{image1}With the addition of a second lead guitarist, and the release of its fifth album local band Kickstand continues to endure time, changes in line-up and Milwaukee's ever-changing music scene.
Formed in 1996, Kickstand's music is a blend of rock, rhythm and attitude fueled by the band members' mutual love of making music. The release of "...to who it may concern..." will mark the band's eighth year in Milwaukee, and from the sound of things, current band members Eric Wolfe(vocals), Riz (guitar), Bret Radke(drums), Robert Galvan (guitar) and Dan Herman (bass) don't plan on packing it in any time soon.
From start to finish "...to whom it may concern..." was written, recorded, produced, mixed and mastered independently by Kickstand, and engineered by Herman. The CD is a cohesive blending of the sounds, ideas and the styles the band has worked so hard to develop.
"We have become more driven and confident over the years through the experiences we have had," says Wolf. "We are very proud of the fact that we have stuck together for this long, when so many of our contemporaries through the years have broken up or imploded.
"Some of them have been signed to labels, which is great, but in a way that can be the kiss of death for many bands. Because if it is not successful they come out of it all completely exhausted and jaded, and they can't even make music anymore. Signed or not, we are doing this for ourselves. And we're not tired; if anything, we are still hungry."
Kickstand admits the secret behind its durability and success has been its ability to embrace and adapt to change; and, the recent addition of Galvan to the lineup is an example and testament to the effectiveness of this strategy.
"I think its true for every new band that when you are starting out, it takes a couple years to really determine what kind of path you are going to follow and what kind of style you want to have," Riz says.
"Its apparent to me that throughout the first album there is a lot of exploration going on there. Then on the second album we were more aware of the direction we were going to take and as that solidified it is more and more apparent what we are trying to do in our sound, and this is how the formula works .
"Collectively, we always try to experiment with our sound and style, but it gets to a point where you exhaust every avenue of our own visions. But this is why I think it is great to have Robert in the band, because he brings a totally fresh perspective and introduces a style and new set of ideas that we never thought of."
A schooled musician, Galvan has described his love for music as something of a curse.
"I went to school for it, earned an occupation music degree, and it has pretty much gotten me nothing, really," Galvan admits. "But, I enjoy doing it: being on stage and just performing for people. These guys are high-energy, and when they asked me to join the band, I was like, 'this is it.'"
Ten years ago the guys in Kickstand could not have foreseen the close friendships and musical accomplishments that were to come, but they are humble and grateful to all those who were with them along the way. For those local bands looking to break into the scene or record an album, the guys from Kickstand do have some definite opinions about how to go about it successfully.
"For these new bands coming up, don't jump the bandwagon. You need to find your own identity," Galvan says. "Like with these guys, they have stuck together for a long time, so they know their sound they have an established identity. Where as there are these new bands that listen to mainstream radio and set out to sound like what they are hearing. That is tiresome. Right now is the time for the Midwest to really jump out as a music scene."
Herman adds that the key to a strong album is best achieved through first writing a wide assortment of songs from which to choose.
"While there is no secret formula," Herman says, "and the recording process is completely different for every artist, I think, the more you write the better off you will be, because if you just write five songs, and say, 'OK now were going to record them,' and put them on the CD, that's it. That's what's going to represent you. Instead, write 20 songs and just pick the best. It just comes out stronger."
Kickstand gives the city of Milwaukee a lot of the credit for its ability to last a nearly a decade.
"I think it is a great city to get started in and cut your teeth, there are still tons of places to play, especially if you are willing to do your own sound," Wolf says. "If you are a do-it-yourself band you can have a lot of fun here. Know what you want to get out of it ahead of time, don't get distracted, and keep going. This is a great pace to be and I think people are really beginning to appreciate Milwaukee as a legitimate and important scene for up and coming musicians."
Its not a mystery that the guys of Kickstand are friends first; and, despite regular arguments over the creative direction of a song, frequent and unbridled mocking of Riz's musical choices (The Village People's "Greatest Hits"), or healthy competitions between Herman and Radke as to who, in fact, has the higher I.Q. These guys are just enjoying the chance to do what they love, making music.
You can catch Kickstand Friday, May 7 at the CD release party at the new Rock Shop, 1900 S. 60th St. Doors open at 8 p.m. Kickstand's Web site is kickstand.info.
