If you had describe the current Denver music scene in three words, you might pick “killer piano rock.” Over the past few years, bands like The Fray and OneRepublic have taken their melodious, ivory-driven pop balladry to multiplatinum levels. Rounding out this Rocky Mountain trifecta is Meese, a group formed by brothers Patrick and Nathan Meese. After rising to the forefront of the Denver scene in 2006, Meese hit the road opening for their friends in The Fray. Fan adulation and industry buzz quickly ensued. This month marks their major label debut, Broadcast, led by the irresistible single, “Next In Line.” We caught up with Patrick on tour to see how rock stardom was treating him.
What’s the biggest “we’ve made it moment” you’ve had so far?
I turned on my iPhone and saw our ‘free single of the week’ logo on the front page. That was definitely a cool moment. Then I checked out our website and saw we actually had a whole summer of tour dates posted, which is new for us. I also like the smaller ‘we’re making it’ moments too, like when we meet new fans.
You’re the third major band to emerge from the Denver music scene (behind The Fray and OneRepublic). Do you see yourselves as part of a Colorado piano rock movement?
We know both those bands pretty well and we’ve learned a lot from them. We have a good amount of piano-based stuff like OneRepublic and The Fray, but our set is becoming more guitar heavy. We’ve also started incorporating more electronic elements into our music, like a bonus track we released called “The Working Class” that is very Postal-Service-esque. Colorado is really great for bands right now though. And when you learn how to sing at the elevation, you feel like Pavarotti when you get to sea level.
Tell us a little bit about the tour so far. What has life on the road been like?
Right now we are out with Copeland. They are a band we’ve listened to for a long time, and they are nice dudes. We’re leaving San Diego right now and headed towards San Luis Obispo, one of our favorite towns. All the crowds have been very receptive and I really think performing these songs is becoming more natural each night. Our band and crew are all really close friends, which makes a lot of days feel like vacation. I almost got arrested for setting off fireworks in Albuquerque, however. I’m talking hands on the hood. We bought some real deal fireworks in Texas, but apparently those laws change from state to state. Who knew?
What is your favorite song off Broadcast and why?
My favorite song off the record changes. I’ve been in a more rockin’ mood lately so my favorite track right now is ‘Say You’re OK.’ It’s a fun one live too. But I’m most proud of a song called ‘Margot.’ I really pushed myself musically on that track.
You’ve shared some details about your past addiction to drugs… Now that you’re in a major rock band, is it a challenge to stay sober?
I don’t do drugs anymore. I’m surrounded by a crew of great guys who always keep me in check. It’s inevitable that drugs will pop up on the road from time to time. But this summer we’re touring with very respectful bands. No Guns ‘N’ Roses stuff backstage or anything. I view this band as a job, and it’s a job I don’t want to lose or forget about.
Have you had any crazy fan moments on tour?
Not particularly, but there’s a lot more summer left! I’m just fascinated that people want to take their picture with me right after the show when I’m sweating an ungodly amount.
What’s one thing you have to have on the road?
I just got my first iPhone, and I have to admit I totally love it. Every band guy I meet on the road has one. It really is useful when driving around the country and sitting in a van for hours and hours. Also, sun tan lotion is important. My white Scottish meat can’t handle all this summer sun.
What’s next on the agenda for you guys?
Tour, tour, tour. We got to spread the word. We’re touring with other bands this summer like The Fray, Barcelona and Our Lady Peace. The road beckons…
For more on Meese, visit www.atlanticrecords.com/meese. If you like what you hear, check out this OurStage artist:
In the past few years, primetime music competitions have unearthed some serious rock. American Idol gave us Chris Daughtry and David Cook, two powerhouse performers who galvanized the airwaves. And, perhaps a little lower on the radar, there was Rock Star: Supernova and its standout talent, Ryan Star. Star’s high octane performances and muscular, sonorous vocal ability led to a deal with Atlantic Records, which in turn led to Star’s recent digital release, “Last Train Home.” We caught up with the rocker on tour with David Cook to see how his experience compared with label mates Chad Wolfe and Serena Ryder.
Best show so far?
If I had to choose one it would be the Bowery Ballroom in NYC. It’s the venue I grew up watching shows at, so for me to get to play for my own sold-out crowd was a night to remember.
One thing you have to have on the road?
I’ll keep this answer G-rated for the kids out there. I’m gonna go with headphones and Tori Amos.
If you’re playing DJ on the bus, what do you put on?
When I get a bus I will be too busy celebrating the success to play anything. For now in the van the mix has been quite manic. Everything from Alice In Chains to Kanye, from the National to Britney. Tom Waits, Thom Yorke, Tom Jones—it’s all good. Whatever it takes to stay awake on the long overnight drives.
Moment you look forward to the most at each show?
I love meeting all of the people who come to the shows. I truly enjoy the 2-3 hours each night where I meet everyone who came out. If it weren’t for the human connection I would just auto tune my voice in a studio all day and put out computer music. Sometimes when fans come up to me after the show and say “I wish you played …” I just pick up my guitar right then and there for them and we have a sing along!
Current favorite song to play live?
Lately, “Last Train Home.” It’s my single and I love knowing that people are connecting with it. I love looking out to see them singing along and I love meeting them after the show and them telling me what it means to them. Again, the human side of it all.
Favorite way to kill time on the road?
Reading, writing, movies and walking the aisles of Target wondering where it all went wrong.
Any show you’re especially looking forward to?
We are starting another leg of the tour where we are heading out West a bit. The mountains in the summer are gonna be awesome. I am a big snowboarder and I hit Aspen, Colorado every winter. Psyched to see it in the summer!
Check out more Ryan Star here. Like what you hear? Then listen to these similar artists on OurStage:
It’s quite the feather in your cap when the Boss asks you to cover one of his songs and then features your performance on his Website. But Serena Ryder is no stranger to accolades. Already a Juno-winning, Gold-certified sensation in Canada, the soulful singer-songwriter has made waves here in the U.S. with her major label debut, “is it o.k.” We caught up with her on tour, and threw her the same questions we recently asked Chad Wolf. Here’s how she responded:
Best show so far?
Washington D.C., 9:30 Club … perfect day, perfect food, perfect venue, amazing crew, magic audience—couldn’t think to change a thing.
One thing you have to have on the road?
I need to have Nag Champa … it helps me bring an element of home to my surroundings and it smells damn good.
If you’re playing DJ on the bus, what do you put on?
Midlake, Springsteen, Bat For Lashes, Metric, Great Lake Swimmers, Alexi Murdoch, Tegan and Sara, Tom Petty, XTC.
Moment you look forward to the most at each show?
Every show is different. When the show sucks, I can’t wait ’til it’s over and when it rocks, I want to stay forever. I don’t know that I’ve ever looked forward to how my belly feels before I get onstage. I still get butterflies … I prefer butterflies on the outside of me.
Current favorite song to play live?
Depending on whether I’m solo or not, right now I’m digging on “What I Wanna Know.” It helps me connect with sexuality and anger.
Favorite way to kill time on the road?
When we’re stationary I LOVE going to antique stores, second-hand shops. I love walking around and falling into the old stories that live inside the knick-knacks. I was in Northern Ontario a few months ago and I almost missed my sound check because I spent two hours in an antique shop daydreaming. I bought 3 umbrellas —yes, 3 umbrellas.
Any show you’re especially looking forward to?
I’m really looking forward to Basillaca in Minneapolis. The Jayhawks are reuniting for the first time! I’m playing right before them. I’m opening for the Jayhawks! Awesome!
Check out more about Serena Ryder here. Like what you hear? Then listen to these similar artists on OurStage:
