Have you heard about this radical battle of the bands that Music & Arts happens to be putting on? In case you haven’t, you can check out some information on it here. It plans to be fabulous. It plans to be fun. It plans to be … a battle. In anticipation of the extravaganza, we reached out to all seven finalists and asked them all the same five questions. What shall we do with the five answers we received to the five questions? Well, we shall share them with you. That’s what we shall do. We began with Israel Creek, Nasim Siddeeq, Will Wood And The Tapeworms, Chill Russell, CYRENIC, and now, next up is Elaine Mylius of Mistar Anderson, who will be representin’ Reynoldsburg, Ohio. They’ll be competing tonight (tonight!). The fun begins at 5 p.m. The venue is Champions. Go rock. Go roll.
First, tell us a little about the band. How did it come to be, how long have you been together and how would you describe your music?
Mistar Anderson was formed in 2012. The Columbus, Ohio-based homegrown hip-hop band released their new self-titled album online on June 25. This amazing funk-n-soul, jazz, hip-hop fusion band comes complete with drums, keys, bass, guitar, emcee and horns. The new album coming out was recorded live in the studio together as one unit with hints of improvisation, which is quite obvious when you see it live. The chemistry is undeniable on the record itself and at live performances all over their hometown. They will be touring very soon after the record drops and aspire to head overseas to share with the world a taste of what they have made.
Have you ever competed in a battle of the bands before? If so, how did you do? If not, do you have a strategy going into this competition?
We recently won the New Belgium Tour deFat Battle of the Bands in Columbus, Ohio, on July 1. Our reward was opening for a national act called Small Pools at Express Live! (in Columbus, Ohio). Our strategy is to trust our instincts and have as much fun playing the music as possible.
What do you think is the most perfect song ever written and why?
Good question. Every song is perfect in its own way, but “The Rite of Spring” is just one that I find truly epic.
What’s the best part about working for Music & Arts?
I think my favorite part of working for Music & Arts is seeing my students improve. I also love the friends I’ve made since working there!
And finally, how would you spend the $1,000 gift card, should you take home first place?
If we win, we will probably use the prize money to upgrade our equipment.
