Cruiser
Founded in 2012 by Andy States in his bedroom, This local Philly band quickly expanded as States recruited friends to bring Cruiser's sound to life on the stage. A great blend of catchy summer pop and creating hooky melodies draws just about every listener in for more. A-Track got to catch up with Andy to talk about the band's roots and their thoughts on being called up to the big stage of the Firefly Music Festival.
1. First things first: What’s your favorite Philly venue?
Probably Johnny Brenda’s. It’s always a really exciting venue to play at and see shows. The sound is great and the room is perfect. The size of Johnny Brenda’s is great too, it always feels like a big event and intimate at the same time.
2. Have you guys become friends with any of the other great Philly bands out there after playing here?
Definitely. We’ve grown close to a lot of bands, namely Dream Safari, Little Big League, Night Panther, and Former Belle.
3. What kind of festival experience do you guys have?
I can only recall one or two festivals we’ve done this far so not much! We’re looking forward to this summer and being part of Firefly amongst other festivals.
4. Is there any particular inspiration behind your sound or the way you guys play?
I have always been drawn to old sounding music. I’m not sure this goes for everyone in the band but I have a kind of strange obsession with Christmas. I totally play into the nostalgia of it all and when I hear things that remind of those old christmas songs from the 40’s and 50’s it’s like being a kid again. Which is weird for someone who grew up in the 90’s.
5. Who is the one band that you’re most excited to see at Firefly?
It’s so impossible to pick just one but then again, OUTKAST IS PLAYING.
6. You guys already have a great EP out, what does the future of a full length from you guys look like?
We’re looking to finish off a few songs for another EP this summer and then release a full length early next year. We’re really particular about what we put out so it’s been taking some time but I know it’s worth it. For us the idea of releasing singles and EPs has made a lot of sense and allowed us to really develop the sound of the band before jumping into a full length.
7. Who is the one band that you would absolutely love to be on stage with at Firefly?
I would love to just dance with Beck.
8. What is your favorite song to play live?
Probably Don’t Go Alone. It’s a bit of an easier song to perform so it allows us to have a little bit more fun on stage.
9. How did you come up with the name Cruiser?
I had written a few songs before I had a name for it. I think I spent weeks just trying to think of a name and then someone suggested Cruiser as kind of a joke but it just made so much sense and it quickly felt like I couldn’t call it anything else.
10. Last but not least: What is your favorite performance experience, and is there a good story behind it?
Probably playing House of Blues with Matt & Kim. We were lucky enough to know someone who passed our stuff along to the band while they were trying to find an opener. For Cruiser, the audience was at least two times bigger than any crowd we’ve played for before. The show went great, and Matt & Kim were the nicest people ever. They had drinks after the show and went out of their way to make sure we came to hang out with them. Totally a surreal experience for us.
Founded in 2012 by Andy States in his bedroom, This local Philly band quickly expanded as States recruited friends to bring Cruiser's sound to life on the stage. A great blend of catchy summer pop and creating hooky melodies draws just about every listener in for more. A-Track got to catch up with Andy to talk about the band's roots and their thoughts on being called up to the big stage of the Firefly Music Festival.
1. First things first: What’s your favorite Philly venue?
Probably Johnny Brenda’s. It’s always a really exciting venue to play at and see shows. The sound is great and the room is perfect. The size of Johnny Brenda’s is great too, it always feels like a big event and intimate at the same time.
2. Have you guys become friends with any of the other great Philly bands out there after playing here?
Definitely. We’ve grown close to a lot of bands, namely Dream Safari, Little Big League, Night Panther, and Former Belle.
3. What kind of festival experience do you guys have?
I can only recall one or two festivals we’ve done this far so not much! We’re looking forward to this summer and being part of Firefly amongst other festivals.
4. Is there any particular inspiration behind your sound or the way you guys play?
I have always been drawn to old sounding music. I’m not sure this goes for everyone in the band but I have a kind of strange obsession with Christmas. I totally play into the nostalgia of it all and when I hear things that remind of those old christmas songs from the 40’s and 50’s it’s like being a kid again. Which is weird for someone who grew up in the 90’s.
