Kevin Ridel has done it. Like a mad scientist, he has been searching for the right components to make the perfect combination. Now he can breathe a sigh of relief, because he has put together AM Radio. He can sit and relax in his place, look outside his window, and watch for the future of AM Radio to unfold before his eyes. But, he doesn’t; he hops into his van with his band mates, and goes on rigorous tours with spectacular bands like Weezer, Third Eye Blind, Rooney, Feeder, and Eve 6. On top of Kevin’s amazing vocal range and songwriting, there are also the roaring guitarists, Jason Moore and Rowan Robertson. Joe Higgins keeps the band in check with his rocking beats, and Bryce Soderberg plays his bass masterfully. It’s difficult to limit them with one specific genre. When you listen to their records, you can pick up hints of punk, pop, new wave, and just all-out rock. Not many bands can pull off being so versatile, but it works for AM Radio. Also, not a lot of bands perform as well as their records sound, but AM Radio’s live performances are extraordinary. They sound great, if not better than their record, and they have superb stage presence and energy. I dare you not to dance, or at the least move a body part. So you want to know the secret to AM Radio? Just listen to the new record, Radioactive, and you’ll get your answer.

For this month's band of the month, Headcase was lucky enough to get an interview, via e-mail, with the lead singer, Kevin Ridel. Read on...

Headcase: What got you interested in music in the first place, how old were you, if there was an idol-who was it?
Kevin: I had always sang along with the radio when I was a kid. When I was a freshman in high school I was visiting a friend from my soccer team at his house. He had a drumset in his bedroom and I was blown away by it. I had never seen one in person before. I instantly knew that I had to be a part of the magic. So I went home and sang along to tapes on a boom box, recorded it and gave it to my friend. We then started a band with just a drummer and a singer. We mainly played along with records. When I really got into the technical aspect of singing I mimicked classic rock singers like Geoff Tate(Queensryche), Steve Perry (Journey) and Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin). At the same time I also sang along with 'old' Tears For Fears, Devo, and Missing Persons albums.
Headcase: Who has been the most influential person in your music career and/or your life?
Kevin: Rivers Cuomo and I have always traded demo tapes of each others bands. I have a few other friends that I have done that with over my life. Songwriting-wise I would say that Robert Smith (The Cure) and Richard Butler (Psychedelic Furs) and Tom Waits have played a major part as influences.
Headcase: You do the song writing for AM Radio, but do you ever bounce things off your band-mates if you're stuck, or do you do all of your songwriting by yourself?
Kevin: The band is great at fleshing out my songs. Usually the basic chords, melodies and lyrics seem to just come out very easily.
Headcase: Do you write songs based on an event that happened to you, or is your songwriting fictional, a little of both?
Kevin: All of my songs are based on reality. Songwriting has been great therapy for whatever is ailing me at the time emotionally.
Headcase: Residing in LA, were your songs Taken for a Ride, and Media Life influenced by your situation of living so close to Hollywood, the corruption of the music industry, or both?
Kevin: Taken For a Ride, yes. Media Life is actually about the consumers rather than the industry.
Headcase: What is your opinion on the current state of music (mainstream radio)?
Kevin: It's getting better. Although recently I somehow fell into listening to LA's dance party station. I think I just needed something fun to listen to while I drive.
Headcase: Since your debut album, in 2001, do you think your music has matured?
Kevin: AM Radio's sound has definitely grown over the course of our almost 2 year existence. Touring really helps develop a band's sound.
Headcase: What kind of advice would you give to aspiring musicians and/or songwriters?
Kevin: Stick to it and be honest with yourself as an artist.

For more info on AM Radio check out their website: AM Radio's official website