Under the radar: Straitlaced
Philadelphia based rock quartet, Straitlaced, is young and on the right track. Sure, they are a lot of bands that play punk-influenced emotion-laden rock, but most don’t do it as well. Straitlaced knows how to produce solid rhythm and catchy hooks, while setting themselves apart with their high level of professionalism. They’ve toured all over and played with some huge names in the process. Locally, they have gotten press from several Philly area magazines and have secured a solid fanbase ranging from teenage kids to accomplished musicians. With a tight sound and a solid direction, it’s no surprise.
With a solid sound, I was curious as to their greatest influences. “Carson Daly, Ashley Simpson, and Subway,” was their reply when I inquired, showing they don’t take themselves too seriously despite being serious about their music. I always find this refreshing, because being a serious musician shouldn’t mean that you don’t like to have fun… and many artists think in order to be taken seriously as a band, you have to present yourself as serious people. Straitlaced proves that a professional approach to music can be accompanied by a jovial and fun attitude about life.
Keeping true to the “Under the radar” format that I started a few weeks back, I shot some questions over to the band via email and here’s what they (as a band) replied, along with some of my own commentary, enjoy:
CF: Who are the folks in Straitlaced and what do they play?
Straitlaced: Dan sings and plays guitar. Viv plays lead guitar. Leland plays bass, and Andrew plays the drums.
CF: Who is the best band you’ve ever played with?
Straitlaced: Hillside, Fell Far Behind, Counterpunch All new names to me, thus I will have to check them out, maybe you’ll get to hear more about them on here in the future
CF: Where is the coolest place you’ve been on tour?
Straitlaced: The Backbooth in Florida (the people there hated us)
CF: Tell the reads a funny tour story.
Straitlaced: Too many to tell
CF: What sets Straitlaced apart from other rock bands?
Straitlaced: The length of our penises [They didn’t specify whether that meant they had long penises or small ones, I presume the latter… sorry boys, just a feeling I get]
CF: Who would you say are your influences and/or heroes?
Straitlaced: Carson Daly, Ashley Simpson, and Subway [I, too, enjoy Subway]
CF: What is your favorite John Cusack movie? [I have a slight obsession with Johnny, thus I inserted this one for my own benefit]
Straitlaced: Conair
CF: Where do you see yourselves in 5 years?
Straitlaced: Touring the world
CF: What is one thing you want our readers to know about you?
Straitlaced: When Leland records or plays live, he drops his pants because that helps him play better [I don’t recall this happening when I worked with them, but perhaps it did and I was unaware]
CF: Finally, who would win in a fight, Harrison Ford (Han Solo era) or Dave Chappelle in a fat suit? [My attempt at a clever and funny finisher… failed]
Straitlaced: Harrison Ford And though I love Han, I think their answer is incorrect
So, the point of the story here is that Straitlaced rocks and haqve fun while doing it. I noted their professionalism before and that may not be something a lot of people pick up on, but as a concert promoter/organizer I had been very impressed in how they marketed themselves with their press kit and how they handled themselves all around. There is no doubt in my mind that Straitlaced will get a deal soon enough if they keep working hard and approaching music in a professional, yet fun way. Check them out at one of the links below.
StraitlacedRocks.com
Straitlaced on Myspace
Straitlaced on Purevolume
