Static In Stereo
Encyclopedia
Static in Stereo was a Canadian band consisting of vocalist/guitarist Todd Kerns
, his brothers John Kerns and Ryan Kerns, and drummer Scott McCargar. They released a self-titled first album in 2002, and it spawned a Canadian TV and radio hit "Before My Time". In 2002, the band was nominated for a Canadian Radio Music Award for "Best New Group".
, the band eventually dissolved to form other musical projects, one of which was Static in Stereo. Two of the band members, also brothers, Todd and John Kerns teamed up to form Static in Stereo with the goal of creating an album reminiscent of their musical influences growing up in Lanigan, Saskatchewan. In 2000, Static in Stereo released the very personal self-titled first album that documented their struggles and new-found energy after the break-up of Age of Electric.
. By the late 1990s, the Dahle brothers had begun releasing albums with their side project Limblifter
and the Kerns brothers had begun writing music that was going in a different direction. In 1999, the band broke up and soon Static in Stereo was formed.
, The Clash
, and Kiss
. The different musical style of each band member is present throughout the album. Elements of punk
, glam rock
, country
and rock ‘n’ roll
can be heard in the musical arrangements of the instruments and vocals. Hard driving guitar and heavy bass are present in most of the tracks. Although the music has a gritty, loud, hard rock sound similar to late metal or grunge, it plays a backseat role to the vocals in both primacy and depth. The sentimentality and honesty of the lyrics allow for the listener to connect with the music, at the same time satisfying the rock ‘n’ roll criteria.
Todd Kerns
Todd Kerns and grew up in Lanigan, Saskatchewan is a Canadian musician who has worked with several successful Canadian bands, most notably Age of Electric...
, his brothers John Kerns and Ryan Kerns, and drummer Scott McCargar. They released a self-titled first album in 2002, and it spawned a Canadian TV and radio hit "Before My Time". In 2002, the band was nominated for a Canadian Radio Music Award for "Best New Group".
History
After ten years of accumulating success in the 1990s as Canadian alternative rock-band, Age of ElectricAge of Electric
Age of Electric was a Canadian alternative rock band in the 1990s.The band, consisting of two pairs of brothers, formed in Lanigan, Saskatchewan in 1989. The members were guitarists Ryan Dahle and Todd Kerns, bassist John Kerns and drummer Kurt Dahle. Ryan, Todd and Kurt all contributed vocals as...
, the band eventually dissolved to form other musical projects, one of which was Static in Stereo. Two of the band members, also brothers, Todd and John Kerns teamed up to form Static in Stereo with the goal of creating an album reminiscent of their musical influences growing up in Lanigan, Saskatchewan. In 2000, Static in Stereo released the very personal self-titled first album that documented their struggles and new-found energy after the break-up of Age of Electric.
From Age of Electric to Static in Stereo
Before Static in Stereo was Age of Electric, which was hailed as one of Canada’s leading alternative rock bands of the 1990s. The group consisted of Todd and John Kerns and brothers Ryan and Kurt Dahle. The group met while growing up in small town Saskatchewan and formed Age of Electric in 1989. The group received some success with the release of their EP Ugly in 1993; however, their commercial triumph followed the major label releases of their two last albums The Age of Electric (1995) and Make a Pest a Pet (1997). The band's last album went gold in Canada (sold more than 50,000 albums). Their hard-rock edge attracted audiences as they toured with bands such as Our Lady PeaceOur Lady Peace
Our Lady Peace is a Canadian alternative rock band that formed in Toronto, Ontario in 1992. Headed by lead vocalist Raine Maida since its formation, the band additionally consists of Jeremy Taggart on percussion, Duncan Coutts on bass, and Steve Mazur as lead guitarist...
. By the late 1990s, the Dahle brothers had begun releasing albums with their side project Limblifter
Limblifter
Limblifter is a Canadian alternative rock group from Vancouver, formed in 1996.-History:The group was originally formed by brothers Ryan Dahle and Kurt Dahle, as a side project from their main band, Age of Electric, along with a third member, Ian Somers...
and the Kerns brothers had begun writing music that was going in a different direction. In 1999, the band broke up and soon Static in Stereo was formed.
Static in Stereo
The entire album is written in quasi-diary form, as each song chronicles the obstacles the band faced after Age of Electric. The track “Wrapped in Cellophane” describes the musical and personal metamorphosis that the band members experienced in the months before recording the album. Musically, the album pays homage to the bands that inspired Static in Stereo, such as The Rolling StonesThe Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...
, The Clash
The Clash
The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. Along with punk, their music incorporated elements of reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap, dance, and rockabilly...
, and Kiss
KISS (band)
Kiss is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well-known for its members' face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting,...
. The different musical style of each band member is present throughout the album. Elements of punk
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
, glam rock
Glam rock
Glam rock is a style of rock and pop music that developed in the UK in the early 1970s, which was performed by singers and musicians who wore outrageous clothes, makeup and hairstyles, particularly platform-soled boots and glitter...
, country
Country music
Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
and rock ‘n’ roll
Rock and roll
Rock and roll is a genre of popular music that originated and evolved in the United States during the late 1940s and early 1950s, primarily from a combination of African American blues, country, jazz, and gospel music...
can be heard in the musical arrangements of the instruments and vocals. Hard driving guitar and heavy bass are present in most of the tracks. Although the music has a gritty, loud, hard rock sound similar to late metal or grunge, it plays a backseat role to the vocals in both primacy and depth. The sentimentality and honesty of the lyrics allow for the listener to connect with the music, at the same time satisfying the rock ‘n’ roll criteria.