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State Radio recruits more crows with their new
album Let It Go
State Radio, the
outspoken band from Boston, is back up on the soap box
again with their latest album, Let It Go. This
time, more than ever before, the band blurs the line
between political outcry and catchy music.
Led by singer Chad
Stokes, the “alternative” rock band brings many different
elements to its sound. Stokes was the former lead singer
of the ultra-mega underground group Dispatch and after its
breakup, joined bassist Chuck Fay to form State Radio.
Stokes had then met Mike “Mad Dog” Najarian (drums) while
Mad Dog was drumming a bucket outside of Fenway Park. The
trio instantly found a common ground not only through
their style of music, but also for their passion for
socio-political change.
The group’s sound
can be described as a mesh of roots, reggae, ska, punk,
and rock; while the lyrics can be described as well, let’s
say, having a purpose. While Chad’s lyrics are heavily
influenced with socio-political messages, very seldom will
you ever hear a political rant during one of State Radio’s
shows. Instead, the band chooses to let the music
communicate their message and by also setting an example
through their off stage activities.
During their sold out,
25-city tour last February, and throughout the rest of
2009, the band performed service projects in every town
they visited. In order to provide a similar outlet for
their fans, the group started Calling All Crows, an
organization dedicated to mobilizing musicians and fans to
promote human rights. The number of causes that the group
is involved seems to cover the entire spectrum, having
recently spoken up against the violence towards women in
Sudan, protesting Troy Davis’ right to a fair trial, and
supporting organizations dedicated to adults with
disabilities. At times it can be hard to distinguish
whether State Radio is a band that does service projects
or a service group that plays music.
The group is
currently wrapping up the first leg of their tour in
Europe and will be joining John Butler Trio on stage for
the second leg of the tour starting in May. Be sure to
check out State Radio’s website to see when they’ll be
playing a show near you as well as Noon Radio’s
interview section for an
exclusive sit down with Chad Stokes.
www.StateRadio.com
www.callingallcrows.org
www.howsyournews.org
www.eliasfund.org
www.oxfamamerica.org
www.amnesty.org
www.ivaw.org /
www.iava.org
www.peaceabbey.org
www.cityyear.org
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