Best PUNK/GARAGE ACT
Senior Discount
Attention all booking agents: Senior Discount is looking to take a meeting ASAP. This is the second year the East Bay foursome has been deemed Best Punk/Garage Act, and are still going strong behind the acclaimed There Were Four Who Tried, an album filled with stomp-happy rhythms and raucous guitars that seemingly spin at 78 RPM.
Songs such as “I’m Crazy” and “Smile” kick off innocently enough before launching into full-blown pop-punk, and please be sure to crank up the hook on “Ataxia.” SD is also renowned for their unique (if not completely bananas) video promos, now conveniently compiled on VBW Attack: The Senior Discount Movie, available at vbwkids.com And like most garage acts, the ultimate payoff comes with the live show, where lead vocalist/ rhythm guitarist Chuck Staton and his mates shine brightest.
“We like to really connect with the crowd,” Staton said. “They can usually tell there’s not really a ‘show’ going on with Senior Discount.”
Along with Staton is lead guitarist Tom Wells, cousin Christian Staton on drums, and brand-spankin’ new member Alan Sousa on bass, taking over for Kevin Silva who, to the surprise of everyone, unceremoniously announced his departure during a recent headlining gig at the Living Room.
So how will future endeavors separate them from the rest of the pop-punk pack?
“I think it’s going to change and get a little more high-concept now,” Staton said. “We’re going to be a little more thoughtful about the stuff we write about and comment on what we feel passionate about. I’m definitely in a different place when it comes to what I appreciate in music and I cannot wait to power further down that road.”
The band wanted to make a point of acknowledging their loyal fan base.
“Every one of our fans, to me, is a friend,” Chuck Staton said. “They are the reason we keep producing art.”
According to Staton, all SD needs is an agent and some label support to spread the word outside the Northeast corridor. In the meantime, they’ll bring the rock with fellow BMP victors Penrose at the Blackstone on Friday (the 9th) and share a bill with Someday Providence at the Living Room on May 24. Stop by seniordiscount music.com for the details.
— Chris Conti
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