5. Who is the one band that you’re most excited to see at Firefly?
It’s so impossible to pick just one but then again, OUTKAST IS PLAYING.
6. You guys already have a great EP out, what does the future of a full length from you guys look like?
We’re looking to finish off a few songs for another EP this summer and then release a full length early next year. We’re really particular about what we put out so it’s been taking some time but I know it’s worth it. For us the idea of releasing singles and EPs has made a lot of sense and allowed us to really develop the sound of the band before jumping into a full length.
7. Who is the one band that you would absolutely love to be on stage with at Firefly?
I would love to just dance with Beck.
8. What is your favorite song to play live?
Probably Don’t Go Alone. It’s a bit of an easier song to perform so it allows us to have a little bit more fun on stage.
9. How did you come up with the name Cruiser?
I had written a few songs before I had a name for it. I think I spent weeks just trying to think of a name and then someone suggested Cruiser as kind of a joke but it just made so much sense and it quickly felt like I couldn’t call it anything else.
10. Last but not least: What is your favorite performance experience, and is there a good story behind it?
Probably playing House of Blues with Matt & Kim. We were lucky enough to know someone who passed our stuff along to the band while they were trying to find an opener. For Cruiser, the audience was at least two times bigger than any crowd we’ve played for before. The show went great, and Matt & Kim were the nicest people ever. They had drinks after the show and went out of their way to make sure we came to hang out with them. Totally a surreal experience for us.
The Mowgli's
Known for their hit song, San Francisco, The Mowgli's have attracted a strong fan base through their random acts of kindness and strong message of peace, love, and equality. We talked to the band about their roots and growth as a band.
1. You guys have a pretty big band? How did you all meet?
A lot of us met in school (elementary through high school.) Some of us were in theater together while some of us were simply great friends growing up. Colin and josh moved to Los Angeles at least 10 years ago and we met them through mutual friends.
2. From what I understand, you guys want to make the world a happier and better place through your music and spread a message of love. Can you explain this a little bit more?
This band was built upon the idea that we are all created equal. Everyone deserves the same treatment and the same basic human rights. We feel that by singing in the key of love we can change people's outlook on life and hopefully influence our audience to become more compassionate towards everyday people. We are huge advocates of performing random acts of kindness and our fans have become an army of compassionate soldiers. For more info please check out beamowgli.com.
3. I’m sure when you were an up and coming band it took a ton of work to get your name out there. Did you guys almost ever call it quits or was it always an enjoyable ride for the band?
We never lost sight of our dreams. We were all working full time jobs and continuing to perform 5-7 nights a week. Some nights we would perform at 5am or 6am and then we would all head to our jobs immediately after. Even during the toughest times we are still happy about how hard we have worked to get to where we are.
4. San Francisco is without a doubt your biggest song. Did you guys always know that was your song with the most potential or did it surprise you when that song took off on the charts?
That was one of the first songs this band put together. A few members took a trip to SF and that's what they showed us when they came home. Most of our fans in the early years gravitated towards that song because of its universal message of love. I had always hoped that would be our biggest song and so far so good. It surprised all of us when it charted, but we couldn't have been more grateful.
5. The San Francisco Giants used your hit song a ton during their world series campaign in 2012? Did you guys reach out to them or did they reach out to you? And how cool was it to hear your song be played in a stadium during the world series?
The Giants reached out to us as if our song was their perfect anthem. We never actually heard the song in the stadium, but we would get phone calls about it every game. It's a huge honor to be in the band that has the anthem for the World Series.
6. What are some future plans for the Mowgli’s?
We will be on tour all year long. Hitting every state possible and playing as many festivals as possible. In May we will begin recording a brand new record which will come out hopefully by the end of this year. We are also working on teaming up with various charities and food banks in every state so that we can continue to spread our message.
7. What is your favorite venue you have ever played in?
I have a few. My favorite small venue is either The Rock N Roll Hotel in Washington DC or The Black Sheep in Colorado Springs, CO. If we are talking big venues I am a huge fan of The Palladium in Los Angeles. But also my favorite show with this band was Lollapollooza 2013 when we played the BMI stage, which is tiny, and 10,000 people showed up. Record breaking, according to the festival.
