State Radio
Encyclopedia
State Radio is an alternative rock
band from Sherborn, Massachusetts
, consisting of Chad Urmston
(lead vocals, guitar), Chuck Fay (bass) and Mike Najarian (drums). The band's first full-length album, Us Against the Crown
, was released in December 2005, their second, Year of the Crow
in September 2007, and their most recent album, Let it Go
, in September 2009.
clichés, injecting a punk-influenced sound and politically charged viewpoint while staying true to the tenets of the band's chosen style, which infuses a blend of Roots-Reggae, Ska, Punk and Rock.
Urmston, who disbanded Dispatch at the height of its popularity in 2002, formed State Radio later the same year. Focusing exclusively on guitar and vocals instead of the instrument switching he was previously known for, he brought in second guitarist Pete Halby, bassist Chuck Fay, and drummer Mike Greenfield to round out the lineup. After the exploratory debut EP Flag of the Shiners was released by Fenway Recordings in late 2002, State Radio went on a temporary hiatus throughout 2003 as Urmston recovered from throat surgery. Returning to active duty in 2004 as a slimmed-down trio with new drummer Brian Sayers, State Radio followed a second EP, Simmer Kane, with the release of 2005's Us Against the Crown. Another personnel change occurred before State Radio toured in support of the album, with drummer Mike Najarian replacing Sayers.
The sophomore effort Year of the Crow followed in fall 2007, bringing with it an emphasis on louder guitars and sociopolitical themes. State Radio reinforced such themes by launching service projects in each city the band visited, and Urmston briefly reconvened Dispatch for a three-night charity performance at Madison Square Garden, with funds going toward Zimbabwe relief. State Radio maintained such political awareness on 2009's Let It Go.
Official recording sessions for their third album began on November 3, 2008 in North Brookfield
, Massachusetts
at Long View Farm Studios. The album, entitled Let It Go
, was released on September 29, 2009.
Following the release of "Let It Go" State Radio launched their winter tour. The winter 2010 tour was titled "Lefty Rides Again" and visited many cities across the United States. State Radio also completed a small European tour during the last two weeks of March.
At the beginning of Summer 2010, State Radio embarked on a huge cross-country tour opening for John Butler Trio
during their April Uprising North American Tour. This tour featured sold-out shows at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater, Central Park Summerstage, and Boston's own Bank of America Pavilion. The latter 2 were co-headlining shows, while State Radio closed the last set in their hometown. At the end of the summer, the band returned to Germany for several more festival dates.
. "Keepsake" was also featured at the end of an episode of Cold Case, and at the end of the 7th episode of the 2010 version of Hawaii Five-0.
State Radio opened for Dave Matthews Band
on May 30–31, 2008 in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, and on June 3–4, 2008 in Camden, New Jersey.
State Radio played at a concert near the 2008 Democratic National Convention
alongside Rage Against the Machine
and other politically active bands as an act of protest.
More Recently, Kayem Foods, based in Chelsea, Mass.,has used their songs "Right Me Up" and "Sybil I" in a series of hot dog commercials.
In one of the most recent episodes of Eureka
, Zoe Carter, Harvard student and daughter of the main character, had State Radio banners in her dorm room, which is an accurate reference to the band's popularity in the Boston area.
Winner 9th Annual Independent Music Awards: Social Action Album "Calling All Crows".
"Knights of Bostonia" off the album "Let it Go" was featured in the beginning of surf cinematographer Taylor Steele's latest film, "Innersections." The song was played during the opening section, in memory of Andy Irons.
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
band from Sherborn, Massachusetts
Sherborn, Massachusetts
Sherborn is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. It is in area code 508 and has the ZIP code 01770. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the town population was 4,119. The assessed value of the town for the fiscal year 2005 is $1,008,146,994....
, consisting of Chad Urmston
Chad Urmston
Chad Stokes Urmston is an American musician. Urmston was a member of the band Hermit Thrush which later gave birth to the band Dispatch. He is the frontman for the Sherborn, Massachusetts-area band State Radio, as well as a constant activist for improved living conditions in Zimbabwe...
(lead vocals, guitar), Chuck Fay (bass) and Mike Najarian (drums). The band's first full-length album, Us Against the Crown
Us Against the Crown
Us Against the Crown is the first full-length LP from reggae-rock band State Radio, headlined by former Dispatch vocalist, Chad Urmston.-Track listing:# People to People – 4:16# Mr...
