INDIE NEWS.........
Artist Spotlight
In a scene where originality is as scarce as water in the desert, a small band hailing from Poland, Maine, can be looked to for a ‘spark’ of hope. The Pop/Punk/Emo band ‘Sparks The Rescue’ (named after the nicholas Spark’s book, The Rescue) has a knack for writing hooks, while retaining the dignity of not repeating them. Their songs are catchy, and it’s hard to find them getting old. They recently released their debut full length ‘Eyes To The Sun’ on Fearless Records, and since, have had an impressive tour schedule with such acts as: All American Rejects, Valencia, Every Avenue, Cash Cash, The Morning Light, Hit The Lights, and have shared the stage with many, many more.
Here's what the band had to say in a recent interview about their music...
What would you want someone who has never heard you guys to know?
STR: I would like them to know how much we love taco bell, and if they love taco bell too, maybe we could go on a taco bell date together.
Your most recent release ‘Eyes To The Sun’ is much more poppy and upbeat than ‘The Secrets We Can’t Keep’, what changed for the band and why did you move into that direction?
STR: There was a 3 year period from when Secrets came out and when we were finished with Eyes, so over the course of time we just wrote differently. We were really into Underoath and bands like that at that stage of our lives, but for the new cd we went back to our roots. The music we play is the music we grew up on.
What has the reaction been to the new album? Did you loose and/or gain fans?
STR:I feel like some people got pissed at us cause we don’t scream or do breakdowns as much, but what can you do? I think we have made so many new friends in the past 2 or 3 years that it doesn’t even matter. We are having the time of our lives.
Do you see yourselves continuing down this genre or do you think you will try something new out for the next record.
STR:I don’t have any idea! I’m hoping that for the next cd we can do something a little different. I’m not a huge fan of bands that write the same cd over and over again.
Are the lyrics true stories, or purely fictional? Do you grab ideas from books, tv, other music?
STR:Most of the lyrics are based on experiences…love, lust, being young, all that shit. We have a vampire song on the cd though, which pumps me up. I am down with twilight…but I am so down with True Blood.
Which bands influence your band? Do you find yourself being inspired by bands you are currently on tour with?
STR:We always listen to the bands we tour with in our van all the time. One of my favorite parts about being in a band is getting to meet new people and new musicians all the time…cause then I have so much good music surrounding me all the time.
What could somebody whose never been to one of your shows expect to see if they made it out to a show?
STR:They would experience a helluva rock and roll show including, rock, roll, sweat, tears, and blood if things get crazy.
What do you do in your down time for touring?
STR:I like to watch tv on my couch with my dog when I’m home. We love touring, but those few days home here and there are priceless. There’s nothing like sleeping in your own bed
What has fearless done for the band? Do you see yourselves moving to a bigger label soon, or are you comfortable where you are?
STR:We love Fearless more than anything. They have been so supportive of us and helping make our dreams come true. Not only are they our label, but friends of ours as well. Seriously…some of the coolest people in the biz.
Any last words?
STR:Hope to see anyone who’s reading this on the road soon!
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CLICK TO WATCH THE BAND ON YOUTUBE
HERE ARE THE BAND TOUR DATES
| DEC 1 | Orlando, Florida @ The Backbooth |
| DEC 10 | Jacksonville, Florida @ JackRabbits |
| DEC 14 | Atlanta, Georgia @ The Masquerade |
| DEC 16 | Baltimore, Maryland @ Ottobar |
| DEC 18 | New York, New York @ Highline Ballroom |
FOR ALL YOU INDIE ARTIST OUT THERE, HERE ARE THE TOP 8 TIPS IF YOU WANT TO SUCCEED, ACCORDING TO torontomusicscene.ca
| 1 | you don't need a record deal to "make it" in the music industry. The industry has changed and that is no longer the absolute measure of your success. You can define your own success. |
| 2 | As an Indie artist, you won't have anyone telling you what to play, how to dress, how to promote your CD, which songs to sing or who to socialize with. It is all about you and your creativity! |
| 3 | Financial freedom is one of the most wonderful things about being an independent artist. You can come up with all types of music promotional ideas about how you market your music and what you do with your profits. |
| 4 | Spend the most amount of time on your first album. Take full advantage of every musician resource out there. First impressions are everything so you want this first one to be great. |
| 5 | Spend your money wisely. Don't go crazy with studio time and rack up tons of bills. Try to work out any problematic areas before you go on the studio clock. |
| 6 | Don't skimp on the manufacturing of your CD. You these people to be reputable and it is ok to splurge in this area. You want to make sure you release a good product no matter what. |
| 7 | Schedule your own tour. You want to build an incredible fan base because they are the best musician resource out there. Your fans love you but they will also be honest about your music and shows. If they don't like something or something is up to their standards, they will let you know. |
| 8 | Lastly, never underestimate the power of the Internet when searching for music promotional ideas on how to promote your CD. The Web is your friend and that is where the Independent artists make the most dough. Get a website and get a MySpace page. |
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