8. How excited is the band for Firefly? Are you guys playing in any other festivals this year?
This band won't stop talking about firefly. All of our favorite bands from various decades are on the line up. Plus all of the bands we have tour with are on the bill. It's just gonna be one hell of an experience. We are performing at the Wakarusa festival, Osheaga fest in Montreal, Loudon Youth Fest in Virginia, plus a few others in the works. Life is good and we are so happy that we can connect with our fans across the country and soon the world.
Known for their hit song, San Francisco, The Mowgli's have attracted a strong fan base through their random acts of kindness and strong message of peace, love, and equality. We talked to the band about their roots and growth as a band.
1. You guys have a pretty big band? How did you all meet?
A lot of us met in school (elementary through high school.) Some of us were in theater together while some of us were simply great friends growing up. Colin and josh moved to Los Angeles at least 10 years ago and we met them through mutual friends.
2. From what I understand, you guys want to make the world a happier and better place through your music and spread a message of love. Can you explain this a little bit more?
This band was built upon the idea that we are all created equal. Everyone deserves the same treatment and the same basic human rights. We feel that by singing in the key of love we can change people's outlook on life and hopefully influence our audience to become more compassionate towards everyday people. We are huge advocates of performing random acts of kindness and our fans have become an army of compassionate soldiers. For more info please check out beamowgli.com.
3. I’m sure when you were an up and coming band it took a ton of work to get your name out there. Did you guys almost ever call it quits or was it always an enjoyable ride for the band?
We never lost sight of our dreams. We were all working full time jobs and continuing to perform 5-7 nights a week. Some nights we would perform at 5am or 6am and then we would all head to our jobs immediately after. Even during the toughest times we are still happy about how hard we have worked to get to where we are.
4. San Francisco is without a doubt your biggest song. Did you guys always know that was your song with the most potential or did it surprise you when that song took off on the charts?
That was one of the first songs this band put together. A few members took a trip to SF and that's what they showed us when they came home. Most of our fans in the early years gravitated towards that song because of its universal message of love. I had always hoped that would be our biggest song and so far so good. It surprised all of us when it charted, but we couldn't have been more grateful.
5. The San Francisco Giants used your hit song a ton during their world series campaign in 2012? Did you guys reach out to them or did they reach out to you? And how cool was it to hear your song be played in a stadium during the world series?
The Giants reached out to us as if our song was their perfect anthem. We never actually heard the song in the stadium, but we would get phone calls about it every game. It's a huge honor to be in the band that has the anthem for the World Series.
6. What are some future plans for the Mowgli’s?
We will be on tour all year long. Hitting every state possible and playing as many festivals as possible. In May we will begin recording a brand new record which will come out hopefully by the end of this year. We are also working on teaming up with various charities and food banks in every state so that we can continue to spread our message.
7. What is your favorite venue you have ever played in?
I have a few. My favorite small venue is either The Rock N Roll Hotel in Washington DC or The Black Sheep in Colorado Springs, CO. If we are talking big venues I am a huge fan of The Palladium in Los Angeles. But also my favorite show with this band was Lollapollooza 2013 when we played the BMI stage, which is tiny, and 10,000 people showed up. Record breaking, according to the festival.
8. How excited is the band for Firefly? Are you guys playing in any other festivals this year?
This band won't stop talking about firefly. All of our favorite bands from various decades are on the line up. Plus all of the bands we have tour with are on the bill. It's just gonna be one hell of an experience. We are performing at the Wakarusa festival, Osheaga fest in Montreal, Loudon Youth Fest in Virginia, plus a few others in the works. Life is good and we are so happy that we can connect with our fans across the country and soon the world.
Third Eye Blind
This alternative rock band from San Francisco blew up following the release of their first album in 1997. We talked to them about the early stages of their band and their chance to play at Firefly this summer.
Describe to us what your name means. Why Third Eye Blind?
I think everybody has a different definition of that. Honestly, I've never asked Stephan what he meant by it. I like it though, the notion of a third eye is total nonsense. Proclaiming it blind is a cute play on words, like Four Non-Blondes.
