Even though this information is viewable from within the MacAddict Tour interface, we've been getting tons of letters asking us "Who's the band?". So here's all the info, plain and simple, for the artists you'll find in this month's Tour. If you like their music, drop these guys a line, or better yet, buy their CD's. Enjoy!
Coming Down
B9
Written by Jeremy Sandeen and Fred Mayelian
ASCAP 2000
"The song is about looking for an escape, in any way possible. Escape from all of the insecurities life drops on us...being successful, girlfriends, family problems...etc. The booze and drugs seem to be the cheapest and the easiest way out for young people, but you don't learn until later that that wasn't the cheapest or easiest way out and you start coming down from all those highs...and back to reality."
B9 is more than just another face in the local LA music scene crowd. Hailing from Santa Clarita, they bring more than just energy and entertainment to the young, wide-eyed kids who make up the pop/punk scene. With hard-hitting beats and comical lyrics backed by catchy melodies and a driving voice; their music is a fun relief to the intense metal that's invaded the airwaves.
Forming back in early 1999, all four of them grew up in the small town of Santa Clarita, but have always been a part of the Los Angeles music scene. In the beginning, they were sneaking into clubs that they were too young to be at and now they are headlining those same spots.
They are emerging as one of the freshest and most exciting punk/pop bands in recent memory. On such infectious numbers as "Mobile Home" and "Coming Down" with their melodic rock feel and comical lyrics to the haunting tale of one's addiction in "Mr. Sunshine". B9 puts together aggressively catchy rock choruses and brings explosive energy and entertainment to the live stage. Their influences run from Green Day to Bad Religion to Elvis Costello to the Toy Dolls. It's early 1970's punk rock meets 2000 power pop.
B9 is making an impact worldwide through the Internet, TV, and local press. They were a featured artist on Farmclub.com, have a live show critically acclaimed by the local papers Campus Circle and No Cover, held a constant top 20 spot on MP3.com, have their music played on MTV's "Real World/Road Rules Challenge" along with MTV Sports, and their demo was even picked as one of Music Connection's "Top Demos of 2000". They are currently one of the top bands in their genre and have created quite a buzz with the help of their strong and loyal fan base who are spreading the word quickly.
B9 guitarist, Fred Mayelian says: We use the Mac to handle many of the band activities. I’ve set up a couple of FileMaker Pro databases for handling the mailing lists and band finances. I use Apple Works for our set lists and sign up sheets. All of the mailers are created using PhotoShop, Illustrator and Streamline (will they ever update this?). A recent project has been the creation of a music video out of various bits of live footage gathered on consumer camcorders. I’m also setting up my old 7100/66 as a calendar server for our website.
In terms of music, I use StudioVision Pro (about time to update, eh?) for sketches, or just trying to keep my chops in shape. I used to do a great deal of music engraving, using Graphire’s MusicPress. Occasionally, I’ll take on an engraving project here and there to by some more gear.
I’ve been using a Mac for some time now. I’ve picked up some programming skills to develop some music processing utilities for various projects that come about.
During the day I work for FMS Techniques, Inc., as a Macintosh technical consultant. We have a lot of high profile clientele and entertainment companies that we assist with any problems that may arise. So I guess if anyone ever says, “Don’t quit your day job.” it isn’t all that bad, but a comment like that isn’t likely to come around, ‘cause we’re “freakin’ awesome!”
This piece appears in the Freeverse game, Wingnuts. The tune was originally developed by Joe Pleiman as a MIDI file for the game intro, but was later found that QuickTime 5 had problems with the file. Digital Droo took the MIDI file and applied real instrument samples to replace the MIDI. It was also re-orchestrated to sound John Williams-esque, which was the feel Digital Droo was after for the game.
Ever the quintessential Mac addict, every Digital Droo song is composed and recorded on a Mac. After cutting off two feet of his hair and hanging up his guitar, Droo became the master in his own musical universe powered by a Mac. His songs are varied and feed from a variety of influences including techno, house, drum and bass, and electronica. To find out more about Droo, the history of Droo, the world according to Droo, or to hear his latest collection of sound bites and music, visit the Digital Droo web site at:
http://www.digitaldroo.com
http://www.mp3.com/digitaldroo
droo@digitaldroo.com.
Dead On
Simon Stinger
Performed by Simon Stinger. Written by V. James, A. Perrone, and P. Rezac, taken from the album "Devil On My Mind."
Founded by vocalist Alicia Perrone and bassist/guitarist Victor James in October 1995, Simon Stinger quickly became known for wildly entertaining live shows. Fronted by Perrone's remarkable vocal skills, Simon Stinger delivers music both exciting and reckless. "Tough, sexy, and smart...Stinger's singer is bionic, like Jamie." says Tourdates.com. The San Francisco Bay Area's most delicious new rock'n'roll/electronica band owns a fresh and fierce sound that is undeniable. Combining devilish hooks with a danceable freaky beat, Stinger is spreading its contagious fever everywhere. Film musicsupervisors are noticing as well with Stinger tracks included in the Miramaxfilm "Diamonds" starring Kirk Douglas & Dan Aykroyd. MTV's kinky comedy/drama series "Undressed" and HBO'smovie of the week "Micro Mini Kids" have also featured Simon Stinger music. The band has supported tours with a wide range of national bands including The Goo Goo Dolls, Tonic, The Bloodhound Gang, Goldfinger, Suicidal Tendencies, SmashMouth, and Missing Persons. SF Weekly says, "led by the enchanting force that is Alicia Perrone, Devil On My Mind is the most dazzling, fun, and charmingly insolent album I've heard this year." To find out more about the band, upcoming shows, and to buy their CDs, visit their Web site at: http://www.simonstinger.com -or- drop them an email at sstinger97@aol.com. Simon says, "Check it out!"
