Below is a clip we shot of them playing “Time Tells All” live at Clutch Cargo

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=42ayIEYnB8M]

We recently had a chance to ask them a few questions about life, liberty, and the pursuit of KICKING SOME ASS!

How’d you guys come together?

Well, it was about a year ago, i (becky) went to the Clutch Cargo’s Exposure music live concert, to see my friends band play, and coincidentally Sam was the drummer, its a really long story, but me and sam had met the summer before that at a friends house, and he recognized me, so we started talking and we exchanged numbers, and surprsingly we were into the same music and we ended up starting RedStar. Then about six months later Ricky came to my school and we needed a bassit and he was like “I’ll do it!” so i was like cool. And now he’s on lead guitar, and alyssa, whose been my friend since middle school, is on bass.

Do you write all your own songs? If so what’s your inspiration?

Yes. We write all of our songs. I (becky again =]) write the lyrics. Inspiration for me with the lyrics just comes from what i know, and what i’m going through and feeling at the moment, just life i guess. It’s definitely a way to get stuff off my chest, because i’m not so good a verbalizing. =D
When it comes to writing the music, its just a lot of different things, like different styles of music we like, what sounds cool, and definitely just how much we love what we do, music is EVERYTHING! haha.

What’s the meaning behind “Time Tells All”?

“Time Tells All” is about standing up for what you belive in and being strong, and not listening to what other people tell you. It’s also about kind of, finding yourself in a sense, and people thinking they know who you are from judging the outside, but they don’t know whats inside, and even though you think you feel one way right now you could feel a different way later, but only time tells all.
I like to think that people could interpret it however they want tho, so they can relate to it and make it like their own. =] (cheesy right?)

Becky, you have a sexy british accent. Do people ever think your from london?

haha =]
well, i do have this thing where i kind of just randomly talk in a british accent, well a lot, kinda weird right?, but im kind of shy so i only do it around my friends and stuff.
they say its a good one but idk!!?

Fans gotta know, what your craziest band moment?

Craziest moment would definitely have to the this years exposure music live, because there was just a ton of kids enjoying the music , the energy was insane, its definitely one of the biggest shows we’ve ever played. It was insane we were freakin out before we went onstage we were getting all of our stuff together and we couldn’t find one of the parts to our wireless systems and we were freaking out it was intense but we just used a chord instead. lol

If your band was a TV show what would it be? And Why?

we’d be a movie prolly, something like anchorman or napolean dynamite because were just like chill we like to have a good time and were always goofing off n stuff its funny. Sometimes i dont even know how we get stuff accomplished but hey we do so its all good.

Will Alyssa be appearing at more shows?

Yes definitely, she’s our new bass player. =]

Ricky’s been gone for a while, where’s he been?

He’s just been having some personal issue’s but everything is going well now. =D

What would be the first thing you’d do if you won the lottery?

we would buy a record company. =]
and we’d be first band on the label. ha.

Sam how do you like your SerTop wristbands?

They’re freaking amazing, almost god like!
i don’t even know its awesome!!!
everyone should get some! =]

Visit RedStar Redemption :: Click HERE

If your into techno rave music, then you gotta check out the Superfast Ferries. We recently had a chance to do a Q&A with them. Keep in mind they are from Italy, so don’t hate on their English, not many bands would take the time to write this out in a language they are not as familiar with.

Because we love you guys we uploaded the song “Gameboy The Beat,” so you can listen to it while your reading the Q&A! Press play, close your eyes, imagine yourself at the most kick ass rave, open them, and READ ON!

[audio=http://www.musicwebtown.com/stbands/playlists/175400/1383604.mp3]

First, I gotta say, your music really jams. I am very impressed at your techno/rock/punk style.

Thank you! If you like it you should listen the new song next week!

Lets get started….

How fast is Superfast?

Ehh…i think Superfast Ferries are really superfast in the type of
music now.

How’d you all meet?

Steve and Mal met together at school when they were 13;
Josh arrive later when Superfast Ferries was already formed!
We were 18.

