With over 23,000 independent artists and counting, the Supernova.com music community has a LOT of amazing talent to share with listeners everywhere. Today, we've got two very young acts who have caught our attention on stage and deserve a little extra exposure:
Wildcard is a rock/alternative group from Mukwonago, Wisconsin who coincidentally won Supernova's WILDCARD vote last last year. Tight timing and a pumped up performance style has gotten these guys a lot of attention from fans, and we managed to catch an interview with them in the wake of their Supernova win.
First, how do each of you fit into the band?
Well, there's Tony “Fingers” Piontek who shreds the guitar, Josh “The Polar Bear” Rudolph bangs the drums, Jonny “Hotcakes” Bailey vocally wails, and Brandon “The Ninja” Kleinschmidt slappy da bassy.
Lol.. so what is your band’s history; how did you come together?
We formed in the midst of the summer squalor before senior year at Mukwonago HS. Practice mixed in with a bit of ridiculous jam sessions.
Your music has a lot of fan support; how would you describe your sound?
It is kind of like Aerosmith meets Hinder with and original twist.
What is the most rewarding thing about being in a band?
Hangin' out with friends who are passionate about rocking and share the common goal of melting people's faces.
Was there any particular moment or event that made you realize you wanted to pursue music full time?
The first time we came together and realized that we don’t suck.
Makes sense... What is the biggest challenge facing ‘new’ artists?
Getting the word out about our band, and finding gigs and groupies.
Hehe... How did your band find Supernova.com? Is it useful?
Craigslist, and yea, definitely.What would be your band’s ‘motto’ for putting on a good show?
Giba da crowda an experience, not some same old performance. In addition to going with the feel.
Finally, is there such a thing as ‘bad’ music
Depends on your definition. We define it as anything where you ask yourself “What the hell was that?”
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Next up is Kung Fu Kangaroo, a punk-indie twosome from Yelm, Washington, who took top spot in Supernova's Exposed series this past May.
The band is made up by Lee, who plays drums (and is apparently the party guy) and Caleb, who plays guitar and sings and is the lead song writer. Since their first show at the Charleston in Bremerton, Washington (an old porno theater!) the guys have set out to build their fanbase and turn heads with their music. We grabbed a quick interview after they took top spot at our Supernova show...
So what is your band’s history; how did you come together?
We became friend our sophomore year, but soon after had some sort of conflict and hated each other for a while. In 2009 our friend Thomas got us to jam together; Lee really loved the music but Caleb didn't really think much of it.
Luckily Lee kept trying to play with me (Caleb) and eventually we had a band going. We got our first show in November 2009 and since then we have been trying to spend as much time on stage as we can.
How would you describe your band’s sound?
It's a lot of punk stuff but with pop, hip hop, reggae and spanish influences as well. Sort of "cinematic pop punk".
What is the most rewarding thing about being in a band?
We just love the rush of being on stage. Whether your playing to a small group or a lot, its just an amazing release to explode on stage and hopefully having them say, "That was worth 7 bucks."
How did your band find Supernova.com? What would you tell other bands about it?
We found Supernova because we were looking for shows and this band, Poke da Squid, had something posted online about Supernova, so we checked it out. Supernova is really helpful with getting shows and a good opportunities for young bands.
What is the biggest challenge facing ‘new’ artists, in your opinion?
The biggest challenge is not looking like your nervous or scared and trying to give your all to impress other peers.
Is there such a thing as ‘bad’ music? If so, how do you define it?
Yes there is. It's sad to say but yes. People who write pointless material that has no real value or meaning are bad. Your music should mean something special to you and you should love and cherish it. Not just mindless music about being in a club and having sex.
Is there anything else that new listeners should know?
There are only two of us and that is due to the lack of a music scene in our town. We're working on a cartoon of a Kung Fu Kangaroo to go along with our music; it's like Dragon Ball Z meets The Wall.
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Your music has a lot of fan support; how would you describe your sound?
