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From GarageBand. com e-newsletter.
Creativity flourishes during moments of adversity, and it's good that it does, because these are troubled times. The worldwide economic crisis found its latest ground zero in Detroit, where US automakers teeter on the brink of extinction. Amidst the chaos, one band has found a sound that reverberates far outside the city limits, overcoming the bleak landscape.
Rotation is a band that dominates online and on stage, with a friendly, personal approach that belies the force and intensity of their music. According to frontman Andy, you can thank Michigan.
"If we grew up in Beverly Hills, Rotation never would have happened," Andy stated bluntly. "To be completely honest, Detroit is fast becoming deserted. Jobs are leaving. People are leaving. The city itself is a shadow of what it used to be, even a few years ago. I think that's made us work harder and want it more.
It's also kept us more grounded and focused -- not like you can go surfing here or have a great career. All you can do is start a huge fire or start a band. Being from Detroit has really given us a darker edge and perspective in our music."
That darkness is turning lights on in the heads of tens of thousands of online fans who flocked to the band's heartfelt heaviness. But the secret to their Web-savvy success is much more obvious than you'd think.
"The best thing we've done was really very simple -- talk to your fans.", exclaimed Andy. "We make sure every person who writes us gets an email back, no matter how long it takes. If someone is going to go out of their way and take time out of their day to say hello, they deserve a response. Since that's so rare with bands, word has spread pretty quick."
The frontman is fast to point out that "Internet fame is all good, but if you can't draw at your shows it's worthless. You have to get out there and make things happen. Nothing tops playing a good set and knowing you just destroyed the place. Beats sitting at home watching profile view counters."
He emphasized that bands need a strong real-word presence to truly succeed with their music. "We go out and hustle -- hit other band's shows, drop thousands of stickers everywhere we go, demo CDs, etc. We mail out tons of stickers and postcards to street teamers in different high schools and colleges."
As like many other proactive indie bands, Rotation represents on GarageBand. com.
Even though they have consistently topped the charts, Andy had his initial reservations.
"I hate to admit it," he said, "but I was scared to have any material on GB. Some reviews are brutal on here... it's been great, though. Instant feedback from qualified reviewers has made us write smarter, and know our audience that much better."
The band's new album, 'The Curse of 1990', will be in stores Spring 2009. "It's been a long time in the making -- but it should be worth it," Andy told us. "We spent a lot of time making sure every song was unique and interesting. I'm definitely looki |