"Is it cool to tell them what he did?" asked Rowan. As we heard the interesting answer kevin said, "I don't think Rivers wants people knowing about that." Well here are some things you should know about.
"...does it still sound like AM Radio?" While discussing the new songs that have been recently arranged since the 10 downloadable mp3's online, one particular song came to mind, "I just wanna be loved". With the sexy rythyms and strong lyrics, this new addition grabs attention in a fresh, passionate way "I think my voice just ties it all together" kevin explained and joe agreed, " we were talking to this guy about which songs should make the record because a tune like that goes off in a different area and the guy said it's Kevin's voice that ties it all in".
Clearly defining AM Radio as power/pop with a lead vocalist that is quite effective & memorable, allows AM Radio to dabble in different arenas of song. This Los Angeles band was first started in September 2001 by Kevin Ridel & Joe Higgins inspired to do what they truely desire. Inspirations lead to more than what we hear. The bands inspiration as a whole have a lot to do with their immediate connection and similar tastes. Of course, leading us to the one fact in most minds, Blue Management. Rivers Cuomo has taken the lead of managing AM Radio into thier next stages of success. "He is such a smart business man. I admire his work.......I was with them at the studio last night and I said I had to go home and write songs. He's all about song writing & it's totally inspiring".
Their debut album will be released in May independently staying far away from major corporate labels. However, Am Radio feels it would be "pretty amazing" to be added to a radio stations playlist. Well this may happen. The SP Radio 1 sessions have been in action recording AM Radio in their San Diego studio. Most songs seem to have a consistant idea of topic but "not really" explains Kevin, "A lot of times metophorically I use relationships to describe anything going on". Giving the fans a freedom to think what they want is a great accomplishment and AM Radio has done just that. Lead singer Kevin Ridel, Bass and backing Vocals Danny Dunlap, Guitarist Rowan Robertson, Guitarist Jason Moore and Drummer Joe Higgins leave their music translation up to the fans to decide what it means to them.
Many people find comfort in the song "You saved my life" which relates in so many ways. The brilliance in writing and transforming of one truth into another myth is creativly thought out but even more so thought out through their souls and day to day real life experiences. "We do what we love day to day" explained Kevin leading to Rowan quietly adding "We all just fit together. There's a chemistry". While taking their next move day by day the members of the band keep a tight knit connection with their focus and goals. Joyously loving the cards that have been delt, AM Radio remains level headed and willing to give something back, kevin shared with us "I'm trying to help a lot of bands now. I'm promoting shows at Spaceland and listening to cd's given to me". Constantly being compared as another 80's band not only fustrates theband "they just don't get what we're doing", expresses Kevin, but the whole freedom of song is replayed in thier minds. One favorable song left off of the new album is "Fire Song" "we might revisit that one down the road" explained Joe and us hoping for a b-side.
The doors have opened and AM Radio is running through them. You can catch AM Radio at the next WILLFUND benefit for a non-profit organization promoting kindness on Saturday, April 6 2002 at the Hermosa Beach Community Center in Hermosa Beach, CA. This is a free event - go to www.amradioonline.com for link and r.s.v.p. information.
"we're going through the same stuff everyone else is going through..." - AM Radio.
keep a look out for more...much more...