What are your main influences as a band?

I think drum, our mum, my dog peghi, keytar,we like
go to party every night in Turin (because we don’t study at the
moment and we don’t work,we just play music with the money
of our parents), rave party, some drugs, and … the list is too
long..

Music- sex pistols, nirvana, crystal castles,
Britnay Spears, micheal jakson, depeche mode, sonic youth,
….and more

Who plays what, three keyboards?

Yes, depends on the song,because we use the electronic drum
and so we can make our sound with computer

But the real line up is:
Mal: vocal, synth ,bass(guitar).
Steve Keytar: Vocal,synth.
Josh: electro synthdrum.

Anyone see any good movies lately?

Oh yes, for this question we have some problems with the title
because in italy!!but recently i have seen the last one of Woody
Allen and i like it, i have seen also the last one of Tim Burton
sweny Tod(i like the photograph in this film).

The Black Kites are four piece band that hails from the west. They are currently shooting a music video for the song “Paper Heart,” which is off the Paper Heart EP. Recently I had a chance to ask them a few questions about music and the development of their upcoming album, which is scheduled to be released this fall.

How did you find your love for music?

Marcel: Well, I guess I didn’t actually start taking music seriously enough to play until I was 15 and decided with a couple of high school friends to start a band. We were inspired by the Velvet Underground, Flipper, My Dog Popper, and Jimi Hendrix. We were The Zelnick Experience. I got stuck with the drums because I was the only one who couldn’t play anything – and I never looked back. Sometimes I think I’m still the one who can’t play anything, but I can do that a whole lot better than I could in high school.

Alan: I started playing guitar with my brother, Chris, when we were both in elementary school.  By the time we got to high school we had our own Allman Brothers clone band.

Nicki: I started playing guitar at 13, playing along to the Lemonheads and practicing my moves in my bedroom. 

Your music is very soothing and easy to listen to, it’s what I would call driving music with a kick, has it always been this way? What are the twist and turns your sound has taken along the way?

Alan: The sound has definitely taken some turns. In the beginning, it was just Nicki and I on bass and guitar respectively, backed by a couple 70s drum machines we’d drag around. When Evelyn came in, adding not just her voice and vocal approach, but keys as well, the sound developed immensely and really started to get more dynamic. Adding Marcel’s driving hits became the last piece of the puzzle. It’s very much a group sound, and not just one person.

Marcel: For me, I feel the dynamics have slightly changed since I joined the band – which was just over a year ago. I think I tend to add a bit more of that kick – especially in a live situation. But yeah – we often get lumped in with this whole “shoegaze” genre, but I like the idea that we don’t really gaze at our shoes, we kinda just hit that gas pedal with them.

Evelyn and Alan, your voices sound absolutely amazing together, truly a vocal combo made in heaven. Who writes the lyrics, one or both of you?

Alan: It’s a combination of us both. I’ll often write the lyrics and then bring them in to the rehearsal space and let Evelyn sing what I’ve got. Then we start tinkering with them to shape them to how she sings it, or feels it. Often times she has some lines or images that get incorporated early on. Either way, the music is usually finished first, and then the lyrics are written.

About a week ago I heard that you’re going to be shooting a music video, which song will it be for? What will be the video’s main focal point?

Alan: The video is for Paper Heart.  The main focal point would be Evelyn meets “Wings Of Desire.”

Marcel: Yeah. It’s like our first un-official “single”. We’re definitely excited to do this, and it’s definitely interesting trying to match up a visual world with the sonic world we have in our heads. I think the main focal point is open for interpretation – everyone will manage to take different things from the video, the song – but I feel as well as touching on loss, heartbreak, and finally saying goodbye – there is an underlying feeling of movement, change, and growth. Becoming who you truly are and rising above who others see you as – but again – that’s just me.

Nicki: And, on top of all of that, we are going to try something new and dress all in black.

Marcel: Our first pre-planned attempt at band-fashion cohesiveness.

What’s your set up?

