Johnny One Match

Philadelphia based rock quartet, [Johnny One Match], is young and on the right track. Sure, they are a lot of bands that play punk-influenced emotion-laden rock, but most don’t do it as well. [Johnny One Match] knows how to produce solid rhythm and catchy hooks, while setting themselves apart with their high level of professionalism. They’ve toured all over and played with some huge names in the process. Locally, they have gotten press from several Philly area magazines and have secured a solid fanbase ranging from teenage kids to accomplished musicians. With a tight sound and a solid direction, it’s no surprise.

With a solid sound, I was curious as to their greatest influences. “Carson Daly, Ashley Simpson, and Subway,” was their reply when I inquired, showing they don’t take themselves too seriously despite being serious about their music. I always find this refreshing, because being a serious musician shouldn’t mean that you don’t like to have fun… and many artists think in order to be taken seriously as a band, you have to present yourself as serious people. [Johnny One Match] proves that a professional approach to music can be accompanied by a jovial and fun attitude about life.

Keeping true to the “Under the radar” format that I started a few weeks back, I shot some questions over to the band via email and here’s what they (as a band) replied, along with some of my own commentary, enjoy:

CF: Who are the folks in [Johnny One Match] and what do they play?

[Johnny One Match]: Dan sings and plays guitar. Viv plays lead guitar. Leland plays bass, and Andrew plays the drums.

CF: Who is the best band you’ve ever played with?

[Johnny One Match]: Hillside, Fell Far Behind, Counterpunch All new names to me, thus I will have to check them out, maybe you’ll get to hear more about them on here in the future.

CF: Where is the coolest place you’ve been on tour?

[Johnny One Match]: The Backbooth in Florida (the people there hated us)

CF: Tell the reads a funny tour story.

[Johnny One Match]: Too many to tell

CF: What sets [Johnny One Match] apart from other rock bands?

[Johnny One Match]: The length of our penises [They didn’t specify whether that meant they had long penises or small ones, I presume the latter… sorry boys, just a feeling I get]

CF: Who would you say are your influences and/or heroes?

[Johnny One Match]: Carson Daly, Ashley Simpson, and Subway [I, too, enjoy Subway]

CF: What is your favorite John Cusack movie? [I have a slight obsession with Johnny, thus I inserted this one for my own benefit]

[Johnny One Match]: Conair

CF: Where do you see yourselves in 5 years?

[Johnny One Match]: Touring the world

CF: What is one thing you want our readers to know about you?

[Johnny One Match]: When Leland records or plays live, he drops his pants because that helps him play better [I don’t recall this happening when I worked with them, but perhaps it did and I was unaware]

CF: Finally, who would win in a fight, Harrison Ford (Han Solo era) or Dave Chappelle in a fat suit? [My attempt at a clever and funny finisher… failed]

[Johnny One Match]: Harrison Ford And though I love Han, I think their answer is incorrect


So, the point of the story here is that
[Johnny One Match] rocks and haqve fun while doing it. I noted their professionalism before and that may not be something a lot of people pick up on, but as a concert promoter/organizer I had been very impressed in how they marketed themselves with their press kit and how they handled themselves all around. There is no doubt in my mind that [Johnny One Match] will get a deal soon enough if they keep working hard and approaching music in a professional, yet fun way. Check them out... - Crapfilter.net

Johnny One Match:

The Philadelphia area’s Origivation Magazine has been giving these guys quite a bit of press in the past few months and I recently had the opportunity to find out why. An impressive live perfomance, amazing professionality, and a solid self-released EP top the list of why this band is in the top 10. With noticeable influences from modern rock and pop-punk acts, they seem to still be in the “finding their sound” stage. However, they are good and I am more than willing to enjoy the experience of watchign them grow up as a band. - Crapfilter.net

Power pop, screamo, punk… however you describe the band [Johnny One Match], they can be compared to [insert name of any Warped Tour band here].  That is in no way a low blow to their originality; it shows that they are worthy of being thrown on tour with dozens of other bands in the same genre, and can instantly win over hearts a plenty.  Their debut self-titled EP illustrates that they definitely know how to feed the masses their heavier doses of emo.  With their prominent drum beats, insane guitar solos and strong rhythms, they can easily fit on the bill for any Warped Tour genre concert.  What gives [Johnny One Match] that nice edge is their use of screaming.  On "Half The Battle", they effectively use it as another instrument in the group rather than the main focus.  Seeing as how we have enough bands out there that bitch out their enemies, hate the world and scream their lyrics, this change is much appreciated.  The lyrics on that song are very well constructed for allowing the crowd to serenade the band on stage if, when, performed live: a good start for a band trying to make it.  They really demonstrate their ability to be able to write for radio on Six Letters, with their catchy riffs, and again on "Burn."  With constant changes in tempo, their music is not for the beginner - yet it also proves their talent as a group.  The instrumentation on "Thank You, Goodbye" really expresses how much farther ahead of the 'unsigned band' pack they really are.  They make sure the lyrics "Thank you for the good time/I hope your heart is as full as mine/I wish you could stay longer/It's been fun, but goodbye," which might seem simple as a read-over, are clearly sung in a way that you can imagine the circle pits ceasing for a moment while their fans sing with them, punching their fists in the air with every beat and totally involving themselves in the energy [Johnny One Match] provides.  Throw some Thrice, Taking Back Sunday, Yellowcard's catchy rhythms, lighter Blink and Good Charlotte into a blender and I think you'll have a nice taste of some high quality [Johnny One Match] flavor for your ears. - AudioXposure.com

