Yo! Are you ready for this?
Word. These four dudes out of New York aren't the Lords of Flatbush,
but they are the new princes of the post hard-core music scene. Their
first major label CD, "Let's Get It On" (Roadrunner) is knocking
em down where ever they go. Their sound is uniquely original,
cocky and sure, it cuts to the chase, its the real deal. With raw
hooks and raw energy, the Step Kings are masters of their domain.
The power chords pump, the rhythms churn and their in your face vocals
are the formula that made them popular at legendary New York clubs like
CBGB's and Coney Island High. Step Kings founder Bob McLynn
admits, "We want people to have a good time at our shows. Everyone
knows that life can be a bitch, but it doesn't have to be when you go to
a rock show!" Adds guitarist Fern, "What makes music great is when
its real, when you take your feelings from inside and express them in a
song. That's when the passion comes out."
The Step Kings are not luke warm
about anything. Their powerful live performance is impossible to
stand still through. Their high steppin moves earned them their name
and they are teaching audiences all across America to move to the groove.
I caught up with the band while they were touring with Kittie and Disturbed
and it was funny to sit in the pit while their stage was being set.
When the hard core rock/metal audience was watching the set up, they noticed
horns, congas and something that resembled a sewer pipe being put into
place. Immediately the shouts came from the audience who hadn't seen
the Step Kings yet. "We don't need no fucking ska band!"
Having heard their music before, I just sat back and smiled. Five
minutes after their set started, the same people were screaming "You fucking
ruuuuuuuule!"
All New York moxy and bad ass songs aside,
these guys are some of the nicest you will ever meet. Beginning their
trio in 1997, Bob McLynn (vocals, bass), Fern (guitar, vocals), and Mike
Watt (drums) have seen their hard knocks, but were very
resourceful
when it came to finding a way to support themselves and their beloved music
careers. Making their way down the road in an RV and stopping only
to play and cook out, they have garnered the support of a growing fan base.
Bo Bailey (guitar, congas, horns, pipe!) also joins them on the road to
round out their live sound. I think you are going to enjoy getting
to know "The Step Kings:"
The Interview:
(Debbie Seagle for) Rock N World:
Well, I’m here today talking with the Step Kings and the first
and obvious questions is – How did you come up with the name "Step Kings?"
Bob
McLynn: It just was one of those things. We sort of liked
the ring of it. We were thinking of names, and you know how it is.
You come up with three lists of names, you know, each person does.
Everyone usually hates them all and we just came up with that and we all
liked the ring to it. It just sort of describes, the band is all
about high action energy with a little attitude thrown in, and I think
the name sort of sums that up pretty well. After people see us live,
they usually say, "Oh, I know why you call yourself the Step Kings."
I think maybe after you see us tonight you’ll have a bit of a better idea,
but it wasn’t thought out that way.
RNW: (In my best Bronx accent)
It wasn’t a New York thing then, huh?
Bob: Yeah, well, you know.
Like I said, a little bit of the attitude but it just sort of fits.
The band makes the name.
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