Hot Chelle Rae: "Come closer...Wearing tight pants doesn't make us evil."

A couple of weeks ago, I had one hellishly busy night. I was on assignment for one of my internships, and the goal was to obtain interviews with three separate bands, each appearing at the Roxy on that particular night (Hahaha, Roxi interviewing at the Roxy!). All of the bands that performed - 4 in total - were very talented, but there was one group that made my jaw drop during their set.

Hot Chelle Rae is an all-male pop rock quartet hailing from Nashville, and though they are young, their talent indicates years of hard work and practice. The band features Ryan Follese ("R.K.") on lead vocals, Nash Overstreet on lead guitar and vocals, Ian Keaggy on bass guitar and vocals, and Jamie Follese (Ryan's younger brother) on the drum-set. In case you were curious about the origin of the band name, Ryan explained that it came from a fan that pursued them obsessively, back in the group's early days. She reportedly claimed to have industry connections and told the boys she could get them a record deal; "It turns out she was a fake, and we liked her name, so we used it."

Sadly, it seems that most popular music these days is overproduced and auto-tuned to within an inch of its existence, and it is a relief to hear the authenticity in Hot Chelle Rae's music. With the exception of a few amps and other tech gear, the band is largely self-powered. Each of the members supplies a spirited personality and presence both on and off-stage, and they are incredibly grateful to their supporters as well. Prior to their Roxy set, the boys sat down to dinner with lucky contest winners, and could be seen chatting amiably with their fans.

If you want to check out Hot Chelle Rae, their debut album "Lovesick Electric" is out and clamoring for your purchase. The CD might not be as heart-pounding as the live show, but the energy is still palpable through your stereo!


You will probably enjoy Hot Chelle Rae of you like: Fall Out Boy, Weezer, Green Day, All-American Rejects

If you want more information on Hot Chelle Rae and "Lovesick Electric" check out their website and MySpace page:

Here's Hot Chelle Rae's webpage.

And be sure to check out HCR's MySpace too!

Roxi's Lyric Pick: "I feel like I'm drowning in ice water
My lips have turned a shade of blue
I'm frozen with this fear that you may disappear
Before I've given you the truth

I bleed my heart out on these papers for you
So you can see what I can't say
I'm dying here (I'm dying here)
'Cause I can't way what I want to
I bleed my heart out just for you" - "Bleed", by Hot Chelle Rae

Hope you enjoy the rest of your week, and thank you for your support!

Peace and Pianos,
Roxi G.