"Did you get the invitation? It's the fall of the American empire, but don't worry, you didn't miss a thing." When State Radio brings its high-energy act to the 9:30 club Saturday evening, they will pose that question to concertgoers within their extremely politicized songs.
Created with the ashes of legendary independent band Dispatch, former member Chad "Chetro" Urmston, along with Mike Najarian and Chuck Fay, use the folk-rock jam style characterized by Dispatch and mixes in a heavier rock sound with a reggae vibe to create the unique sound that State Radio defines. In 2006, the band's debut album, "Us Against the Crown," launched its political views to the world. This album focused on every issue from the war in Iraq to police brutality.
"Gunship Politico," a fan favorite, embodies the perfect State Radio song. It begins with a quick reggae-style guitar picking and shifts to heavier edge, like something one would find listening to Rage Against the Machine, while keeping with the reggae vibe. The lyrics speak out against police brutality and then transform into a message against politicians for supporting more violence created by the war in Iraq and a heightened state of security in the United States. State Radio chants the phrase "Watch out for them politicos" in "Gunship Politico," which serves as a theme for the album and a rallying cry for an entire age that is frustrated with the political status quo.
State Radio is one of the premier bands of the subgenre of politically and socially conscious music that is gradually moving into the mainstream. They serve as the contemporary torchbearer of this musical flame of protest that, barring a few exceptions, has lain dormant since the folk-rock era of the 1960s. Conscious music has always had a large following at universities across the country, and being one of the largest proponents of the genre today, State Radio should especially pique the interest of AU students, one of the most politically active campuses in the United States.
Chris Marotta, a sophomore in the School of Communication, embraces this style of music.
"Every song truly means something; that's something you really don't hear at all in music on the radio anymore," Marotta said. "State Radio sincerely tries to convey an important message in every song to every listener, and if you truly listen to the music and what they're trying to say, you come away with a greater sense of some of the issues that plague our political systems as well as human rights issues around the world."
The connection built between State Radio and their fans is a unique one in that it is not based strictly on the music, but the band and its fans share similar beliefs on political and social issues; when the fans and the band come together for a live concert, it makes for a magical and explosive event. They take the stage with a high-energy, electrifying presence, jumping up and down and practically moshing like one would see at a punk concert.
Victor Rotolo, a sophomore in the School of International Service, who has seen State Radio before, says the band takes the connection to their fans seriously.
"They really care about the fans that came to see them," Rotolo said.
To partake in this connection, be sure to see State Radio at the 9:30 club Saturday night. The doors open at 6:30 with opening act The Beautiful Girls.
