In the
world of music, what counts most? A band's style? An original
sound? Great songs that move you and make you think? How often
is it that a band brings all these elements together in a
fresh and distinctive package? Not often. Yet Something Corporate
is one such band. They are nothing short of five young musicians
who have that un-teachable, innate ability to play great music,
write great songs, and connect in an amazing way with a crowd.
Something Corporate's sound is anchored by the fierce piano
playing of 19-year-old lead singer-songwriter Andrew McMahon.
This is modern alternative rock composed on an instrument
with 88 keys. And while piano music is not exactly the flavor-of-the-month
(or even the era), Something Corporate infuses it into their
songs in an inventive and melodic way. If indie-rock could
ever be called elegant, Something Corporate would be that
sound.
Citing both Billy Joel and Elton John as
influences, while injecting the irreverent guitar edge of
modern rock, SC brings a fresh new sound in a time that
so desperately needs one. Something Corporate, though, is
hardly what you would call a piano band. With two guitars
in the mix Andrew explains, "I've always been a fan
of a more driving sound, blending guitar with piano chords.
Whatever feels right for any given song, we do." After
careful listens one notices other influences like Jimmy
Eat World and Jets To Brazil.
From
local act and hometown favorite in Dana Point, California
to recording artist for Drive-Thru/MCA Records, the last
six months for Something Corporate have been nothing short
of amazing. The band recorded a highly acclaimed, 6 song,
E.P. Audioboxer, that was released last fall with the intention
of helping the band grow a fanbase outside of California.
When KROQ in Los Angeles discovered the E.P. and then the
song "If U C Jordan"--an undeniable "indie
hit" about standing up to a high school bully--things
really started to roll. Some of the nation's most important
alternative stations joined in and had the song in major
rotation--and all of this well before an add date could
even be scheduled by a label trying to catch up with such
unexpected success. The song became a top 30 single on the
Billboard Post Modern charts and was furthered upon America
with the add of their music video to MTV2, Much Music, and
most college music video shows. Audioboxer recently shipped
over 100,000 units and tripled sales expectations. During
this time the band toured whenever they could, leaving a
wake of new fans wherever they played. If a radio single
and a hot music video were enough to open the door as to
how good this band was, their amazing live show certainly
hammered the point home.
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