Candlebox’s trajectory was unfortunately interrupted by label disputes, leading to their disbandment in 2000.

However, the Seattle sound wasn't silenced for long. The band reunited in 2006, proving their enduring appeal. Their post-reunion output includes five more studio albums: Into the Sun (2008), Love Stories & Other Musings (2012), Disappearing in Airports (2016), Wolves (2021), and their final album, The Long Goodbye, released August 25, 2023. Beyond these albums, their catalog also includes a compilation album and a CD/DVD release.

Early Days (1990-1992):

Initially comprised of vocalist Kevin Martin, guitarist Peter Klett, bassist Bardi Martin, and drummer Scott Mercado, Candlebox honed their craft in Seattle’s vibrant music scene. By 1992, they were regular fixtures in renowned clubs like RKCNDY and Farside, building a dedicated following. An eight-song EP caught the attention of Maverick Records, sealing their deal with the label and setting the stage for their breakthrough.

Capital Theatre: A Rock Band's Hero's Journey

Capital Theatre, a hard-hitting rock trio hailing from New Zealand, is comprised of Adam Stevenson (vocals, piano, guitar), Roy Oliver (vocals, guitar), and Paul Reid (vocals, drums).

From Underground Club to Global Studios

The band's story begins in the unlikely setting of the Pony Club, an Auckland underground gentleman's club, where they met during a "Sing Sing" jam night hosted by owner Brooke Howard-Smith. The venue, known for its "decrepit cesspool" and "70s porn den" aesthetic, became an unlikely birthplace for a band destined for bigger stages.

A Hero's Journey Begins

Capital Theatre's musical journey took a significant leap in early 2020, when they began recording their original songs with legendary Guns N' Roses producer Mike Clink at NRG Studios in Los Angeles. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to return to New Zealand, where they found themselves locked down for six weeks. Undeterred, they forged a new path, remotely collaborating with Clink via FaceTime and a live audio stream from Neil Finn's Roundhead Studios.

Their dedication paid off, culminating in the release of their debut single, "Force To Fight," on November 3, 2020. Their debut album, "A Hero's Journey," followed suit on June 24, 2022, further solidifying their presence in the rock scene.

A Global Reach, From Lockdown to Barcelona

Capital Theatre's resilience shone through even during the ongoing pandemic. They released four singles from their album, one of which, "Delicately Poised," saw them venturing to Barcelona for its music video shoot. While New Zealand remained under lockdown, the band filmed in the underground adult entertainment club, Bagdad, showcasing their bold creativity and unwavering determination.

With their unique blend of rock anthems and captivating storytelling, Capital Theatre has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Their journey, from the underground club to the global stage, is a testament to their passion, resilience, and undeniable talent.

Citizen Soldier, a Salt Lake City-based band, emerged in 2016 when frontman Jake Segura, then a patient in a psychiatric hospital, wrote the lyrics to their powerful anthem, "Let It Burn." Now a practicing clinical therapist, Segura brings his deep understanding of mental health to the band's intensely emotional music, creating a space for open dialogue and shared experience.

The band's accessible message combats the stigma surrounding mental health, offering a sense of community and shared healing akin to group therapy. Alongside Segura, the band features guitarists Matt Duffney and Kooper Hanosky, bassist/keyboardist Wonitta, and drummer Kyle Persell, forming a dynamic collective that weaves together music and emotional vulnerability.

Coldplay: From London Streets to Global Stardom

Coldplay, the British rock band that needs no introduction, burst onto the scene in 1997, hailing from the heart of London. The band's core consists of the charismatic Chris Martin (vocals, piano), the blistering Jonny Buckland (lead guitar), the solid Guy Berryman (bass), and the driving force behind their sound, Will Champion (drums, percussion). Behind the scenes, the ever-present Phil Harvey serves as their manager, ensuring the band's vision remains sharp and their career trajectory continues to soar.

Their journey began at the hallowed halls of University College London, where they first met as students, calling themselves “Big Fat Noises” before morphing into “Starfish.” Eventually, the name Coldplay stuck, and the band began their ascent. After self-releasing their debut EP, Safety, in 1998, they landed a record deal with Parlophone in 1999. This marked the beginning of their global conquest.

Their debut album, Parachutes (2000), launched them into the stratosphere. It showcased the anthemic "Yellow," a track that became synonymous with the band's sound. The album itself earned them a Brit Award for British Album of the Year and a prestigious Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album.

The band continued their momentum with A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002), which mirrored their earlier success, winning the same coveted awards. The trilogy was completed with X&Y (2005), nominated for Best Rock Album at the Grammys, cementing their status as one of the world's leading rock acts.

Coldplay then released their fourth studio album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008), a monumental release that dominated the charts, topping the charts in over 30 countries. This album's title track achieved a historical feat, becoming the first British single to simultaneously conquer both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart in the 21st century.

Coldplay's impact extends far beyond chart-topping hits. Their captivating live performances have captivated audiences around the world, leaving them breathless with their energy and artistry. Their dedication to causes close to their hearts, coupled with their artistic brilliance, has made them not just a band, but a cultural phenomenon. They've carved a unique path in the rock landscape, proving they are more than just musicians; they are visionaries, activists, and pioneers of their generation.

Philadelphia's underground music scene veterans, Crossed Keys, have a history as deep as the city's rich musical heritage. If you've been immersed in the city's hardcore and punk scene over the past two decades, you've likely encountered members of this band in their past incarnations. From the legendary Kid Dynamite to the raw energy of Ink & Dagger, Crossed Keys boasts a resume that includes iconic acts like Step Ahead, Kill The Man Who Questions, Zolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer, Halo of Snakes, and The Curse.

This collective experience has forged a unique sound in Crossed Keys, a band drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences. Their music reflects years spent in basements and record stores, crafting a distinct brand of punk rock. Their debut full-length album, "CROSSED KEYS BELIEVES IN YOU," released this spring on Creep Records, Dead Satellite Records, and Sell The Heart Records, showcases their evolution.

While the members of Crossed Keys may be a bit older, a touch wiser, and perhaps sporting a bit less hair, their passion for creating music for sweaty singalongs and good times remains as strong as ever. Their sound is a testament to their dedication, a celebration of the vibrant Philadelphia scene that has shaped them.

Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Orlando, Florida, Dial Drive is a punk band known for their explosive live performances and tireless touring schedule. They have a solid discography, having released a number of EPs and full-length albums, solidifying their presence in the punk rock landscape.