Alan: Drums, bass, couple keyboards, and a guitar.

Nicki: And, of course, red wine.

Have you been writing any new songs lately? How is that going?

Alan: Definitely been writing new songs. It’s going very well, as far as I’m concerned. We’re working on them with an ear towards recording an album later this year.

Marcel: We’re kind of in the middle of two new songs – and it goes. It’s a very different method of songwriting for me, because my last band was extremely prolific in comparison – fast riffs, fast decisions, and it was like one or two new songs every couple of weeks. Here it’s more drawn out and thoughtful. I’m not saying it’s better or worse, mind you –just different. I think I just get impatient.

Nicki: Yes, sometimes it seems to go a bit slow.

What can people expect to be different or the same about your full length album coming out this summer?

Marcel: I have a feeling, that compared to the last two EPs it will be closer to that “Driving with a Kick” sound and less of the “Soothing and Easy to Listen To” thing. I’m not saying it’ll be all noise and chaos, there will still be great attention paid to the melodies and lyrics and lush movements – but I think there will be more of a spin towards some upbeat rhythms and solid pop hooks –without losing any of the vocal beauty or ethereal moments.

Alan: The album will be along the lines of the Paper Heart EP, but even more amazing and spiritually nourishing.

Marcel: Yeah – that’s what I meant.

Is there any meaning behind the name “The Black Kites?”

Marcel: The band was already named when I stepped behind the drum kit, and I’m still not sure if I picture flying paper kites or those birds of prey kind of kites. It could be a combination of the two, like kids flying dangerous birds.

Alan: I was born in Australian, where black kites (the birds) are commonplace. I also loved the image of a sky filled with black kites (the kind with the string). And kites have an electric connotation (via Ben Franklin) that I thought was cool.

A big thank you to The Black Kites for taking time out of their busy schedule to chat with SerTop. If you want to buy one of their EPs, you can download it off itunes or contact Nicki by email for ordering information.

Upcoming Shows:

March 5th Live in Los Angeles at the Silverlake Lounge

If listening to Jacobs Ladder just isn’t enough for you, than see if they are rocking your town.

Tour Dates:

3/27: Miami Beach, FL @ TBA
3/28: Gainesville, FL @ 1982 BAR
3/29: Orlando, FL @ HELP US!
4/01: Columbus, GA @ SOHO
4/03: James Island, SC @ THE OASIS
4/04: Wilson, NC @ THE LUNA BEAN
4/05: Virginia Beach, Virginia @ GILLS
4/06: Tenleytown, Washington DC @ HOUSE PARTY
4/08: Asbury Park, NJ @ ASBURY LANES
4/09: NYC, NY @ THE ANNEX
4/10: Boston MA @ TBA
4/11: NJ @ TBA
4/12: Philadelphia, PA @ CURLEY’S PUB
4/13: Ohio @ CORNERSTONE
4/15: FAIRDALE, KY @ BULLDOG CAFE
4/16: Nashville, TN @ ON THE ROCKS
4/17: Marietta, GA @ SWAYZE’S
4/18: Tampa, FL @ TRANSITIONS (SPOT)
4/19: Tallahasee, FL @ BIG DADDY’S

The band Far-Less is a dynamic melodic masterpiece that keeps on giving their fans great music to listen to. If you haven’t heard of them, check them out here!

They are on tour as we speak so be sure to check their MySpace page to see if they’re coming to your town!

Below is our chat with Brandon:

Where do the inspirations for most of your lyrics come
from?   

Inspiration comes from everywhere.  Our lives,
surroundings, the people we know, our dogs, food, or the
devil.  But, uh, food and cartoons mostly.

With six members music must be fun to write or maybe a
little hectic… how does everything usually come together?

It’s a pretty easy process. Someone will have an idea and
then the the others fall into place.
 
You guys are hitting the road again on March 14th, any
cities you’re particularly looking forward to rockin?

I can’t wait to see the west coast again. It’s going to
be a good time of year to be traveling, so I”m pretty
excited for the whole trip.

