One look at the album cover for Suburban Legend's fifth release Lets Be Friends, And Slay the Dragon Together! gives you a pretty good idea of just what this band is like. It features all six members of the band in cheeky poses, wearing the snarkiest costumes a group of grown men could possibly find.

The cover certainly matches the "raw, untamed, seductive energy" that the band strives toward with each album and show.

"If you took High School Musical and added Nicole Richie with a kilo of cocaine, that's what it's like to come across us. We are definitely not afraid of pop music and a good hook," said vocalist Vince Walker. Of course, he's also quick to add that he doesn't condone the use of cocaine or Nicole Richie.

Suburban Legends first formed in 1998, and with a few line-up changes aside, it has run smoothly since; now consisting of Vince Walker (Vocals), Brian Klemm (Guitar), Brian Robertson (Trombone), Derek Lee Rock (Drums), Mike Hachey (Bass), and Luis Beza (Trumpet.)

In the early years, they virtually made a career out of playing Downtown Disney at Disneyland. However, the guys knew that they were really preparing for large-scale success.

"We knew it from the very beginning. I think every band goes into it at first for the glory. If they say they don't, they're lying. It's just everyone's glory is different. It feels like everyone is going to love you all the time, or, sort of like going to a never-ending pizza buffet and you can eat all you want and never get full. We were thinking it was going to happen tomorrow," Walker said. "As of this moment, we're still looking to make it big in the music industry. I don't think you've made it big until you're on the same couch as Oprah, not the one across from her."

On their way to making it big, the band has developed a slick sense of humor. As they've displayed time and time again, they're not afraid to have fun and even poke fun at themselves.

For instance, when asked what he does when he's not playing music, Walker said he enjoys "the buffet, beer, and hanging with friends and girls that wear Abercrombie and Fitch."

Despite their cool demeanor, Suburban Legends have struggled through difficult times and had their doubts like any other band. "There have been some moments where you're just not sure what the hell you're doing, but that comes with anything you put your all into. I think the fact that we've always been blessed with amazing fans, we're all really good friends and we believe in what we do, it keeps us going and lets us do what we do best."

Walker describes Suburban Legends' preparation shows as something of epic proportions, sort of.

"Before the show there are some warm ups. Maybe some stretching. We enjoy a little light entertainment an hour before shows, like cobra snake charmers and such. Then right before hitting the stage we pump it up to 'Backstreet!' or 'Spaggett!' Depends on how we feel."

Our translation: They don't do much. They just rock out.

With a funky disco-pop sound, Suburban Legends has influences all over the music spectrum. "Stevie Wonder, Reel Big Fish, N'Sync, WuTang, Megadeath, Bill Monroe, ABBA, just to name a few. You name it, I might like it. Suburban Legends are big fans of music," said Walker. "Honestly, if you listen to our new album, you may get a taste of our influences. It's sort of a Costello, Dylan thing, then put healthy helping of Timberland in there and you've got our influences today."

As of recently, Vince Walker's been spending his time listening to hip hop and classic rock. The band has a lot of influences, but that doesn't mean they'll collaborate with just anyone. The wish list goes like this: "Justin but not Madonna, Tim Mcgraw but not Nelly, Daft Punk and Kanye, Hannah Montana and maybe the Jonas Brothers."

Walker knows what artist's mind he'd like to delve into via an interview session too. "Amy Winehouse. I want it to be a closed interview too," he said. "That would make our trumpet player Luis so jealous!"

As Suburban Legends plays its way toward success in the tumultuous music industry, they're able to give advice to other musicians in their own sharp, cheesy way.

"You got to have tough skin and an even tougher stomach," said Walker, “because the way the music industry is now, record deals are done at Cici's Pizza (eat all you can)."

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Allie Mathews  - So True   |2008-09-08 19:21:37 The music industry seems to be going downhill - not with having signed these guys, but as the last quote says - record deals are done at Cici's Pizza. I also laughed my ass off about the cocaine bit - very funny, and very true... Reply 0   0

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