The social networking web site MySpace.com, once known mainly for a way to keep in touch with friends, has quickly grown popular as it develops new features. One of its most popular features is its music profiles which makes it easy for music lovers to discover new bands from just about anywhere.
MySpace and similar sites make it easier for local, unsigned bands to reach fans from just their hometown or neighboring towns. One of these particular bands that are reaching a far audience via their MySpace profile is pop/punk rock band, Astellaway.
The Oklahoma band released their second EP “This Time” in early March. The band comprises lead singer Kacy Chronister, 22, bassist Josh Gilbert, 22, drummer Jeremy Smith, 19, and guitarist Luke Chronister, 24.
Kacy and her brother Luke were not strangers to the scene — before starting Astellaway they had been in another band named Tiger Eye Lily. They decided to form a band together after writing their first song “Headlights.” That band eventually dismantled because of differing opinions about where to take the band. They have performed with their current band for over a year after they found their current drummer Jeremy.
According to lead singer Kacy, the band’s name comes from her misunderstanding of one of the lines in her favorite Disney movie “Beauty and the Beast.”
“It’s kind of funny,” she says laughing at the memory. Kacy thought Bella called one of the cups “astellaway” and thought it was a cool name for their band. The phrase in the movie is actually “a stow away.”
Since the formation of Astellaway, the band has spent time working on their new EP.
Their latest release is a seven-track EP that includes a 48-second introduction entitled “This Time” that then leads to their next track “Some Things Will Never Change.”
Since the band is not a part of a record label, their guitarist Luke records all of their songs off a computer. Though they do not have the backing of the best producers, it is clear that Astellaway does not need them to make a good album. Their EP is filled with tight guitar riffs that mesh well with Kacy’s sweet, yet tough, vocal styling that provides audiences with a great pop album that puts listeners in a good mood.
Astellaway follows in the pop-rock footsteps of some of their biggest influences, which include Blink-182, Taking Back Sunday, and New Found Glory.
Their first eponymous EP was released last year. Both EPs can be found on iTunes.
In May, Astellaway will be on tour along the west coast. The band has hopes of planning a second tour for the east coast.
As well as touring, the band makes time to personally comment on their friends’ MySpace profiles.
“Jeremy keeps up with that,” says Kacy. “We want fans to be our friend. We try to talk to all our friends.” “Our ultimate goal is to be signed,” says Kacy. She adds, “We don’t have to be signed to a huge label.” During a phone interview with singer Kacy, it is apparent that this group of musicians has the dedication and commitment to music.
With their talent and hard work, Astellaway is on their way to grab the attention of both music fans and record label executives; it’s only a matter of time.