What’s your favorite tour snack?

Harvest cheddar Sunchips or Doritos and Cracker Barrel
cheddar cheese. I love food.

Any advice for bands across the world trying to get
signed?

Watch “Runin’ down a dream”  the Tom Petty documentary.
Then get a lawyer and don’t sign unless he tells you to.
Then, I don’t know…bypass doing what you love for
something that will sell.  I imagine that’s how people get
rich and famous.

These two dedicated gal’s from the UK really ramp up their music scene. They have made a HUGE list of shows that are coming in the following months. If you live in the UK and are short on music visit their MySpace page.

First things first, I’ve been dying to ask you guys: what is an orange marsupial?

LISA: They thought up the name before I joined the band, but I do know that a marsupial is; It’s any mammal in which the female has a pouch. Since our name is Orange Marsupials, it narrows it down to kangaroos (well that’s the only orange marsupial I can think of). For our logo I basically looked up kangaroo pictures after I heard what our band name was and I found a kangaroo crossing sign, then my friend changed the words around it to “Orange Marsupials”.

What would your dream show be?

NICK(Preztel) and SAZ: Opening up for Bob Marley at his ‘One Love Peace Concert’, playing with Hendrix at Woodstock, or playing with the Chili Peppers.

LISA: I’d love to play a show with 311. As far as earlier eras, I’d have to say Woodstock and I’d wanna go on right before Joe Cocker.

KEVIN: Opening up for the Detox Tour when Dr. Dre drops his new album.

SAZ reminds me of Hendrix

SAZ: Thanks, I get that a lot.

You are one of the most original bands I’ve heard in a while. When I was listening to you guys live at Clutch Cargo, I thought to myself wow this is the most productive jam session ever! What’s your writing process like?

LISA: One of us always comes in with a new guitar riff or lyrics and everyone has their own idea about how the song should go, but for some reason all of our unique parts just work together really well.

Besides writing amazing music, what do you all do for fun?

KEVIN: We chill to Dr. Dre and Outkast or we watch funny videos on YouTube, like fat kids falling off of jungle gyms.
We recently heard that you are going in the studio, when can we expect to hear some music or rough songs?

NICK: A guy at my work rents out recording equipment so we’re gonna borrow it in two weeks and get some music down. We wanted to have some music up by now from our Clutch Cargo’s recording, but it sounded like shit. It would make even the greats sound bad.

Lisa, does being the front girl kick ass? How many guys hit on you after the show?

LISA: I love singing lead. I don’t mean to sound cliché but it really is a fucking amazing feeling. And as far as the males go, I get congratulations after shows but that’s about it. Plus, my boyfriend is usually at all of the shows staring down any guy who gives me a sideways glance, haha.

A Shout out to any fans?

LISA: I just wanna give a shout-out to all of the people who ever enjoyed any of our shows. Specifically, my boyfriend, my family, my friends, and all of the people in the following bands: Little Blue Bedroom (formerly James and the Rainbros), Essence of Ape, Walk Your Bike, Treehouse Rivals, The Cozmonauts and Almost Free.

NICK (Preztel): I would like to give a shout out to our old fans and our new fans. and also Andre 3 Stacks, Bob Marley, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine, 311, Jimi Hendrix, Sublime, Jon Regan, Duke, Jack Black, the Breakfest Club, John Butler Trio, Monster, Kevins Family, Middletons Black n Milds, 1983 Cadilac Sedan Deville. and many many more. those are just the things that inspire, and made my music style what it is today.

KEVIN: Dr. Dre, Bob Marley, Tupac, just West Coast rap in general.

SAZ: Papa Hendrix, ketchup and Hawaii.

RAY: My baby’s momma’s baby’s momma’s momma’s, I’m sorry Ms. Jackson, I am for reeeeeeeeeeal. And Will Smith.

ALL: All of us pretty much agree on all of the above shout outs.

Would you rock a SerTop wristband?

ALL: If you can get us orange ones, no doubt. And if you can’t… no doubt. But for real, can you get us some orange ones? That would be fucking sweet.