How did you guys meet and is there any band that inspired you guys to make music?
Back when I was living in Dublin, I met and fell dearly in love with the music and voice of San Francisco musician Soren Gray. Soren grew up with our drummer Brad. Brad told me I had a "ferocious right hand." He invited me out to Hawaii to do a show with the band. We jammed for a few days, then they gave me the gig! In terms of bands that inspired the group, I can only speak for myself when I say Prince. Prince is the entire reason I picked up a guitar.
Most bands have a clear cut hit song. You guys, on the other hand, have a collection of popular songs. What is your favorite song to play in concert?
I really don't have a favourite. The crowd reaction to 'Graduate' is always gorgeous to me. People always ask if it's a pain playing 'Semi-Charmed Life' every night. It's really not. The audience's energy when we play that is incredible. That feeds us on stage.
Did you guys slowly work your way up in the music industry or was their one defining moment when you guys thought, “We’re about to get big.”
I think when U2 called up asking 3EB to support it was onnnn
Do you still get excited when you hear yourself on the radio or is it more natural now? What’s it like to be driving and switch radio stations and hear your band playing?
Yeah, love that.
What are you looking forward to most about Firefly?
Well, we're all giddy about Outkast, other than that, we have a bunch of friends playing in different bands, so it's gonna be great catching up with them, doing the festival thing.
What is your experience on the festival circuit?
Festivals have always been fun. One year I was driving a golf buggy backstage to the main stage. Dave Grohl pulled up beside me (Foo Fighters were headlining that night). His wife was in the passenger seat, Taylor Hawkins was standing on the back of the buggy holding on.
They said hi, I said hi.
Then we raced each other to the main stage.
We were neck and neck for the most part (the buggies only go so fast) but just when the main stage was in sight, Grohl cut across the grass and beat me to the finish. When I pulled up and called him a cheat he held his arms out wide and said "Rock Star."
If you could play with one band at Firefly, who would it be?
Probably the Kodaline lads...they're from Dublin as well! Haha
What does the future of Third Eye Blind look like?
The future looks like this:
-record new record
-release new record
-tour the entire planet head to toe
-rinse and repeat
I’m sure you're friends with tons of guys in other bands. Are there any bands you guys are particularly close with?
Yeah, there are a fair few, but I'll sound like a douche if I start name dropping! I'll give a shout out to my favourite band buddies though-From Indian Lakes, Team & Earthless.
These last questions come from one of our readers, Molly Shea. She is undoubtedly the biggest 3EB fan we know.
What’s your own personal favorite song you guys have?
Hi Molly. Right now I'm gonna say "Get me out of Here." It's a new track that we recorded during the current batch of sessions we're doing for the new record. I just heard a mix of it two days ago and kinda choked up a little.
It's simply majestic.
Stephan is telling this story of, like rock royalty, and disconnection and loss. The song just has a real sense of occasion and document about it...like it's important that someone noticed. It's really beautiful. There's a backdrop of, like the perceived glamourama of, say a life like ours pitted against the simplest of things that really define a relationship. The music is tender and fragile, boisterous and fearless.
What are your thoughts on the song “I Want You” and can you guys please play it at Firefly.
Love that song. Stephan might play it acoustically at the Firefly show actually...that's been a regular on tour lately during Stephan's acoustic set. Depends how loud you shout for it Molly :)
This alternative rock band from San Francisco blew up following the release of their first album in 1997. We talked to them about the early stages of their band and their chance to play at Firefly this summer.
Describe to us what your name means. Why Third Eye Blind?
I think everybody has a different definition of that. Honestly, I've never asked Stephan what he meant by it. I like it though, the notion of a third eye is total nonsense. Proclaiming it blind is a cute play on words, like Four Non-Blondes.
How did you guys meet and is there any band that inspired you guys to make music?
Back when I was living in Dublin, I met and fell dearly in love with the music and voice of San Francisco musician Soren Gray. Soren grew up with our drummer Brad. Brad told me I had a "ferocious right hand." He invited me out to Hawaii to do a show with the band. We jammed for a few days, then they gave me the gig! In terms of bands that inspired the group, I can only speak for myself when I say Prince. Prince is the entire reason I picked up a guitar.
