Revolutionary Side Effects

Revolutionary Side Effects (RSE)


Written by Nancy Bianconi

Did you hear that there is a new EP just released called "North Hollywood"? You heard right. I am interviewing Josh Baldwin (Drums, Percussion) and Mike Blumberg (Guitar, Vocals, Keys, Bass) of Revolutionary Side Effects (RSE).

Nancy: How was RSE formed?

Josh: Mike and I both simultaneously were looking to start a new project and were searching for the right musicians. We actually met each other through an ad I placed on Craigslist.

Mike: We got together for the first time in a NoHo rehearsal space on Cleon St. (Coincidentally, Mike's Father lived on Cleon St. in NoHo since birth and moved to Baltimore at the age of 6.)

Josh: We quickly realized that together, we had a very unique sound, like a guitar/drum rhythm section. We began cultivating our craft and after only a few short months, we formed "Revolutionary Side Effects." One of our first gigs together was performing at the 2005 NoHo Theatre & Arts Festival.

Nancy: Where are you originally from?

Michael: Josh is a L.A. native and I am a transplant from Baltimore, MD. Josh has lived in NoHo for about ten years and performed in several local Indie-Pop/Rock bands like Stew, The Negro Problem, Third Grade Teacher and Ferdinand. I came out to L.A. after co-producing 2 albums and playing lead guitar with a Baltimore based rock band called The Hank.

Nancy: Where has RSE been playing?

Josh: Throughout the past few years, we've toured on both US coasts and a few states in between. RSE also performed at the 2007 Wakarusa Music Festival in Lawrence, KS, alongside bands like Medeski, Martin & Wood, Little Feat and Ben Harper.

Michael: We've also been invited to open shows for some incredible acts like Maceo Parker (James Brown, P-Funk & Prince), Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Les Claypool's Electric Apricot and The Samples. Our recent EP release party featured several guest musicians including the Regiment Horns (Mary J. Blige, Busta Rhymes, Chaka Khan).

Nancy: Now tell me about the "North Hollywood" EP.

Michael: Our recent release, “North Hollywood”, was written, recorded, mixed and produced it at our Cleon St. rehearsal studio. Musically and visually, the EP is representative of the our take on NoHo's culture, combined with its sights and sounds. We've recently had the honor of some radio airplay for our song "Look Me Up" on our local radio station, 90.7FM, KPFK.

Josh: Also, we just finished the production of an Electronic Press Kit/Mini Documentary with the help of great friend, Tim Ciancio, at Indie Visuals Independent Productions. The video paints a picture of the band’s story and the process of producing the “North Hollywood” EP. To check out this video as well as other live show footage, just go to our YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/rseband.

Nancy: Why is the EP called North Hollywood?

Josh: We decided to title the new EP "North Hollywood" as a form of tribute to our hometown. We can't deny the influence of our surroundings and North Hollywood has definitely been a big part of defining our sound as a band. This was our way of saying thanks.

Mike: To me, it represents RSE’s take on both the sounds and imagery that North Hollywood emits.

Nancy: What do you like/dislike about NoHo?

Josh: I really love the "cultural experiment gone right" element of North Hollywood. To me, it represents the best aspects of what L.A. is really all about.

Mike: I like that Hollywood feels like a house, but NoHo feels like a home. This city is filled with great food, people and culture. However, I would like to see more live music occurring here a.s.a.p.

Nancy: What advice would we give to a new band looking to record an EP?

Josh: I'd say that a young band coming up today should be true to their own sound, no matter what trends are happening in music at the time. There is an audience for everything and people really do appreciate a band that takes chances.

Mike: I would tell any new bands to research the music industry’s current trends and resources, put together a plan for success and build solid network. The business of getting your music out there is just as important as how proud you are of your record. Make sure to have fun with music and get what’s inside of you on tape before letting in any outside influence.

Nancy: What is your dream?

Josh: My dream, both personally and for RSE, is to use my ability to make music, to affect people in a positive way. If I can make one person dance, I've done a good thing.

Mike: During some RSE live show moments, our improvised music lifts me to a heightened state of awareness. I feel a physical connection with both the music and the people around me. A dream would be to have the opportunity to perform an entire show at this musical peak and share it with a very large audience.

Nancy: Check out Revolutionary Side Effects at: www.rseband.com. *Listen to samples and/or purchase RSE’s “North Hollywood” EP through the band website or via any of the following: www.cdbaby.com www.Itunes.com www.Amazon.com YOU won’t be disappointed - NoHoArtsDistric.com

*"I really enjoyed what I heard! Red Rocks could possibly be in your future. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to help you fellas out!"
(Marie, HomeGrown Music Network rep.)

*"You guys sound great!"
(Dennis Chambers - Santana, P-Funk, John Scofield)

*"Hey guys - Just wanted to say I got your CD somehow, I think when we toured out west last time and listening to it now - you guys sound great. Keep it up."
(Tim Palmieri from The Breakfast)

*"I listened, and I love it!"
(Brad - goodunsignedbands.com)

*"Hey yall, if you didn't already know, these cats are muthaf**kas!"
(Global Funk Council)

*"Nice wah work on Rollin' 68!"
(Avi Bortnick - John Scofield Band)

- N/A