In a Set It Off song, you’re as likely to find strings and woodwinds as crunching guitars and sugary pop harmonies. The band’s members have been perfecting their unique blend of orchestral pop-punk since 2008 and are about to embark on their biggest adventure yet: a European tour with Yellowcard this spring. We chatted with vocalist Cody Carson about his classical background, love of ’90s R&B, and what advice he would give to up-and-coming acts looking to make their mark.
OS: You guys recently donated over $5000 to the VH1 “Save The Music” Foundation and you mention the influence of music programs on the band when you were young. What music programs were you involved in when you were in school?
Cody Carson: I went to Tarpon Springs High School in Tarpon Springs, Florida. In second grade, I picked up a clarinet, and I kept playing and I got very heavily involved in classical music. The only reason I went to Tarpon Springs High School was because of their music program; it was incredible. It taught you a great deal of work ethic, and there was also a leadership program that was called Tarpon Springs High School Music and Leadership Conservatory. I learned a lot of valuable life lessons there. I played clarinet and was involved in marching band and wind ensemble and jazz band. Because of the leadership program there, at the end of every year there was always a political campaign and I would run for clarinet section leader and woodwind captain, and those were two positions I held. I met Dan Clermont, our guitarist, there. He was the trumpet player there and he was also trumpet section leader and field commander and stuff like that. The program was incredible to us. Continue reading ‘Exclusive Q and A: Set It Off Talk Orchestral Origins’
On the heels of releasing 
Following her stunning win on the most recent season of The Voice, Cassadee Pope has wasted no time in capitalizing on her success, signing with Universal Republic Nashville. “I am so excited to be joining the very talented Republic Nashville family. I am so passionate about my music and I couldn’t be more excited to have this amazing team to back me as I embark on this next chapter in my career,” reads Pope’s statement. While fans might be saddened by the impact that Pope’s burgeoning solo career has had on her band Hey Monday, who are currently on hiatus, they needn’t worry about missing the singer herself in 2013. She will reportedly be working on a project that is supposedly a “edgier, less country” version of Taylor Swift.
Former Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz has announced several book tour dates to support his latest novel Gray, a semi-autobiographical story about a musician who struggles with identity, fame, and depression on the road with his band.
My Chemical Romance will continue their B-side saga with the release of the fourth installment of their Conventional Weapons series on January 8. The Conventional Weapons series of five 7″ vinyl, two-track singles compiles songs recorded in 2009, before the band recorded Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys. If you can’t wait until next Tuesday, check out streams of the two latest songs below the jump.
Prepare yourself, America. Swedish rockers Her Bright Skies are bringing their potent blend of post-hardcore, punk, and modern rock to the rest of the world with their most recent album, Rivals. Inheriting the mantle of fine Swedish rock exports from the past, the band’s songs brim with unstoppable power and energy. We caught up with guitarist Petter Nilsson to chat about Swedish musical history, breaking out stateside, and the message behind the new album.