Sing-able melodies, lyrics that could break your heart, and did I mention twins? Well, these guys have it all … and much more. [Johnny One Match] is one of those bands that just snuck up on me. I’m still not sure what made me decide to check out their tracks while scouting bands in the area. Usually I don’t spend a lot of time on bands that look particularly young, but I was very lucky to come across a few very young and very talented bands this month. The guys are all just eighteen and nineteen years old, and while their subject matter fits that fact rather well, their sound does not. Straitlaced’s vocalist, Dan Sinkler, helps to bring an essence of maturity to their music that still surprises me every time I hear them. Dan’s partners in crime include Viv Peyrat on guitar, Andy Sinkler on drums, and Chris Strosser on bass.
 
Dan, Andy and Chris had been playing together since junior high, until Chris moved away – breaking up the band temporarily. Towards the end of high school Dan, Andy and Viv had started working with each other, and continued to do so without a bass player for about a year. However, the solution to their problem was on the horizon, and Chris moved back, rejoining the group. This incredible lineup was only solidified in September of 2004. Yet, you’d never be able to guess it.

While most bands I speak to tend to deny that they really fit into any genre, Straitlaced doesn’t mind simply being classified as an alternative rock band. The guys have been influenced by artists such as Fenix TX, Brand New, old school Blink 182, Matchbook Romance, Bad Religion, and The Ataris. I think that you’ll be hard-pressed to say these guys really sound like anyone else out there though. You won’t notice, because you really won’t care. You’ll be too busy thinking back to when you were a bit younger and experiencing a lot of life for the first time. Sometimes the songs can almost bring a tear to your eyes, and sometimes you won’t be able to help smiling just a little bit.

The boys behind Straitlaced were destined to be musicians. They all come from musically talented families, growing up with music in their lives. The guys aren’t hoping to change the world with their music. Rather, they’re willing to take it as it comes for the time being, enjoying their music as an instrument of creativity and making it their life’s work if the opportunity comes along. According to Viv, “Basically, we want as many people as possible to listen to our music and enjoy it. We just want people to be able to relate to what we write and play.”

The guys are hoping to be able to start touring the east coast over the next few years, spreading their name and their sound. Straitlaced are well on their way to a successful future. They’re not only due to record a few more songs, but they’ll be shooting their first music video in the beginning of February with Speed55 Films. Dan, Viv, Andy, and Chris put music first in their lives. Why? According to Viv, simply “’cause that’s what [they] love to do.”

You can find out more about this remarkable young talent by checking them out live on February 20th at the Speakeasy Café in Upper Darby, or by looking through their website at www.straitlacedrock.com. is one of those bands that just snuck up on me. I’m still not sure what made me decide to check out their tracks while scouting bands in the area. Usually I don’t spend a lot of time on bands that look particularly young, but I was very lucky to come across a few very young and very talented bands this month. The guys are all just eighteen and nineteen years old, and while their subject matter fits that fact rather well, their sound does not. [Johnny One Match]
Dan, Andy and Chris had been playing together since junior high, until Chris moved away – breaking up the band temporarily. Towards the end of high school Dan, Andy and Viv had started working with each other, and continued to do so without a bass player for about a year. However, the solution to their problem was on the horizon, and Chris moved back, rejoining the group. This incredible lineup was only solidified in September of 2004. Yet, you’d never be able to guess it.

While most bands I speak to tend to deny that they really fit into any genre, Straitlaced doesn’t mind simply being classified as an alternative rock band. The guys have been influenced by artists such as Fenix TX, Brand New, old school Blink 182, Matchbook Romance, Bad Religion, and The Ataris. I think that you’ll be hard-pressed to say these guys really sound like anyone else out there though. You won’t notice, because you really won’t care. You’ll be too busy thinking back to when you were a bit younger and experiencing a lot of life for the first time. Sometimes the songs can almost bring a tear to your eyes, and sometimes you won’t be able to help smiling just a little bit.

The boys behind Straitlaced were destined to be musicians. They all come from musically talented families, - AudioXposure.com