Street Beatz

Interview with A Cursive Memory by Christine Warren

They’re young, cute and the hottest pop alternative band hitting the Radio Disney airwaves. A Cursive Memory stole the hearts of fans, young and old, during their recent appearance at the Taste of Chicago. Yet, members Colin (guitar and vocals), Mark (bass and keyboards), Shaun (guitar and vocals) and Dillan (drums) were humbled by the huge turnout waiting for photos and autographs. With their hit single, Everything, off their debut album, Changes, rising on the charts, this band’s getting ready for the next level – Warped Tour.

Chicago Music Guide was very lucky to speak with Colin, Mark and Dilan about their rising rock star experience, music and what’s next for the band.

CMG: Are you surprised by the huge fan turnout for your performance this afternoon?

ACM: Yes, we are. We are excited about performing at Taste of Chicago but we didn’t expect such a wonderful response after the show.

CMG: Are you excited to be included in this year’s Warped Tour lineup?

ACM: This is our first year and we’re very excited about it. We all grew up going to this premiere rock event however it’ll be different experience for us since our family, friends and of course fans will be there.

CMG: What is it like being a young independent band in today’s music scene?

ACM: It’s a trip! We suppose our music would sound completely different if we had attended college like most of our friends. There’s a chance it might stay the same but becoming more mature. Still we don’t for sure. Only time will tell. We also enjoy listening to other bands and music that don’t sound like us. Oh we love our fans too.

CMG: Do you find it difficult (or easy) getting your music heard on mainstream radio like Radio Disney?

ACM: At the beginning, yes however there are more sites out there today like Myspace and others for new bands start getting heard.

CMG: Is Myspace a good starting point for bands?

ACM: Yes and no. Certain bands achieve overnight success due to their huge fanbase and word of mouth about their music. For other bands, it will take time to build up that fanbase before considering it a success.

CMG: What music influences do you attribute to your pop/alternative sound?

ACM: We have a variety of influences from Aly & AJ to Blink 182. We like Jay-Z, Kayne West, Will Smith as well as the late comedian Chris Farley, and Michael Jordan to name a few.

CMG: What makes your songs/music unique from other bands heard on the radio today?

ACM: We write our own songs and help people learn how to spell certain words. We consider ourselves sensei or mentors for ordinary people. For example, our single, Everything, is written five (5) times and spelled out for the fans. Some bands don’t write out their lyrics but we do. Seriously, our music is awesome.

CMG: How do you like Chicago?

ACM: We love Chicago! Compared to other cities, it’s very clean. We were amazed about that. We love the food especially pizza and the fans here. We promise to return soon.

CMG: What’s next for A Cursive Memory?

ACM: Besides performing Warped Tour, we’ll be touring again in September in which we’ll be performing in malls around the country. Look for details on our website and myspace page.

CMG: Do you have any parting words for those wanting to get into the music business?

ACM: Stick with it and don’t give up. Set realistic goals about your music because this isn’t for everyone. This is a cut throat business. There have been times when we thought this wouldn’t pan out since it was hard to know will be a “success”. Yet with support from family and friends, we were very fortunate to stick with it for so long. Having the fanbase off myspace and pure volume does help too.

For more information about A Cursive Memory, visit them at www.myspace.com/acursivememory www.acursivememory.com www.purevolume.com/acursivememory.