The record, “This Changes Nothing,” is a fantastic trip through some brilliant pop hooks as well as being a deep, intrinsic peek at what is bound to be the new face of American electronic music. Rather than getting caught up in the experimental sound possibilities that the genre typically has to offer, RFA stays focused on the songwriting aspect of their music, and that very fact alone keeps all of these songs structured and solid from end to end. Singer Sage Rader told me about his acting experience in the film “Beyond The Ocean,” and how that role came to influence the sound of “This Changes Nothing.” “‘Beyond the Ocean’ was a surreal happy accident. I love the entire process of filmmaking and have been fortunate enough to get to do that. As a result of ‘Beyond the Ocean,’ I ended up being introduced to the whole Glitch style of music that was being pioneered by Christian Fennez and this whole Swiss crew. When it came to making the record, both Shaun and I had a real feel for the artifacts and glitches that we wanted and where we wanted them. It was a whole process of working and reworking the sounds until the right one emerged. We got a little crazy with the processing part. It was actually a lot of fun.” Most of this record is filled with heavy groove pop hooks that are brought to life by amazing, razor sharp synth beats. The production is absolutely perfect, which makes the overall package irresistible. While hearing the expected Depeche Mode and New Order influence throughout the disc, I also stumbled upon something that reminded me of 80’s popsters A-ha (“As If It Were That Easy”), as well as an exquisite cover of Jane’s Addiction’s “I Would For You.” Those of you that grew up in the 80’s and still love that happy, keyboard-driven pop sound, this is a record that has much to offer you. But oddly enough, the record does have a dark side that is reminiscent of the Trent Reznor/Nine Inch Nails sound. Songs like “Lush But Dark,” “Welcome Home” and “Laff It Up” all touch upon some similar sounds that you might hear on a Nine Inch Nails disc. But I guess it’s not very odd to hear some of these dark and heavier tones after hearing singer Sage Rader’s thoughts on who he might like to tour with in the future. “Marilyn Manson. I think he puts on one of the best shows running, and I love the idea of playing to the shadowy side of things. I find comfort in the shadows.”

an·thro·po·mor·phic adjective - ascribing human characteristics to nonhuman things.

-- Singer Sage Rader’s one word to describe Ready Fire Aim.

   Right now, RFA can be found on the independent record label, Expansion Team Records. When I asked producer Shaun Morris about moving on to a major label, he had this to say: “Indie is where it's at. They are more passionate than the majors. Most of them are in the business of music for different reasons. In my opinion, majors exist to make money, rarely pioneering anything or sticking with artists that they believe in - and that's not appealing to most artists.” But he did add a glimmer of hope for some of you major label record execs out there by adding, “Unless, of course, this offer were to come with a ridiculous advance, and then I'd be saying ‘How high would you like me to jump, sir?’”