Most bands have a clear cut hit song. You guys, on the other hand, have a collection of popular songs. What is your favorite song to play in concert?
I really don't have a favourite. The crowd reaction to 'Graduate' is always gorgeous to me. People always ask if it's a pain playing 'Semi-Charmed Life' every night. It's really not. The audience's energy when we play that is incredible. That feeds us on stage.
Did you guys slowly work your way up in the music industry or was their one defining moment when you guys thought, “We’re about to get big.”
I think when U2 called up asking 3EB to support it was onnnn
Do you still get excited when you hear yourself on the radio or is it more natural now? What’s it like to be driving and switch radio stations and hear your band playing?
Yeah, love that.
What are you looking forward to most about Firefly?
Well, we're all giddy about Outkast, other than that, we have a bunch of friends playing in different bands, so it's gonna be great catching up with them, doing the festival thing.
What is your experience on the festival circuit?
Festivals have always been fun. One year I was driving a golf buggy backstage to the main stage. Dave Grohl pulled up beside me (Foo Fighters were headlining that night). His wife was in the passenger seat, Taylor Hawkins was standing on the back of the buggy holding on.
They said hi, I said hi.
Then we raced each other to the main stage.
We were neck and neck for the most part (the buggies only go so fast) but just when the main stage was in sight, Grohl cut across the grass and beat me to the finish. When I pulled up and called him a cheat he held his arms out wide and said "Rock Star."
If you could play with one band at Firefly, who would it be?
Probably the Kodaline lads...they're from Dublin as well! Haha
What does the future of Third Eye Blind look like?
The future looks like this:
-record new record
-release new record
-tour the entire planet head to toe
-rinse and repeat
I’m sure you're friends with tons of guys in other bands. Are there any bands you guys are particularly close with?
Yeah, there are a fair few, but I'll sound like a douche if I start name dropping! I'll give a shout out to my favourite band buddies though-From Indian Lakes, Team & Earthless.
These last questions come from one of our readers, Molly Shea. She is undoubtedly the biggest 3EB fan we know.
What’s your own personal favorite song you guys have?
Hi Molly. Right now I'm gonna say "Get me out of Here." It's a new track that we recorded during the current batch of sessions we're doing for the new record. I just heard a mix of it two days ago and kinda choked up a little.
It's simply majestic.
Stephan is telling this story of, like rock royalty, and disconnection and loss. The song just has a real sense of occasion and document about it...like it's important that someone noticed. It's really beautiful. There's a backdrop of, like the perceived glamourama of, say a life like ours pitted against the simplest of things that really define a relationship. The music is tender and fragile, boisterous and fearless.
What are your thoughts on the song “I Want You” and can you guys please play it at Firefly.
Love that song. Stephan might play it acoustically at the Firefly show actually...that's been a regular on tour lately during Stephan's acoustic set. Depends how loud you shout for it Molly :)
The Unlikely Candidates
This indie rock band from Fort Worth, Texas exploded into the music scene with their hit song, "Follow My Feet". We had the chance to talk to them about becoming a big time band and their upcoming Firefly performance.
I would typically ask how you guys met, but I heard from someone that you guys met in a Juvenile Detention Center. Is this true, and if so, please tell us more.
I will answer in the form of a haiku
The young drunk and bored
Will bend between bars to light
Fire to a tale
‘Follow My Feet’ really exploded over the past few months? What was the inspiration for this song?
It is essentially the two polarities of human nature battling it out in my mind. One of them is animalistic, self serving, and restlessly boundless. The other is brave, selfless, and empathetic. The brilliant brute and the humanitarian crusader. Objectively both have their advantages and disadvantages. If you take good and evil out of it, how does one justify living a moral life? It's not easy always doing the right thing and the wrong way is a slippery slope. My resolution was to trust yourself, stay true, and grounded. It still feels unresolved because of all the potential of the question, but guess the conclusion is hope.
How cool is it to be driving around and turn on the radio and hear yourself singing? Did you guys know deep down you could get this big someday or is it more of a dream becoming a reality?