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=rbDIrL-NjUM]

Thanks for doing the Q&A with us, we think your music is great and we are looking forward to hearing more great music!

How’d you guys all meet and how long have you been together?

This coming summer (2008) we will have been a band for 8 years running strong. Brian and Oren met and started playing music in the 4th grade. I (Sammy) was a year younger and really into music; but I didn’t get the chance to play with them until high school. We played and preformed in our school “Rock Ensemble,” this got us close and we decided to give it a shot in the summer of 2001.

Not many bands can tour as much as Jacobs Ladder does and still produce amazing music. I gotta say, you are very persistent in creating music while still keeping your fans happy. Is it crazy on tour sometimes? Do you sleep?

Tour for us…. is a home away from home at this point. We usally wake up on the floor of a random persons house, cuddled up in our sleeping bags- proceeding to look at eachother with disgust. The worst part; is the fact that I’m allergic to cats and for some reason everyone seems to have one..lol.

Overall the experience of touring is amazing, it’s a time where we bond as a band and live off our music.
There’s nothing better than playing shows 6 nights a week.
If we don’t make enough money off the door or merchandise then we hit up shopping malls with cds and iPods. Believe it or not we usually sell 40 to 60 cds before we get kicked out of the mall. Sometimes it’s rough… but it gets the job done!

We generally drive four to six hours daily, trying to cover at least on state per day. Oren’s not allowed to drive since he is a terrible navigator. So me and Brian switch off driving and sleep in between. When we do arrive at the venues, we eat a lot of shit (not literally)…but we do have a lot of time on our hands, so we cook our dinners on a hot plate in the street. The highlight obviously is the performance itself and it is always worth the hassle. But, the best part is meeting our fans afterward, and the coolest kids are the ones who purchase our merch! Joking your all cool, we love you guys!

Sam, rocking the fro. Any tips for people at home trying to get a good fro going?

One thing is; you have it or you don’t. If you do- all you need is a really gay hairdresser and some kiss my face (hair cream), and your good to go.

We noticed February third you released a video for the song “Things Left Untold.” Want to drop any hints on the production of that?

The concept of this video was to raise awareness about an issue that affects many people particularly in our age group (Teen Pregnancy). The storyline is based on the idea that my girlfriend becomes pregnant; we break up and the come back together. This issue does hit close to home for me: during high school I witnessed a lot of my close friends get pregnant and the repercussions of it, this truly can happen to anyone.

All of the songs kick ass, personally I like “Who Pulled the Breaks,” what is this song about?

Well… who pulled the breaks is defiantly one of our hits and a favorite among our fans. The song tells the story of our Drummer, who during high school fell in love with our friend. We then watched the relationship blossom and whither over a 2 year period. It was a pretty incredible and crazy experience all at the same time. After all this Oren deiced to write a song about it based on his view of the situation.

What’s behind the name Jacobs Ladder?

hmmm. Life is like a ladder, we all have these dreams and aspirations, in working towards these goals you slowly step up and learn so much about yourself and the people around you. With this come’s growth, understanding, love, and meaning.

We’ve mentioned that you guys have done a lot of touring earlier, besides Florida, what is your favorite state to rock?

My favorite state, I have to say we’ve had some amazing times in NC & NJ. The kids just line up at our merch booth… which is definitely a pleaser for us. But honestly it’s just the feeling that you get in these cities and the pace. The people really appreciate and respect Indie Music. It’s refreshing to see that the scene is so alive on the East Coast.

A shout out to any fans?

Haha, yeah the girl who made us sign her cd in eyeliner because we didn’t have a pen around!
and… All those girls that let us sign their body parts. And of course we love all those cute boys out there with the pin straight hair and those tight tight pants!

Would you rock a SerTop wristband?

Yeah…. we are always willing to support the music scene and people who are keeping it alive!

We would like to thank Jacobs Ladder again for doing the interview as we know they are a busy band. They are on tour right now, so check and see if they’re coming in your area!

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