Musicians have always had a role in social and political change; just look at the Vietnam War, post-9/11, or more recently the Haitian relief effort. But that’s not the only cause music is currently helping. A Rocket to the Moon is one of several bands on the 2010 Take Action Tour, which each year picks an organization or cause to support.
In an interview with The Eagle, lead singer and guitarist Nick Santino talked about being a part of the Take Action Tour, the music industry, and A Rocket to the Moon.
From humble beginnings as a solo act to a rock band signed to a major label, A Rocket to the Moon has gone through many changes over the years.
“It was electronic and solo before and then I got more band members and now it’s just good old fun rock ‘n’ roll,” Santino said. “And I’m enjoying playing this a lot better than when I played the old stuff. It just gives me more to do and a lot more free range to do what I want with it, so it’s really fun.”
A motley crew assembled over the last few years, the members of A Rocket to the Moon aims aren’t in it for the money and groupies.
“Everyone will be in a band just to be in a band – to make money, to get themselves a little bit of fame and fortune,” Santino said. “It’s like, for us, we just wanna have a good time, write the songs that we love and play them for people that hopefully we can touch their lives in ways that touched ours while writing the songs. For us, it’s just straight-up about the music and about having a good time with music.”
Released in October 2009, “On Your Side” is the band’s first full-length album, and in Santino’s words, is free of the “gimmicks” of most other rock bands currently on the radio.
“On Your Side” is predictable yet somewhat irresistible. Signed to Fueled by Ramen, A Rocket to the Moon’s sound fits right in with their label-mates, including Cobra Starship, as well as alumni such as Fall Out Boy and Jimmy Eat World. What makes them different isn’t necessarily found in the lyrics or the chords, but the attitude: it’s optimistic and generally upbeat pop-rock that’s hard to not like.
Songs blend from one to the next, but standouts include the single “Mr. Right,” which mixes right the right amount of soft and loud, meaningful and pointless, singing and yelling, to make quite a catchy tune.
“Sometimes” is one of the few unique tracks, beginning with Spanish-sounding guitar, later adding in beats and more alternative rock chords. The mysterious tone of the track also features Brandon Wronski of Eye Alaska, whose “soulful” and “almost...sexy” voice, Santino says, adds a deeper level to the song.
“Baby Blue Eyes” gives listeners a glimpse at what is to come from A Rocket to the Moon, “‘cause it’s full of acoustic, which love to throw in our songs and lyrics are super witty and clever,” Santino said. “And I think just the overall sound of it is something that I’d like to, you know, make more of in the future.”
A Rocket to the Moon’s current focus is the Take Action Tour and getting the word out about this year’s organization, Driving For Donors.
“It’s from this kid who was diagnosed with leukemia and at the same time his friend was diagnosed with the same thing,” Santino said. “They were both on the lists for awaiting bone marrow transplants and stuff. This kid got one, he found a match and he got it and now he’s good, but his friend didn’t get one and his friend died. And so now he’s trying to raise awareness and everything for the Driving For Donors organization that he started.”
At the venues, fans are given the chance to sign up to be a possible bone marrow donor, and their ticket functions as a virtual donation.
“So every ticket sale, a good chunk of the money goes towards finding a cure…every show, every ticket you buy, that fans will buy and come to a show, you’re that much closer to saving someone’s life,” said Santino. “You know, we could save a couple hundred lives by the end of this tour, and that’s just a great feeling”
The guys keep busy on the road by utilizing social network sites to their full advantage and reaching out to fans.
“It’s weird ‘cause it’s 2010, everything’s on the computer and that’s the only way you pretty much talk to you fans unless you specifically talk to them face-to-face, at a show, said Santino. “So we kinda just stay in touch with every networking site there is. And I mean, sometimes it gets a little crazy and hectic but, you know, what can you do? It’s 2010!”
While Santino has a soft spot for country and would love to open for Taylor Swift or Brad Paisley someday, the band’s next opening slot is on tour with Motion City Soundtrack.
“It hasn’t been formally announced yet, but it’s gonna be really cool,” Santino said. “It’s gonna be a fun tour. I’ve never toured with Motion City before, and I hear really nice things, so I’m excited to see what happens with that.”
In the meantime, the Take Action Tour continues on, and A Rocket to the Moon is focused on making music with the hopes that fans will follow them on their journey.
“I think the way that music is going these days, kids just can’t fear change,” Santino said. “I think kids get so used to their favorite bands always staying the same, and if their favorite band ever tries to do something a little bit different, outside the box, then kids automatically alienate them and they get super offended that those bands made like a rock song instead of an electronic song. So stay open minded, and just keep loving music – and pick up our record!”
A Rocket to the Moon’s debut album, “On Your Side,” is available in stores and online. Be sure to catch them and the rest of the bands on the Take Action Tour when they stop by in late April opening for Motion City Soundtrack. The group will be performing Feb. 9 at the Bourbon Street Ballroom in Baltimore.
You can reach this staff writer at mhollander@theeagleonline.com
