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AM Radio versus Godzilla

About Me


"I ripped off many a catchy tune from Kevin Ridel" - Rivers Cuomo of Weezer.
Don't be fooled by the fresh sounding melodies of this southern California pop-rock band. Kevin Ridel and his band mates are serious rock and roll veterans.
AM Radio was originally formed in Los Angeles in late 2001, with the helping hand of Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo, after an “out of the blue” phone call to an old friend (Kevin) which posed the questions, “Hey man, what’s goin’ on with your music? And what can I do to help?” Help is exactly what Mr. Cuomo did, first by managing Kevin’s new band (AM Radio); creating his own record label, Blue Records, solely to put out AM Radio’s self titled, independently produced debut album; and then finally taking AM Radio out on the road with Weezer for their big 2002 summer tours, in both North America and Japan.
After selling three thousand copies of their ‘indie’ album and building serious road credibility with Weezer, Third Eye Blind, Eve 6, Rooney, Ben Kweller and the Psychedelic Furs, AM Radio was signed by Elektra Records. Their second studio album, "Radioactive", produced by Howard Benson (Hoobastank, P.O.D., My Chemical Romance), captures their unique technical talents and infectious live energy. Full of hook-laden hits that have been playing on radio stations and television soundtracks, "Radioactive" is a bright, spunky blend of British new wave pop, righteous, anthem-like rock n' roll guitar riffs, and catchy, well-crafted melodies.
Citing a tremendous range of musical influences, from the Cure, the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Stereolab, and Led Zeppelin all the way to Tom Wait's, it’s no surprise that these musicians also have a tremendous range of musical experiences. Frontman Kevin Ridel has played in bands since age 14, and most recently created a name for himself in the LA music scene with his band Ridel High (A&M Records), and then later, Peel (Beyond Music). Guitarist Rowan Robertson, former teenage phenom for the heavy metal singer Dio in the early 90’s, has also left his mark on the music world. Coincidentally, an Elektra recording artist already with his band Vast, Rowan’s instructional video on “how to speed pick” (shred) can still be found at Guitar Center. AM Radio is rounded off by soulful hyper-melodic guitarist Jason Moore, solid thumper on the bass Guy Harrington and rock steady, heavy hitter Joe Higgins on the drums, former band mate with Kevin in Peel.
AM Radio’s song “I Just Wanna Be loved” was featured on the Smallville soundtrack - Talon Mix, and also placed on an episode (2003). Another song “Taken for a Ride” was featured on EA Sports "John Madden Football 2003", which sold over 6 million copies and was nominated for an MTV Music Award. “Taken for a Ride” was also placed on an episode of One Tree Hill (2003); and used as the main music for the trailer from FOX feature film The Girl Next Door (2004). Another song “Pretty Stupid” was featured on the DVD for Wonderfalls (2004)
AM Radio just released a new album “Reactive” in Japan on Fiveman Army (FAEC Inc.).
Get this video and more at MySpace.com

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 1/19/2004
Band Website: amradioonline.net
Band Members: Kevin Ridel: Vocals
Jason Moore: Guitar
Rowan Robertson: Guitar
Joe Higgins: Drums
Guy Harrington: Bass
Influences: The Beatles, The Cure, Depeche Mode, Led Zeppelin, New Order, Oasis, Pink Floyd, The Psychedelic Furs, The Smiths, Tom Waits.
Sounds Like: The opening track, "If This Is the End of the World," on AM Radio's debut will have you playing air guitar and making devil horns in the mirror. A surging arena anthem with blazing guitars and a megaton chorus, it is everything you want from a great rock song. As might be expected from a band that has gotten Rivers Cuomo's categorical support -- the Weezer frontman grew up with singer Kevin Ridel in Connecticut and now serves as the group's de facto manager -- the Southern California quintet's debut album is all about big hooks and crunchy, irresistible riffs. From the enormously infectious "I Just Wanna Be Loved" to the jerky New Wave throwback "Oh Oh Oh," nearly every song is made for cranking out of the car stereo while racing down the coastline. 4 out of 5 stars **** --Rolling Stone
Record Label: FAEC Japan
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

Relaunch of amradioonline.net

Please check out the all new amradioonline.net, courtesy of Alex Carroll. Currently the guys are in the rehearsal studio writing a new album's worth of AM Radio songs. M...
Posted by AM Radio" on Mon, 30 Jul 2007 01:50:00 PST

Key Club

AM Radio unlocked a set of classics last night at the Key Club. Thanks again to Bryce for taking us all down memory lane! Setlist: END OF THE WORLD, OH OH OH, GRAPEVINE, HUSH, I JUST WANNA BE LOVED, N...
Posted by AM Radio" on Tue, 05 Jun 2007 02:17:00 PST

B-day Party

Last night AM Radio and Big City Rock played at their mutual friend Monica's birthday party. It was the first time since 2004 that the Radioactive lineup of AMR was in effect. Big thanks to Bryce...
Posted by AM Radio" on Sun, 27 May 2007 11:42:00 PST

Safari Sams (last night)

That was a blast! Thanks to Safari Sams, Kiss or Kill & Silver Needle. Last night's setlist was a mix of old, new and super new: The Stalker, Bring It On, Pretty Stupid, Don't Stop With...
Posted by AM Radio" on Thu, 03 May 2007 09:53:00 PST

First show (in a long time!)

It's been eons since AM Radio has performed in Los Angeles! You don't wanna miss this one folks! April 19th, The Roxy... Check it out ya'll! ...
Posted by AM Radio" on Sat, 31 Mar 2007 10:30:00 PST

PPBaba and Jam.

For the past month the guys have locked themselves in a rehearsal studio room, plugged in, pressed the record button (on a handheld cassette player) and just let whatever happens next happen. As REACT...
Posted by AM Radio" on Sat, 17 Mar 2007 10:21:00 PST

Sony Publishing Japan

..> Kevin just signed a deal with Sony Publishing Japan today! He will be writing with Japanese artists now...>...
Posted by AM Radio" on Mon, 19 Feb 2007 02:44:00 PST

Rockin' On

There is an interview with Kevin in the latest issue of Rockin' On (a Japanese music magazine). Sugoi desuyo!
Posted by AM Radio" on Fri, 09 Feb 2007 09:50:00 PST

REACTIVE release date (for Japan)!

The new album will be released this coming Valentine's Day (Feb 14th)! Many Japanese girls may just be getting a box of chocolates and an AM Radio CD from their boyfriends. The rest of...
Posted by AM Radio" on Tue, 16 Jan 2007 10:41:00 PST

New AM Radio Album!!

AM Radio recently signed a Japanese record deal and will be heading to Japan to support the release of their new album in early 2007. Stay tuned!...
Posted by AM Radio" on Thu, 26 Oct 2006 11:22:00 PST