Fifth Story

Guitarist Richard Benjamin of Fifth Story recently spoke to our Webzine about the band's music. What I found interesting about the band is the range of their style in music especially when it comes to the type of music the band is performing. At one point, I am listening to a softer side of the band with great tracks like "Eastern Jazz" and the next I am raising some hell with tracks like "Sonic Reducer". But, that is what draws fans to their music. If you are a fan of good music, then check out what all Richard talked about in this super cool spotlight and learn more about the amazing Fifth Story. Enjoy!

Isaac: What has been the best part of 2009 for you musically so far?

Richard: The best part of 2009 for Fifth Story was finding Mike Murrie, our drummer. Jason and I had gone through a number of drummers since our conception, none of which gelled with what we were trying to accomplish musically. Mike happened to be a fan of the band that we knew through the local music scene and he basically came in and killed it.

Isaac: What do you feel has been the biggest accomplishment for 2009 so far?

Richard: Our biggest accomplishment of 2009 was finishing our self-titled EP. We had a collection of really good songs that we played live, but nothing was recorded. We basically locked ourselves in the studio for a couple of months hoping to get a 3-song demo out of it and we ended up with a solid 7-song EP.

Isaac: Describe the music scene in your area.

Richard: It's Chicago so you can experience every genre of music imaginable. A lot of the clubs mix up the music styles on any given night, so you may get a metal band followed by an indie band with a jam band headlining. For us, our favorite shows are when we bill up with local glam band "V-Sparks" or a roots band like "Great Divide." It gives everyone an opportunity to be exposed to something new musically that they might not have before. We have gained a lot of new fans this way.

Isaac: What has been the best venue to perform at and why?

Richard: Elbo Room Chicago. A sweaty rock club with an intimate atmosphere. A place where rock and roll was meant to be played.

Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?

Richard: J. Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. was a big influence. His progressive songwriting and sense of melody has been something we strive for. Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth have also been highly influential with their experimental guitar techniques. Other artists like Wilco, Radiohead, Beastie Boys, Pearl Jam, Neil Young, and The Who have played a role in shaping us as a band.

Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?

Richard: Versatility. As a 3-piece, we don't necessarily fall into one category of music. With Jason's vocal range and Mike's ability to experiment with drum rhythms, we have a lot of freedom to try new things.

Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?

Richard: Pearl Jam. Their longevity and relevance in such a saturated music world continues to inspire us. As a musician, it's hard to deny them the respect that they deserve. To be a part of that would be amazing.

Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from fans about your music?

Richard: We give out thousands of CDs and people take the time to send in emails to let us know what they like about our songs. Then they actually come to the shows. Something must be working.

Isaac: Where can fans locate you at online?

Richard: myspace.com/fifthstory

Isaac: What can fans expect from you in the next five years?

Richard: A couple of tours, more albums, headlining Bonnaroo....

Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…

Richard: Steve Compiani for carrying the amps. The rest know what's up.

http://www.juniorscave.com/Fifth-Story.html
- juniorscave.com

The streaming link to the interview:
http://sleibo.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-22T18_16_17-07_00

The Interview starts after our EP version of Eastern jazz is spun - UICRADIO.ORG

January 29th 2010
CONTACT INFO: JODY.DANKBERG@USMUSICCORP.COM

"After attending countless concerts in Chicago and sitting in on numerous demo panels the past year, I walked into the Lasalle Power Co. for Fifth Story's Ep release with no expectations. I was highly surprised with the band's energy and interaction with the packed house. For a band that hasn't broke yet, they gave the performance of a seasoned national act. Rarely does a band tempt me to pick up their Cd after checking out their performance, but these guys definetley had that "it" factor. After popping it in my car on the way home the songs held true throughout their EP. If this band is the best kept secret in Chicago, they won't be for long." - Jody Dankberg Head of Artist Relations: WASHBURN GUITARS / RANDALL AMPS

Link To Interview: - Artistfirst.com

"Simply good rock music with deep, raspy vocals is how SouthSide would describe Fifth Story’s MOB Fest performance. This band didn’t need a flashy gimmick or whatnot to garner the fans’ attention. They let the music be their spokesperson for them. Fifth Story throughout the set showed how versatile they can be within in the rock genre without pegging them into one category. One minute they could turn a ballad into a sweet lullaby and in the next pounding your ears with blood-curdling guitar riffs. SouthSide suggests listening to their Southern fried rock song, Whiskey. The guitar solos during the instrumental had many in the audience dancing to the music. Yet this reviewer did have problem with the low vocals during the set. At times, the lead’s voice was too soft to be heard over the rockin’ music. Still at the precise moment, he could rip the microphone with such emotion and passion that it drove the ladies wild. SouthSide recommends listening to Fifth Story’s Lady Love in which you can feel as well as hear emotions pouring out of his voice. Another fine example would be Lake Michigan in which the softness of his raspy voice shined throughout the song. In the end, Fifth Story had this crowd screaming for more. This reviewer recommends Fearless fans checking out this unique band at their next performance." - Fearless Radio