Musical Performance featuring State Radio
Few bands are as outspoken and thought-provoking as State Radio, the musically inventive, socially and politically charged trio fronted by Chad Stokes. With its sophomore album, Year Of The Crow, the group-rounded out by bassist Chuck Fay and drummer Mad Dog-matches its conscience-raising messages with an inspiring amalgam of rock, punk and reggae that is as distinctive as it is sublime. "The ultimate goal of State Radio is to have people consider what I'm saying as they enjoy the music we create," Stokes says of the trio's objective on Year Of The Crow. "I'm not looking to alienate anyone, but I hope I can enlighten some people." The frenetic, piercing, punkish, proclamation "Guantanamo" does just that, as Stokes seethes, taking aim at the current administration while looking back on the Bush clan's sordid history. Simply stated, it is impossible not to be moved by the sounds emanating from State Radio, whether it's the genocide in Darfur, which is told through the eyes of a young boy on the alluring, rhythmic "Sudan," the explosive, edgy, reggae-laden "C.I.A." or the steamrolling rallying cry for justice known as "Unfortunates." The next step in the Bob Dylan-Bob Marley-Clash-Rage Against the Machine lineage, State Radio is an unusual but effective conduit to information that prompts listeners to dig deeper into issues. Year Of The Crow was recorded at Peter Gabriel's Real World studios in Wiltshire, England and was overseen by acclaimed producer Tchad Blake (Gabriel, Pearl Jam, Soul Coughing). "Tchad was integral in making a record that was more indicative of our live show," Stokes says. Working with his "How's Your News?" co-creator Arthur Bradford at a Martha's Vineyard camp for the handicapped nearly a decade ago, Chad says, "We started making short videos with the campers-little vignettes and man-on-street reporting. With the help of South Park's Matt Stone and Trey Parker, the first "How's Your News?" feature film was picked up by several major film festivals. Chad explains, "Ultimately it ran on HBO and Cinemax, which we couldn't believe. Then we shot the pilot and now it's going to be an actual series for TV." Positive karma seems to surround everything that Stokes does, of which he says, "I'm thankful that we've been able to grow as a band. "As long as people keep believing in us," State Radio's leader says, "and we feel like we're making a worthy contribution to the movement, we'll keep playing."
Write a Review
