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SPECIAL TO THE NEWS SENTINEL
The members of 1220 — from left, Alex Trammell, Albert Flash, Ricky Dover, Bill Van Vleet and Jacob Gibson — say any mystery about what they’re all about is cleared up in their live shows.
RELATED LINKS
MP3: song from 1220's new album Don't Mind Me |
Also on the bill: The American Plague, Psychotic Behavior
Where: Pilot Light
When: 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15
Admission: $10
Against the odds of its youth, local band 1220 strikes a chord with audiences of all ages, and additionally has won specific appreciation from many well-versed fellow musicians, who often prove the toughest critics. With an impressive stash of high-school battle-of-the-bands titles under their belts, the five overachievers anxiously await the release of their upcoming debut and the airplay that will inevitably accompany it.
The band's music appears on local radio waves with a frequency to rival any of Usher's IQ-lowering singles, yet 1220 mysteriously manages to perpetually draw requests without leaving listeners feeling overdosed, thus affirming a sense of timelessness in a relatively short period of time. The official debut album will increase the variety of 1220 songs available to the public outside of shows, and requests for the new tracks have already begun. The actual release of the album may not take place for another month, but previews can already be obtained via radio request. The time-consuming process of recording was further complicated through segmented recordings in a number of studios throughout Tennessee.
"It all turned out really well," says vocalist Jacob Gibson. "I think the fact we recorded it in different places helped the sound of it. There's a lot of variation on it. The majority of the songs are upbeat, which I guess works for your first album. Something snappy. But the future of 1220 might be a little different than what's on this CD. We've already got the second album on our minds."
After graduating from high school this summer, 1220 will dedicate even more time to its work as the band intends to remain intact. The performance schedule will pick up steam starting this week. Group members say the live show is a crucial aspect of their music.
"What I've noticed is that people don't really seem to understand 1220 until they see the show," says bassist Albert Flash. "They hear a song or two on the radio, and it sounds so different, they have no idea what we might look like. They come to the show, and they understand. All the pieces sort of come together. There's a lot of emphasis on our shows because we can give the audience a lot more than we can on the radio. And the way we look is so important. The way we come across on stage really affects the way people will hear the songs on the CD."
Saturday, 1220 will perform among an impressive lineup in a fairly historic show for the Pilot Light. For only the second time ever, the venue will sacrifice its beer sales to admit fans of all ages. Such a show came about largely under the influence of the renowned American Plague, whose members very openly endorse and promote younger local acts in whom they see strong potential.
"The American Plague sort of feeds off this reputation of being very critical of music," says Gibson. "I don't think they'd mind me saying that. They're very honest. To hear that a band known for being edgy and consistently honest has given their approval is very flattering. These guys were around before we even started. I remember listening to them when I was in middle school. It's definitely a great compliment."
The lineup of 1220, melodic metal band Psychotic Behavior and headliners the American Plague was originally slated to appear at Sharky's on Halloween, but the venue's cancellation of the gig left participating acts fuming and even more determined to see the show go through. Saturday afternoon's sober rebellion gets under way at 3 p.m. and costs $10. Later that evening, Pilot Light will top off the doubleheader hosting yet another show at 10,. featuring My Way My Love, Divorce and Fecal Japan. Admission for that show is $5. Rock lovers should pack a lunch and spend the entire day at Pilot Light.
Today, 1220 can be heard on 105.3 FM from 5-5:30 p.m. The group will give a brief interview before performing a handful of songs live. For more 1220 news and schedule updates, visit www.1220band.com.
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