Rock band Ballyhoo! Lead singer and guitarist, Howi Spangler, Donald Spangler on drums, Scott Vandrey on keyboards and Nick Lucera on bass.
But after checking out their latest album, 2013’s Pineapple Grenade on Spotify, I was very drawn to the one-two punch of “She Wants To Destroy Me” and “Battle Cry.”
They were listed on MTV’s “Top 100 Bands to Watch” and even featured two downloadable songs on the popular video game “Rock Band.”
Ballyhoo’s fifth studio album broke through the Billboard Top 200 at No. 189 as well as reaching No. 4 Billboard Heatseekers and No. 5 at iTunes Alternative charts, according to its Web site.
Ballyhoo! will appearing at The Studio At The Webster Hall on Sat., May 17, with No Nets. They’ll follow up at the Skate & Surf Festival the following day in New Jersey
Lead singer Howi Spangler kindly did some “Ballyhoo! 101” with me in advance of those gigs.
TheImproper: How would you describe Ballyhoo! to someone who hasn’t heard the band before?
Spangler: If you like fun and chill at the same time, you might like our band. If you like going to the beach or going out and having some drinks, you might like our band.
IM: How does a Ballyhoo! live show compare to what one hears on the studio recordings?
Spangler: I like to think the recorded music is explosive, yet clean and understandable.The live show is, hopefully, explosive and loud.
Clean…but loud and energetic. We want to sound as good or better than our albums, but it should also be a different experience. Like a circus.
IM: Your band formed in 1995. How do your goals from back then compare to your goals now?
Spangler: Same goals. I always said that one day we would play on “SNL” and be on the Rolling Stone cover.
IM: What do you wish more people knew about Howi Spangler?
Spangler: Just listen to the lyrics. You’ll find out a lot.
IM: Where do you hope to see Ballyhoo! in a year from now?
Spangler: On a bus having a glass of wine and a shower after the show. 😉
IM: Finally, Howi, any last words for the kids?
Spangler: Much love and thanks for supporting our band whether it was coming to a show, buying our album or even sending your friends some MP3s. Be creative. Do things from your heart. You’ll go further.
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