October, 2011 Issue

Not A Planet

In the 60s and 70s, during the early days of rock and roll, innovation and originality were king. As listeners, the discovery of new music was first and foremost word-of-mouth based, and it was the vendors who would aid in that discovery. Record store employees knew your name and your taste in music. They read the industry news, frequented concerts and were more concerned with turning you on to something new and cool. Now, in the age of the Internet and social media, pop stars appear to explode into fame and burn out even faster. Instead of finding new music in the record stores, we seek the latest viral sensation. The media pays more attention to expensive stage shows than the content behind them and some people in my generation think rock roll is truly a dying breed. But If rock and roll is breathing a death rattle then how can one explain the super stardom of groups like the Chili Peppers, Radiohead and more recently the Kings of Leon? There's a goldmine of new rock and roll thanks to online media and college and satellite radio. Although musical discovery has changed dramatically for listeners, the artists creating the timeless music we grow to love still travel the same hard road.

Constantly pounding the pavement and touring, Not A Planet, an indie rock trio, is living the classic and endearing rock and roll story. They spend hours every day practicing and writing music,tuning it to perfection for the masses. In between rehearsals and performances you can find them booking shows and taking on the responsibilities that most touring bands need a label to achieve. While they do not have the same big budget as major label acts, they do have a stranglehold on the throat of rock and roll and an ability to summon the gods of rock to deliver electrifying concerts.

Nathan Corsi, lead guitar and vocals, has a voice that falls somewhere between Robert Plant and Jeff Buckley. His lead guitar work is tasty and thoughtful. Without any unnecessary notes, he plays to elicit the moment in the music. Energy... Did I mention energy? Hold onto your seat. This guy feels every moment. If drummer, Liam Sumnicht had any more fun on stage, he would have to be medicated. From jumping up and crashing down on the cymbals in "Please Don't Go," to well timed stick throws, he is spot on and is clearly in love with playing.

Ryan Martin, the bassist, holds down delectable bass runs that get your groove on. Occasionally he can be seen jumping from speaker towers and risers a la Pete Townsend. This is truly rock and roll.

Corsi is the main songwriter for this group, and he gets by with a little help from his friends. "We hope to deliver music that doesn't have a time stamp, and when you play it 10 or 20 years from today it's as fresh as the day we made it."

BOOK IT! For more information on Not A Planet, contact notaplanetband@gmail.com or 913.815.0467 It's a perfect blend of rock and folk with pop sensibilities.