Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

May 3, 2007 issue

 

Local Band Jolly Rogers Host Free CD
Release Party May 11

Story by David Brewer

After winning last spring’s Kidstock Battle of the Bands, young local quartet The Jolly Rogers have recorded their debut effort and are preparing for a CD release party. The free show will take place at Boone Saloon on Friday, May 11, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Playing a loose brand of self-described indie alternative rock, The Jolly Rogers consist of guitarist Ethan Hypes, guitarist Luke Craig, drummer Lucas Moomaw and bassist Andrew Capen.

The band’s debut release Under The Sombrero contains seven original tracks. Working feverishly to write songs for the CD, the band recorded and mixed the songs during a four-day recording session at ASU’s Split Rail Recording Studio this winter.

“It was pretty much all really great,” said Hypes. Currently in eighth grade and the youngest member of the band, Hypes noted that playing some of the songs over and over proved tiresome but rewarding. “That kind of gave me a headache,” he said.

Serving as the band’s webmaster, Craig agreed that the studio experience was enjoyable for all band members, especially when the band was able to relax and enjoy the process.

“It was pretty awesome,” said Craig. “We’re hoping that a lot of people will buy [the CD] at the party.”

According to Hypes, the band plans to play all seven of their original tracks at the CD release party, as well as covers by some of their favorite artists, including The Cars, Tom Petty, The Ramones, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and David Bowie.

For The Jolly Rogers, recording on the state-of-the-art John Lennon Tour Bus wasn’t the only prize for taking top honors in last spring’s Battle of the Bands. The band also won a free pressing of 1,000 CDs, a big help in the making of Under The Sombrero.

Unfortunately, the recording sessions weren’t free. With money saved from the group’s performances and funds chipped in by each member, The Jolly Rogers were able to spend 20 hours in the recording studio.

The CD will be available on iTunes and, according to Hypes, will more than likely be available in local CD stores.

In addition to their special CD release party, the band will perform at Carolina Barbeque in Newland this Saturday, May 5.

To hear music from The Jolly Rogers, click to www.thejollyrogersband.com or to www.myspace.com/jollyrogersband.

 

 

Want To Go?

Date: Friday, May 11
Time: 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Boone Saloon
Cost: FREE!