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U.S. Crush
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By Michele Stefancic They say your first impression of someone is always a lasting one. For singer and punk rocker Denny Lake, it's his second impression on the music industry that is stronger and better than his first one 5 years ago with his former Orange County punk-rock band, Atomic Boy. Forming a new band in 1997 initially called Kickball, now known as U.S. Crush, Lake had been put through the ringer. Although Atomic Boy had accumulated success, the band was ultimately dropped from their record label when the company went out of business, leaving the band in $5,000 debut.
"I was feeling a lack ! of confidence in myself," says Lake, who latter found it within himself to pick up the pieces and write music again. Last April U.S. Crush released their self-titled debut disc. Along with Lake U.S. Crush is guitarist Dave Hanson, bassist Ky Lambert, drummer Dennis Wolfe and additional guitarist Hodgie Haynes. In 1998, Lake caught the attention of then KOME-FM radio disc jockey and Atomic Boy fan, Jim Pratt. The two developed a friendship and worked together a year later on U.S. Crush's Immortal/Virgin debut with Pratt heading the production helm. It was through Pratt's suggestions that Lake altered his writing format and sound. Songs that were born by 200-beats-per-minute and aggressive punk rock inspirations later turned into melodious radio-friendly tunes including "Same Old Story (she's so pretty)" and "Jimmie Crack Rock." "(Pratt) already had an ear and had been in radio to kind of hone sounds … when he met our singer (who was in another band) he saw potential in him," says Hanson over the phone from his hotel room. "They had been working together kind of developing the songs into what might be radio friendly or just kind of slowing down (the beat) and developing the songs," continues Hanson of Pratt's vision. Working on a demo before going into production on U.S. Crush, a once scorned Lake knew! he had a hit on his hands with the track "Jimmie Crack Rock." An ex-KROQ DJ by the name of Zeke chose the song as his 'Pick Of The Month,' on his local radio show. U.S. Crush had now begun to peak the interest of three major labels and were in high demand. Ultimately they found what they were looking for in the folks at Immortal. "They just seemed to be the ones to give (us) the attention a (new band) needs to build a band instead of let's put a single out there and see if it flies. And if it doesn't, on to the next band," Hanson says. "They are all about building a strategy. It's real family oriented there so it was a pretty easy decision to make." A self-professed fan of fuzz bands like Fu Manchu, Hanson first learned how to play the guitar when he was about 10 years old. "My folks took me to lessons and I totally hated them. Not that I hated guitar, but 'cause I hated the lessons and like having to learn wh! at I had to learn in a week," says an honest Hanson. And what was it about music that intrigued Hanson so much? "It probably didn't start with I want to be on stage with 10 million people ... you're just playing at first to be a cool guy and then just the love of playing guitar," starts Hanson. "Then it becomes to get chicks and then well it develops later down the road to where you want to take it seriously and make it into a career." Hanson says he didn't enjoy holding a 'real job,' and was stoked to hand in his two-week final notice before going on tour full-time. "I always thought if I could be making money doing this (being in a band), well cool. I was lucky enough to always have jobs that were around the music industry but not playing - that's definitely the shit." Performing virtually non-stop for the next several months, Hanson will surely become more than comfortable with his new-rock-star-day job. Already gainin! g first-hand touring experience, I asked Hanson what were some of the perks he's come to adore while on tour. "Getting fed, getting free beer all night and not really having to be anywhere at any given time," admits Hanson. Translation - being a full-time musician means perks, fans and downtime. What does Hanson do with his spare time on the road? Drinking large amounts of adult beverages ranks top priority for him. "(I) try out beer where ever I am … support the local brewery (wherever we are)," says Hanson. "We like to walk the streets and see what ever comes our way we'll step in (bars) and try it out. So if you could put that down, that would be cool," adds Hanson with a laugh. As our conversation progresses, Hanson exhibits the most pride when the subject of Alternative Music Press arises. The music magazine named U.S. Crush 'one of the 15 bands most likely to matter 15 years from no! w.' "I don't know if I would have even pegged that one. But what an honor it is," says Hanson. "Especially Alternative Press, we don't sound too alternative. We were all pretty excited about that and completely surprised. It's nice to know someone thinks that." Fans looking for more information on U.S. Crush should visit the band's official web site (they had an active hand in building the site) for tour info, sound clips and fun photos at www.uscrush.com. Copyright 2000, BallBuster, The Official Int'l Underground Hard Music Report |
Atomic Boy eventually disbanded and Lake found himself waiting tables at California Pizza Kitchen, where he was later fired from his job.