, was released in December 2005, their second, Year of the Crow
Year of the Crow
Year of the Crow is the third full-length LP from reggae-rock band State Radio, headlined by former Dispatch guitarist/vocalist, Chad Urmston....
in September 2007, and their most recent album, Let it Go
Let It Go (State Radio album)
Let It Go is the fourth full-length LP from reggae-rock band State Radio.It was released on September 29th, 2009. It is notable for being the first State Radio release available in vinyl format.- Tracks:...
, in September 2009.
Biography
A Boston based trio band led by singer and primary songwriter Chad Urmston (a former member of Vermont jamsters Dispatch), State Radio largely managed to avoid the usual post-PhishPhish
Phish is an American rock band noted for its musical improvisation, extended jams, and exploration of music across genres. Formed at the University of Vermont in 1983 , the band's four members – Trey Anastasio , Mike Gordon , Jon Fishman , and Page McConnell Phish is an American rock band...
clichés, injecting a punk-influenced sound and politically charged viewpoint while staying true to the tenets of the band's chosen style, which infuses a blend of Roots-Reggae, Ska, Punk and Rock.
Urmston, who disbanded Dispatch at the height of its popularity in 2002, formed State Radio later the same year. Focusing exclusively on guitar and vocals instead of the instrument switching he was previously known for, he brought in second guitarist Pete Halby, bassist Chuck Fay, and drummer Mike Greenfield to round out the lineup. After the exploratory debut EP Flag of the Shiners was released by Fenway Recordings in late 2002, State Radio went on a temporary hiatus throughout 2003 as Urmston recovered from throat surgery. Returning to active duty in 2004 as a slimmed-down trio with new drummer Brian Sayers, State Radio followed a second EP, Simmer Kane, with the release of 2005's Us Against the Crown. Another personnel change occurred before State Radio toured in support of the album, with drummer Mike Najarian replacing Sayers.
The sophomore effort Year of the Crow followed in fall 2007, bringing with it an emphasis on louder guitars and sociopolitical themes. State Radio reinforced such themes by launching service projects in each city the band visited, and Urmston briefly reconvened Dispatch for a three-night charity performance at Madison Square Garden, with funds going toward Zimbabwe relief. State Radio maintained such political awareness on 2009's Let It Go.
Official recording sessions for their third album began on November 3, 2008 in North Brookfield
North Brookfield, Massachusetts
North Brookfield is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 4,680 at the 2010 census.For geographic and demographic information on the census-designated place North Brookfield, please see the article North Brookfield , Massachusetts.- History :North Brookfield...
, Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
at Long View Farm Studios. The album, entitled Let It Go
Let It Go (State Radio album)
Let It Go is the fourth full-length LP from reggae-rock band State Radio.It was released on September 29th, 2009. It is notable for being the first State Radio release available in vinyl format.- Tracks:...
, was released on September 29, 2009.
Following the release of "Let It Go" State Radio launched their winter tour. The winter 2010 tour was titled "Lefty Rides Again" and visited many cities across the United States. State Radio also completed a small European tour during the last two weeks of March.
At the beginning of Summer 2010, State Radio embarked on a huge cross-country tour opening for John Butler Trio
John Butler Trio
The John Butler Trio are an eclectic roots and jam band from Australia led by guitarist and vocalist John Butler. They formed in Fremantle in 1998 with Jason McGann on drums and Gavin Shoesmith on bass guitar...
during their April Uprising North American Tour. This tour featured sold-out shows at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater, Central Park Summerstage, and Boston's own Bank of America Pavilion. The latter 2 were co-headlining shows, while State Radio closed the last set in their hometown. At the end of the summer, the band returned to Germany for several more festival dates.
Studio albums
- Us Against the CrownUs Against the CrownUs Against the Crown is the first full-length LP from reggae-rock band State Radio, headlined by former Dispatch vocalist, Chad Urmston.-Track listing:# People to People – 4:16# Mr...
(2006) - The Barn SessionsThe Barn SessionsThe Barn Sessions is a LP from reggae-rock band, State Radio. It consists mostly of re-workings of songs from previous album, Us Against the Crown, and two previously unreleased tracks.-Track listing:# State I and I – 4:18...
(2007) - Year of the CrowYear of the CrowYear of the Crow is the third full-length LP from reggae-rock band State Radio, headlined by former Dispatch guitarist/vocalist, Chad Urmston....
(2007) - Let It GoLet It Go (State Radio album)Let It Go is the fourth full-length LP from reggae-rock band State Radio.It was released on September 29th, 2009. It is notable for being the first State Radio release available in vinyl format.- Tracks:...
