Artist description The Future of Rock-n-Roll

Music Style Pop / Rock

Musical Influences The Cars, U2, The Clash, B.R.M.C, Ok Go, Joel Feurgeson, The Cure, Depeche Mode, Kent, Sex Pistols

Similar Artists Kent, Papa Vegas, 19 Wheels, Sugarcult, Miles to Mars, Flickerstick

Artist History Drew Christenson takes his music seriously. After years of touring with a 80s-rock-college-party-cover band, playing the same songs over and over to a crowd of indifferent drunken bar-goers, he stumbled upon a moment of musical truth: He realized that the music industry was full of mediocre pop artists and cookie-cutter boy bands that had no intention of ever writing a song. Christenson became aware that he was just a glorified karaoke singer, and that if he continued, the music that he loved may be shoved aside forever. "You just couldn't listen to the radio anymore, it was like a bad record on skip. There's just a whole generation that has lost out on rock-n-roll due to the fact that someone wanted to make a buck for the wrong reasons." Christenson said. "And I was part of the problem." Fueled by a desire to create an artistic legacy that will last for generations, Drew Christenson set out on a musical journey to save rock, and ensure that the music lovers of tomorrow will not have to settle for the same recycled, boring junk. Christenson collaborated with brothers Jeff and Tim Riley, who aided him in his musical quest by adding driving guitar and a solid bass groove, respectively. After trying out many drummers, Rocket was introduced to Jimmie Sirlie, whose high-energy style and insightful rhythms clicked with the band immediately. "When I finally realized that we had the right formula to accomplish everything that we set out to do, I couldn't have been more inspired and excited." Christenson said. While Jeff Riley took some time off to concentrate on his career, the band played for months as a three-piece, tightening their sound, polishing their songwriting, and sticking their noses out into the volatile West Michigan music scene. Christenson then asked longtime friend and former band-mate Rob Morgan to add his sonic guitar sound and creative artistic force to The Pop Rockets. When the smoke cleared, the band had a powerful, fresh approach to rock-n-roll, taking a new and creative twist to re-creating the timelessness of American rock, fused with the DIY ethic of classic punk, and distinct sound of early Brit-Pop. The Pop Rockets are scheduled to release their first EP, Fake Like You, in the summer of 2002.

Group Members Drew Christenson, Tim Riley, Jimmie Sirlie, Rob Morgan

Instruments MAPEX Drums, Schecter Guitars, Fender Guitars/basses

Albums Fake Like You EP, 2002

Press Reviews "...completely driveable music....For a fresh approach to rock and roll one need look no further than Kalamazoo."-Grand Rapids Magazine 9/02

Additional Info =http://play.mp3.com/cgi-bin/play/play.cgi/AAIAQjcsKgDABG5vcm1QLAAAAFKZ_QYAUQEAAABD2S3fPYOGnmZA_PblzuDHnQwQwoc-/Sorority_Girl.mp3

Location Kalamazoo, MI - USA

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