Artist description Hard rocking pop with a focus on strong songwriting, melody and an over the top stage show.

Music Style Rock and Roll

Musical Influences The Beatles, Cheap Trick, U2, David Bowie, KISS, Travis, Prince, Duran Duran, The Who, King's X, Tom Petty, Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper, Jellyfish, Elvis Presley, Pop Radio 1965-85!

Similar Artists Cheap Trick, Beatles, U2, KISS, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, The Who

Artist History When Q-Sign ended their set on July 4, 1998 after playing to over 55,000 people crowded into the streets of Atlanta, they had no idea that it would be the last show they would ever play under that name. After all, they had just been named as one of the best unsigned bands in America by Musician Magazine, their profile had risen dramatically over the previous few months and the future looked bright. Then, suddenly, their lead vocalist jumped ship and the rest of the group decided to take a short break to indulge outside interests. Before reconvening, drummer Michael Rietveld and co-guitarists Andy Ainsworth and Chris McKay worked on a number of side projects (including the short-lived Last Band on Earth). Band leader, vocalist and songwriter McKay appeared as a session man and engineer on records of many styles as well as recording two introspective solo albums (one featuring appearances by his band mates Andy and Michael). In 1999, 2000 and 2001, he won special awards from ASCAP that honored his songwriting, recording, and performing over the course of those years. However, the main goal remained for Chris, Andy, and Michael to get back together and play McKay’s more rocking material in front of crowds again. After recharging their batteries, all that was left was to find the perfect person for the bass position. After brainstorming on who would be the complement to the rest of their personalities, Chris asked a long time friend, Frank Defreese to come audition. Surprised, but intrigued, the Columbia, South Carolina guitar builder rehearsed only a few times before it became clear…the diverse musical chemistry had cinched the deal. Finally, it was possible to return to the stage. Returning to the live environment proved exciting to the band and crowds who witnessed them in the flesh. As the newly re-christened Star Zero performed its first handful of shows (first with erstwhile vocalist Patrick Jason before Chris took over lead vocal duties), word of mouth spread. Before long, other local acts had begun to try to emulate Star Zero’s over-the-top stage shows which already included full production lighting as well as blinding pyrotechnics. Demand for recorded material began to grow. Within three months their mp3 site (mp3.com/starzero) had logged over 10,000 listens. Star Zero was regularly #1 on Georgia state-wide charts and doing well on national charts for guitar rock, rock, Brit pop, alternative, acoustic and (bafflingly) Southern rock charts. Star Zero remained at #1 for months and was only unseated when Georgia’s REM released the mp3 of their new single. The buzz reached a fever pitch when protesters showed up at several of Star Zero’s South Carolina appearances. The protesters’ idea to convince club goers that the band was somehow “evil” was absurd. Luckily, no one bought it as the “controversy” smacked of envious local bands trying to wound Star Zero’s fun image. Star Zero ignored the hubbub and kept moving forward. Recently, the band has been focusing on recording their debut album. Andy Ainsworth has relinquished his lead-guitar duties to singer Chris McKay and Star Zero burns on as intensely as ever with the rhythm section of drummer Michael Rietveld and bassist Frank Defreese. Star Zero promises lots of new surprises when they unveil the new record in the spring of ’02. Not the least of which is a brand new streamlined look and lots of crazy effects that the guys have been perfecting on studio off days. Perhaps the lyric of “Burning Down Yesterday” says it best with a simple statement of the band’s philosophy, “I’m biting down and dressing up. I’ll go in cool and calm and take ‘em all out before they know what hit them like a ribbon around a bomb.”

Group Members Frank Defreese-bass-Chris McKay-guitar, vocalsMichael Rietveld-drums

Instruments vocals, guitars, bass and drums

Albums Burning Down Yesterday (Mp3.com only release)

Press Reviews "Juicy rock 'n' roll rolled up in a fresh pita and topped with lettuce, tomato, and feta cheese."Russ Hallauer-Flagpole Magazine-Athens, GA"Shimmering multi-layered harmonies and the occasional crunchy guitar lick."Kevin Oliver-Free Times-Columbia, SC"Patented grab you by the neck guitar hooks that most bands don't have a clue how to write."Jason Slatton-Flagpole Magazine-Athens, GA"Pick hit�"Someone's Trying to Tell Us Something." If you can find a catchier song, listen to it."Gene Down-Savannah Morning News-Savannah, GA"The band shifts gears from straightforward pop to crunchy rock�to anthems."Marc Pilvinsky-Flagpole Magazine-Athens, GA"Clever lyrics and catchy pop/rock melodies"Bruce Buchanan-Camden Chronicle/Independent-Camden, SC"Guitar rock that induces flashbacks to driving around in high school listening to classic rock."Russ Hallauer-Flagpole Magazine-Athens, GA"(The band has) terrific energy and is graced with a drummer who totally rules- we're talking Marky Ramone's lost brother."Greg Nicoll-Creative Loafing-Atlanta, GA"Song oriented pop. These guys have done their homework musically and it shows."Marc Pilvinsky-Flagpole Magazine-Athens, GA

Location Athens, GA - USA

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