It still blows my mind. We all drop what we are doing and turn the radio up. Like kids on Christmas. I always said we would but, Cole thought I was crazy. I probably was, but here we are. The dream is alive.
We’re big fans of the Radio 104.5 Summer Block Parties in Philadelphia. Did you guys enjoy the atmosphere and venue of that show or do you like to be in a more formal concert venue?
Craziest show of my life. It could not have been better. Felt like a rock god. Philly loved us and it was mutual. I would take that show over a formal any day.
What are some future plans for The Unlikely Candidates?
We plan to release an album in the summer. Touring like madmen. Writing, writing, and writing. Maybe buy a fog machine.
How excited is the band for Firefly?
We are all psyched for it. We love festivals and this is one of the top dogs. Going to be amazing.
Did a lot of negotiating and talking go down before you guys signed on to play at Firefly or is it more of a spontaneous, ‘they call you up and you sign on’ type of deal.
Our boys Michael and Tom at AGI are aces. Thankfully we are in good hands and they set it up.
Do you guys have a lot of experience in the festival circuit or is this going to be a first?
We have done a few and we always enjoy them to excess. Big crowds, big stages, and big blue coolers. Festivals are just a giant party for everyone including the bands, so we will be doing our part to add to the madness.
Last Question: If you could play with one band at Firefly, who would it be and why?
Arctic Monkeys are one of my favorite bands. So that would be pretty amazing and would give my iTunes a rest. Outkast would be great. Don't even need a reason on that one, it's Outkast.
This indie rock band from Fort Worth, Texas exploded into the music scene with their hit song, "Follow My Feet". We had the chance to talk to them about becoming a big time band and their upcoming Firefly performance.
I would typically ask how you guys met, but I heard from someone that you guys met in a Juvenile Detention Center. Is this true, and if so, please tell us more.
I will answer in the form of a haiku
The young drunk and bored
Will bend between bars to light
Fire to a tale
‘Follow My Feet’ really exploded over the past few months? What was the inspiration for this song?
It is essentially the two polarities of human nature battling it out in my mind. One of them is animalistic, self serving, and restlessly boundless. The other is brave, selfless, and empathetic. The brilliant brute and the humanitarian crusader. Objectively both have their advantages and disadvantages. If you take good and evil out of it, how does one justify living a moral life? It's not easy always doing the right thing and the wrong way is a slippery slope. My resolution was to trust yourself, stay true, and grounded. It still feels unresolved because of all the potential of the question, but guess the conclusion is hope.
How cool is it to be driving around and turn on the radio and hear yourself singing? Did you guys know deep down you could get this big someday or is it more of a dream becoming a reality?
It still blows my mind. We all drop what we are doing and turn the radio up. Like kids on Christmas. I always said we would but, Cole thought I was crazy. I probably was, but here we are. The dream is alive.
We’re big fans of the Radio 104.5 Summer Block Parties in Philadelphia. Did you guys enjoy the atmosphere and venue of that show or do you like to be in a more formal concert venue?
Craziest show of my life. It could not have been better. Felt like a rock god. Philly loved us and it was mutual. I would take that show over a formal any day.
What are some future plans for The Unlikely Candidates?
We plan to release an album in the summer. Touring like madmen. Writing, writing, and writing. Maybe buy a fog machine.
How excited is the band for Firefly?
We are all psyched for it. We love festivals and this is one of the top dogs. Going to be amazing.
Did a lot of negotiating and talking go down before you guys signed on to play at Firefly or is it more of a spontaneous, ‘they call you up and you sign on’ type of deal.
Our boys Michael and Tom at AGI are aces. Thankfully we are in good hands and they set it up.
Do you guys have a lot of experience in the festival circuit or is this going to be a first?
We have done a few and we always enjoy them to excess. Big crowds, big stages, and big blue coolers. Festivals are just a giant party for everyone including the bands, so we will be doing our part to add to the madness.
Last Question: If you could play with one band at Firefly, who would it be and why?
Arctic Monkeys are one of my favorite bands. So that would be pretty amazing and would give my iTunes a rest. Outkast would be great. Don't even need a reason on that one, it's Outkast.