From Your Mom -- October 3, 2004

GIRL FROM THE ROCK SHOW: "So, you wannna be famous?"

By Gabrielle Tee, Davenport Central


Do you dream of rocking out on stage, touring the country, granting interviews, signing autographs and record deals, your face on CD covers and your story in music magazines?

For members of one QC band, this dream came true; and they're here to tell you their story and provide advice on how to survive in the music business.

The Metrolites are a unique-sounding rock/funk/lounge band whose shows and sound are so and unique that it cannot be described; it must be witnessed.

Lead singer Scott Morschhauser and phenomenal saxophone player Neal Smith first fronted the ‘90s accordion rock group, The Kabalas, whose songs "Ay Kabalas" and "The Traci Lords Polka" landed spots on Top 40 radio in the late ‘90s. Two years ago they formed the Metrolites with the amazingly talented guitarist Kathleen Gallagher, drummer Josh Duffee, and bassist Devin Kirby-Hansen. The Metrolites just released their first CD, "In Spy-Fi."

Now, these talented, professional, well-spoken artists offer local musicians advice on how to form a solid band, build a following, and even "make it big."

1) "It's no longer the ‘90s!"
"It's okay to have your musical influences, just don't imitate everything you hear," said Neal Smith in a long conversation about how important it is to be original and experiment with new music. "You have to actually learn music theory, songwriting and history. Learn your craft. Study different music styles until you find your own," said Scott. Neal agrees that it's all about finding your own sound. "It's okay to start with a cover band," he said. "But then take it somewhere different."

2) "Get your act together!"
"You have to treat music like a business, even though it's an art," Neal said when asked for his advice on making a name for yourself in the music scene. "This is work," he said. "Get your shit together. Your posters are out the week before your show. If you're going to do it, do it right." This means things like an official band Web site, professional pictures and posters, band T-shirts, CDs, and good ol' word of mouth. You may be the best funk band in town, but if no one knows about your band, you won't make it past jamming out in the garage and playing for your little cousin's birthday party.

3) Create your own opportunities
"People think there's a magic big label that's going to swoop down and pay for everything," guitarist Kathleen said. "Those days are so over," said Scott. "That's not how the music business works. Do your homework and know how the industry works now." From much experience, Scott and Neal know that you have to start from small local venues and build a solid following. They suggest creating events that draw people in. "Throw a party, have shows with other bands," Scott said. "You have to give them a reason to get off their couch, spend money and come see you perform." Not only did The Metrolites create their own events for performances, they started their own label, Go-Go Golem Records, for the release of their CDs. And once you get an audience, the work has only begun. Make sure you keep them coming back. Neal said it perfectly: "You want to perform a show that you'd go out to see ... Record a CD that you'd go out and buy."

Now that they've given you all this wonderful. insightful information, come see the hardest rocking lounge band in the QC's live!