(2009) U.S. #96
Live Albums/EPs
- Live at the Sync (2005)
- State of Georgia EPState of Georgia EPThe State of Georgia EP was released by reggae-rock band, State Radio on August 25, 2009 as a preview of their upcoming live album Live At the Brattle Theater, which is slated for release on September 29, 2009, alongside their new studio album, Let It Go. It was released exclusively on Apple's...
(2009) - Live At the Brattle TheaterLive At the Brattle TheaterLive At The Brattle is the third live album of State Radio. It consists of two discs, which capture the first December 6, 2008 show and the December 7th, 2008 show, respectively. It was released in 2009.-Track listing:Disc 1# "Calling All Crows" – 4:42...
(2009) - Live At the Boston Pavilion (2011)
EPs
- Flag of the Shiners EPFlag of the Shiners EPFlag of the Shiners EP is the 2002 debut release by reggae-rock band, State Radio, headlined by former Dispatch vocalist/guitarist, Chad Urmston...
(2002) - Simmer Kane EP (2004)
- Peace Between Nations EPPeace Between Nations EPPeace Between Nations EP is a 2005 album by reggae-rock band, State Radio, headlined by former Dispatch vocalist, Chad Urmston. It features some of the more mellow acoustic work that characterized their last album, the Simmer Kane EP, along with some throwbacks to their original rock style of Flag...
(2005) - Wicker Plane EPWicker Plane EPWicker Plane is a preview from the forthcoming album by reggae-rock band, State Radio, headlined by former Dispatch vocalist, Chad Urmston. The song Wicker Plane is included on Year of the Crow, while Good Graces and Revolutionaries have been live staples of the band for years and have only now...
(2007) - Calling All Crows EPCalling All Crows EPThe Calling All Crows EP was released by reggae-rock band, State Radio on August 11, 2009 as a preview for the upcoming album Let It Go, which was released September 29, 2009...
(2009)
In the media
The band's song "Keepsake" was featured in the season three finale of Showtime's dark comedy WeedsWeeds (TV series)
Weeds is an American television comedy created by Jenji Kohan and produced by Tilted Productions in association with Lionsgate Television. The central character is Nancy Botwin , a widowed mother of two boys who begins selling marijuana to support her family after her husband dies suddenly of a...
. "Keepsake" was also featured at the end of an episode of Cold Case, and at the end of the 7th episode of the 2010 version of Hawaii Five-0.
State Radio opened for Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band, sometimes shortened to DMB, is a U.S. rock band formed in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1991. The founding members were singer-songwriter and guitarist Dave Matthews, bassist Stefan Lessard, drummer/backing vocalist Carter Beauford and saxophonist LeRoi Moore. Boyd Tinsley was...
on May 30–31, 2008 in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, and on June 3–4, 2008 in Camden, New Jersey.
State Radio played at a concert near the 2008 Democratic National Convention
Democratic National Convention
The Democratic National Convention is a series of presidential nominating conventions held every four years since 1832 by the United States Democratic Party. They have been administered by the Democratic National Committee since the 1852 national convention...
alongside Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1991, the group's line-up consists of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist and backing vocalist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello and drummer Brad Wilk...
and other politically active bands as an act of protest.
More Recently, Kayem Foods, based in Chelsea, Mass.,has used their songs "Right Me Up" and "Sybil I" in a series of hot dog commercials.
In one of the most recent episodes of Eureka
Eureka (TV series)
Eureka is an American science fiction television series that premiered on Syfy on July 18, 2006. Since then four seasons have aired, and a fifth is currently being filmed. The second half of season 4 began on SyFy on July 11, 2011 and ended on September 19, 2011...
, Zoe Carter, Harvard student and daughter of the main character, had State Radio banners in her dorm room, which is an accurate reference to the band's popularity in the Boston area.
Winner 9th Annual Independent Music Awards: Social Action Album "Calling All Crows".
"Knights of Bostonia" off the album "Let it Go" was featured in the beginning of surf cinematographer Taylor Steele's latest film, "Innersections." The song was played during the opening section, in memory of Andy Irons.
Activism
In 2008, State Radio started an activist group called Calling All Crows to "inspire public service" and "promote human rights." Currently, they are working with Oxfam America's Stoves for Sudan Project. Calling All Crows is hoping to raise money for 5,000 stoves for 5,000 different women in Sudan through fan activism before concerts.External links
- State Radio's website
- State Radio collection at the Internet ArchiveInternet ArchiveThe Internet Archive is a non-profit digital library with the stated mission of "universal access to all knowledge". It offers permanent storage and access to collections of digitized materials, including websites, music, moving images, and nearly 3 million public domain books. The Internet Archive...
's live music archive - Full-length video live at Paradiso (28-09-2006)