| SPOTLIGHT AM Radio featuring Joe Higgins, Drummer This version is edited to share another moment watching Joe exert his energy doing what he seems to love and do the best....jam on the drums for all who are willing to enjoy it with him. What we have noticed is that Joe Higgins has so much energy and focus while performing. It is fantastic and inspiring. He keeps his head up and looks out to everyone with a reassuring smile which invites you to join in with the celebration of music. REVIEWS / FAN REPORTS AM Radio - 4.3.2k2 -Knitting Factory, LA AM Radio has done it again! They have managed to amaze the crowd on April 3 2002 at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood. That was by far the most fantastic show yet. Joe's energy really shows that he loves what he does and loves playing the drums for the fans and does it well. Kevin was running around the stage and singing to some people which was very cool and gave the audience a sense of feeling included. Maybe it will happen to you at the next show. The excellent performance of "Take Time" still goes through the mind. the group was very much in sync as usual and their performance just seems to get better and better. I look forward for their next show and wish them good luck with Weezer. -Samuel, Plug-Media, 4.2k2 "Pop American Style" - AM Radio - 2.8.2k2 -Troubadour, LA Interesting line up of a diverse group not exactly only Pop music but well rounded enough to keep an even flow. Am Radio is always a thrill to watch, mainly because of the energy portrayed by Kevin Ridel and Joe Higgins smiles throughout the entire set. "Oh Oh Oh" was a favorite to hear as well as "1,000 Suns". As soon as you walk in the showroom you're pretty much blown back by the intense woofer stage right but that didn't strain too mnay ears. Every fan received AM Radio's melodic sounds excitedly and enjoyed dancing and singing right back to Kevin. Particularly watching the drummer is always a rush; the exciting rythms and beats keeps up the pace and compliments the somewhat stillness from the other band members. Would love to see Jason come out of his shoegazer shell. All in all, great show and looking forward to the next. -Melissa, Plug-Media, 2.10.2k2 AM RADIO - Knitting Factory, LA "To be completely honest, I was introduced to AM Radio just recently- a couple months ago..my cousin was the one that had encouraged me to listen to their songs...and when I did..I fell in love with "its all my fault" and "1,000 suns"... So as soon as my gf found out about the Knitting Factory..there was no stopping us..we came...we saw..and we got rawked by AM Radio..in the beginning there was some sound problems..but that was out of the hands of AM because we knew the Knitting Factory has a reputation for bad sound operators/set up... regardless..the vibe was cool and everyone showed a lot of love, a perfect scenario for chillin out with AM Radio... They opened the show and as soon as they got on stage..their energy lit up the room. Their stage presence got me emotionally attached to every note they released...they played beautifully. We saw the guys a couple times on the floor..mixin in with the crowd...very down to earth..saw kevin chillin at the bar a lot which is always cool to see..didnt get a chance to say whats up to him or the others to congratulate them for a perfect set but my cousin did run into kevin in the restroom..and he was kind enough to say wussup and chatted a little about the show. Hearing "its all my fault" and "1,000 suns" live was a euphoric experience and I'm so glad I went to see them. I'll be a fan as long as they keep putting their heart and soul into their music(which I know will always be the case)...and I'll see them on january 24th!!" - Gene h, Torrance, CA 2k2 |
| AM RADIO - 12.14.2k1 - Spacelend, LA "This was an absolute perfect show. Tunes that were unfamiliar but well received. Lately, AM Radio has been rehearsing quite a bit and now it all comes through. We were all very excited to hear a few new songs and hope to hear them again and again. Maybe a single or ep???!!! Rivers was spotted and noticed having a bit of fun himself. Rocking out to another band after a long tour himself. Santa Barbara is not a near future venue but stay tuned for more. AM Radio is here to stay and everyone listen, good music, mellow melody and great voice and style, it's a pure sense of reality through music history..." - Flash, Plug-Media, 11.15.2k1 |
| AM RADIO - 11.7.2k1 - Viper Room, LA w/ Special Goodness & Goat Punishment Usually only a hand full of people arrive early to push forward for the opening band but this time it was more than that. Of course Goat Punishment may have something to do with it but in this case by the response from the audience, I have to say it had a bit to do with AM Radio. Not a moments delay, as soon as Kevin opened his mouth and the guitar and drums kicked it in high gear the crowd responded very clearly dancing around, singing the songs back and holloring for more. What makes a show different from the others is not only the lighting, sound and crowd but it's the feeling you get, the smile you can't stop and the sudden urge to know everything. The songs are upbeat and fun with a real pop/funk/mellodic melody and transcending lyrics of familiar themes. The cheery, lush rythyms vibrate the energy surrounding the positive mood flow. Feeling great while Kevin overheads the audience and looks at everyone as if singing right to you. It was not any individual song, it was the whole set full of geta spirit that overflowed throughout the whole room. It was nice to see the band members walking around before and after the show. Talking to their fans and friends and making everyone feel really good. Already a great response and not even a cd to buy, however, the CD Release party will blow the cd's off the shelves. AM Radio astoundingly succeeds in having a perfect set and a perfect live show while making room for even more subtle perfections too come. |