By
Adam Pugh
Transition to major label provides greater exposure, less artistic freedom for the rock band
Bands tend to seek approval from their listeners. But when one of those listeners is Jon Bon Jovi, the recognition is just a little sweeter.
At least it was for SR-71, who joins the Bon Jovi tour after the singer called the band's agent upon hearing the band's debut album.
"I was like 'he didn't call!'" Mitch Allen, lead singer and guitarist for SR-71, said. "He (Bon Jovi) called our agent and said he loved the band and the record and wanted us on the tour."
SR-71 continues to tour in support of its debut album Now You See Inside, released over a year ago in the United States.
The group was formed in Washington D.C., playing small venues for a few years before releasing an independently produced CD. The group's plain old rock 'n' roll style rock attracted many listeners, but SR-71 did not stand out among its musical peers.
Still, the group remained true to its sound and soon accumulated a larger local fan base.
"We're a rock band pure and simple," Allen said. "The connection of being in touch with the crowd really helped us to gain fans."
Allen produced the band's first independent release based on experiences he had helping other local bands. The album caused record companies to take notice, and SR-71 was eventually picked up by RCA. Allen said the group's decision to go with the label would be best for all its members.
"It's been great, the record went gold and we have gotten airplay everywhere," Allen said.
Playing the independent circuit for so long left the group wondering if the transition to a major label was the right choice. Giving up control of its music has been hard for the group, Allen said, but the group enjoys the success that major label affiliation has yielded.
"We prefer the control of being an indie artist, but we need major labels for the exposure," Allen said. "True artistic vision comes from the indies, but I like the success of being famous."
The group will return to the studio in September after a much-needed vacation, Allen said. The members of SR-71 said they hope their new album will be different from their last release, saying it would have a more mature sound to it.
"I think it (the new album) will give an impression of who we really are as a group," Allen said.
Despite wanting to move on with major record labels, Allen said he feels put off by the huge venues - the atmosphere leaves him feeling alienated from the crowd when he plays.
"On the stages you can't see anything, but as long as the crowd lets me know that they are out there it gets better," Allen said. "I may not like the big venues, but this is huge exposure for us."
Now that SR-71 has achieved a fair amount of success, Allen said the band has more freedom to be what it wants to be. Still, with the wide range exhibited on its debut album, the group is left wondering where it should go in terms of musical genre. But Allen said this flexibility shouldn't be hard to manage.
"We're an American rock band, so the genre depends on the song," he said.
