The Science Fair
Detroit, Michigan, United States | SELF
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Jazz-funk-rockers the Science Fair’s new 4-track EP is good fun. Much like similarly minded local bands the Sugar People and the Infatuations, the Science Fair obviously have great affection for ‘70s disco and funk, and yet they keep out the cheese by allowing the riffs to hit hard when necessary. It veers a little close to George Michael territory on occasion, but overall there’s much to enjoy here.
- Metro Times
Five Detroit bands will vie for the chance to represent Detroit “Rock City” in a Battle of the Bands on March 11 at 8 p.m. at Hard Rock Cafe Detroit.
Chosen by an esteemed panel of musical expert judges, the final five competing bands will include The Wall Clocks, The Science Fair, Daniel Harrison & The $2 Highway, Levi Moore & The Difference and Evening in Red.
Judges for the battle include Melody Baetens, musician, entertainment writer for The Detroit News and co-owner of Small’s restaurant, Aimee Spencer, local event coordinator, music producer and owner of Spencer Ink and Gary Graff, award-winning music journalist, author and music writer for Billboard Magazine and The Oakland Press. WRIF Rock Girl Marisa will emcee the event.
The Detroit Battle winner will go on to compete nationally for the opportunity to perform on the main stage at London’s Hyde Park during Hard Rock Calling 2011, a three-day music festival.
A panel of acclaimed industry experts will judge the band at the national level, including Little Steven Van Zandt of the legendary E Street Band, Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, Live Nation Vice President of Promotions Toby Leighton-Pope, Hard Rock International Chief Marketing Officer John Galloway and Absolute Radio Director of Marketing Clare Baker, will help narrow down the choices from across the globe. The top bands will then be posted on www.hardrock.com, and their fate put in the hands of rock fans worldwide who will vote on their favorites.
Four finalists will be flown to London and given a spot on the bill at Hard Rock Calling 2011 in London’s Hyde Park. The band that receives the most votes will take the Main Stage at Hard Rock Calling, with the runners-up rockin’ out on the Second Stage.
- MotorcityBlog
Discography
Deal it Like Drugs EP - 2007
Make It True EP - 2009
Ready Like A Radio EP - 2011
Odd Years EP - 2013
Photos
Bio
A 21st Century band with a 20th Century groove.
The chemistry of sound, the alchemy of rhythm, and the physics of the beat all come together in the form of pop rockers, The Science Fair. Founders Chris Heine (guitar) and Chris Young (bass) shared a mutual love of jazz and funk, but when combined with fellow Scientists Nigel Hemmye (synth/keyboard), Jonathan Davis (drums) and Brian Bills (vocals/guitar), the result was something altogether different.
Calling themselves The Science Fair, their sound coalesced into a blend of rock that took elements of 80s New Romantics like Roxy Music and Simple Minds, and modern dance oriented rock like !!! and the Killers. After a series of performances in southeast Michigan, the band began work on their first full length release.
Theres a twisted sensibility to The Science Fair, in that the upbeat tunes mask darker lyrics, dealing primarily in the convoluted dynamic of human relationships. Disinterested lovers speak honestly about cheating and sexual manipulation is confessed as dysfunction is dismissed as the norm. And its all done with an equal dose of humor at the ridiculousness of it all, a reflection of the times were living in.
While the initial influences are clear, theres also something distinctly Detroit about The Science Fair as well. The sonic fusion of genres in a way that makes sense has precedents in groups as diverse as Was (Not Was), the White Stripes, and Funkadelic. The Science Fair steps to the plate, proud of its heritage, but not looking to mimic anyone thats come before.
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