If you have seen Family Force 5 on tour last fall, you might have caught Seattle’s dance-pop band Danger Radio as well. EastScene recently had the opportunity to interview the guys and talk about their inspirations and tour stories.
EastScene: What are some band names that were considered before deciding on Danger
Radio?
Andrew: There were quite a few, all horrible because we were like 16 when we
picked the name. One of them was The Scene Aesthetic though which I
later used for a different project ha.
EastScene: How did you guys get signed by Photo Finish Records?
Andrew: We had been shopping around for labels and Matt Galle (Owner/Booking
agent) ended up putting us on Bamboozle to check out the band and took
an interest in us and we signed a few months later.
EastScene: Any stories when recording Used & Abused?
Andrew: None that I really remember right at this moment but the entire time
we were in California recording we were right across from a Vons
Grocery Store and pretty much ate the exact same sandwich from their
deli every freakin day. I dont ever think I could bring myself to eat
it again.
EastScene: Is there a specific song you guys have written about a certain someone?
Andrew: ha yeah, the majority of the album I would say is probably about the
same people. Who will definitely remain unnamed.
EastScene: How did you guys come up with the dating adventure idea?
Andrew: That was actually our labels idea! We went into the office and they
brought it up as soon as we got there and it just seems like something
kind of funny to do so we decided to go along with it! ha it was
definitely an interesting experience!
EastScene: How do you guys feel about being compared to Justin Timberlake, Michael
Jackson and others?
Andrew: uhm ha I would say that is quite the compliment. We all listen to
Justin and Michael quite a bit so I definitely appreciate that.
EastScene: Looking back the year, did you realize you played 270 shows?
Andrew: Not at all! It all feels like it went by super fast! We could have
definitely probably done a few more but I think we all kind of needed
a little break! I dont think any of us realized how many shows we
played until our manager called us up and told us! That is freakin
crazy!
EastScene: What’s the funniest thing a fan ever told you?
Andrew: The other night this kid just wanted to give me something so he took
these thick shoe laces and made a necklace out of the shoelace and
some bright pink duct tape and said “I made you this just now and I
burnt the tips… so you can wear it or just sniff it if you like..” I thought that was kind of funny haha
EastScene: Which is the favourite venue to play at?
Andrew: The Norva is pretty freakin amazing and Ive really liked playing the
Highline Ballroom in New York but nothing is better than playing our
hometown venue “El Corazon” woot woot!
EastScene: Have you guys heard any bad things about yourselves? What do you think of
them?
Andrew: In this industry you’ll find that you constantly hear the worst and
weirdest things about yourself. Most of it is never true and just
super lame, which SUCKS sometimes. As a band we definitely try to make
sure we never talked badly about anyone because they’ll DEFINITELY
hear about it and just try and make sure we are nice and treat
everyone we meet with respect. But as far as hearing things we just
kind of brush it off and move on with our lives. Its not really a big
deal.
EastScene: Are there some specific items you always bring from home on tour?
Andrew: Computer, books and movies. All of the above fit into this enormous
backpack of mine ha it pretty much goes everywhere with me.
EastScene: Where do you guys like to hang out when off tour?
Andrew: Some of us travel to different states to go see friends or just at
home. My friend has a super nice home studio about an hour north of me
that I go to quite a bit and just record demos and hang out. I always
eat a lot of sushi when I get back too because Seattle has the most
amazing sushi restaurants. mmmm 
EastScene: Who would you guys like to tour with?
Andrew: The Maine, My American Heart, Brighten, Forever The Sickest Kids,
Family Force 5, Play Radio Play… I could probably keep going.
Everyone we have toured with so far has been super awesome and we
consider ourselves very blessed to had been on the tours we have been
on!
EastScene: What are some bands that are on your playlist?
Andrew: American Football, All American Rejects, Forever The Sickest Kids,
Paper Route, She & Him (which is Zooey Deschanel’s band… I love
her), Paramore, Sky Eats Airplane, Owen, MGMT, The Movielife, Deas
Vail. That is kind of whats been going on lately I guess ha Im
constantly changing up my playlist though, these are just the first
ones I could think of!
EastScene: For each member, choose an animal to represent you, and why?
Andrew: Andrew – Dog, Im always kind of nice to everyone and most dogs are the
same way (well atleast my dogs).
Nico – Dragon, Fierce.
Elan – Giraffe, Long and happy.
Spencer - Will Ferrel, sounds about right.
Andy – Monkey, kind of everywhere all the time.
EastScene: Any plans for 09?
Andrew: Just start writing up some new material and tour as much as
possible. We have a tour in February with Forever The Sickest Kids in
the UK and are waiting to hear about spring plans! Im sure you’ll be
seeing plenty of us in 09!
