Rage Tribute Band
Christian Alcantara www.facebook.com/TheBattleOfLosAngeles
October 16th, 2014
Christian Alcantara www.facebook.com/TheBattleOfLosAngeles
October 16th, 2014
The lights go out and in the darkness a cosmos of flickering
cell phones, red Exit signs, and neon bar signs. Your senses turn to
sound: the slither of amp wires, squeal of guitar tuning pegs, and crackle of
plastic cups sputtering beer froth forth across the creaky wooden floor.
Then it starts. Just a few chords needed and boom!
Instantaneously you are synchronized and awoken again to those moments from the past. Driving all night with friends to the dulcet groans of Kurt Cobain. The first Metallica concert you attended with blistering zeitgeist and an ill-advised crowd surfing attempt. That lingering acoustic guitar note which led to your first kiss.
Or, perhaps, that moment when your doe-eyed social consciousness found a fiery anthem that began with, "Killing in the name of…"
For the last seven years Christian Alcantara has been balancing a professional career while crushing some sick-ass lyrics on stage as frontman for the Rage Against the Machine tribute band, The Battle of Los Angeles, and new 90’s cover band, No Alternative.
Then it starts. Just a few chords needed and boom!
Instantaneously you are synchronized and awoken again to those moments from the past. Driving all night with friends to the dulcet groans of Kurt Cobain. The first Metallica concert you attended with blistering zeitgeist and an ill-advised crowd surfing attempt. That lingering acoustic guitar note which led to your first kiss.
Or, perhaps, that moment when your doe-eyed social consciousness found a fiery anthem that began with, "Killing in the name of…"
For the last seven years Christian Alcantara has been balancing a professional career while crushing some sick-ass lyrics on stage as frontman for the Rage Against the Machine tribute band, The Battle of Los Angeles, and new 90’s cover band, No Alternative.
BHM: How did you create your band and what inspired you to cover RATM?
Christian: My original hardcore band – Start the End – had lost our drummer and fell apart. While searching for a new hardcore crew on Craigslist, I kept coming across an ad looking for a Rage Against the Machine tribute band singer. I didn't take it very seriously at first, but after a few fruitless weeks of searching, decided to respond to the ad and reconnect with my inner Rage.
BHM: What are some misconceptions about tribute bands?
Christian: There's often a misunderstanding about the intention of the band itself. Are we trying to mimic or appear to be the band, create an artistic interpretation of the music, or simply showcase great music from a band we love the best way that we can. The pure definition of a tribute band is to pay homage and respect, which I guess can manifest itself in many different ways, so there really isn't a right or wrong way. The Battle of Los Angeles probably leans closer to a showcase, although with a lot of soul and high energy.
The best compliment we can get is that we are the next best thing to seeing the actual band. We want to provide our fans the best and most comparable experience to seeing a live Rage show. A raw performance without any of the cheese-factor like costumes and wigs (although there is nothing wrong with bands that do that). We do like to use some multimedia video and effects that will fit the music and add context to the songs.
I'd argue that the REAL fans are the people that come to tribute band shows. People that hate on our tribute band, most likely have never seen us play. Come see us first before you pass judgment. If you loved Rage, you'd love us!
Christian: My original hardcore band – Start the End – had lost our drummer and fell apart. While searching for a new hardcore crew on Craigslist, I kept coming across an ad looking for a Rage Against the Machine tribute band singer. I didn't take it very seriously at first, but after a few fruitless weeks of searching, decided to respond to the ad and reconnect with my inner Rage.
BHM: What are some misconceptions about tribute bands?
Christian: There's often a misunderstanding about the intention of the band itself. Are we trying to mimic or appear to be the band, create an artistic interpretation of the music, or simply showcase great music from a band we love the best way that we can. The pure definition of a tribute band is to pay homage and respect, which I guess can manifest itself in many different ways, so there really isn't a right or wrong way. The Battle of Los Angeles probably leans closer to a showcase, although with a lot of soul and high energy.
The best compliment we can get is that we are the next best thing to seeing the actual band. We want to provide our fans the best and most comparable experience to seeing a live Rage show. A raw performance without any of the cheese-factor like costumes and wigs (although there is nothing wrong with bands that do that). We do like to use some multimedia video and effects that will fit the music and add context to the songs.
I'd argue that the REAL fans are the people that come to tribute band shows. People that hate on our tribute band, most likely have never seen us play. Come see us first before you pass judgment. If you loved Rage, you'd love us!
BHM: How do you connect with and build your audience?
Christian: We use Facebook and word of mouth as the main tools of band promotion. We often book gigs with other tribute bands, including the premier Tool tribute band, Schism. Our bands work together to host a boat party which, this October, hits its 7th year and has been consistently sold out the last few years. It's a great opportunity to perform, expand our audience, and of course drink on a boat alongside the great sites of NYC.
Our fans are amazing. Their loyalty is humbling! We are always happy to take photos with fans and sign autographs once we are sure that they know we're not ACTUALLY Rage Against the Machine (yes, it happens). Plus our loyal fans are always good for a few free rounds of drink after the show.
BHM: Any observations about contemporary rock or the NYC band/venue scene?
Christian: I often hear people saying how rock music is no longer good anymore. In my opinion, the last real monumental movements in rock were around the time grunge hit. Hey- if what they say is true that music today is not as good as music before- then no better time to fire up some nostalgia with live performances of awesome songs from the 90s like Nirvana, Rage and Radiohead. So, support you local tribute band! 'Cause today's music sucks.
Christian: We use Facebook and word of mouth as the main tools of band promotion. We often book gigs with other tribute bands, including the premier Tool tribute band, Schism. Our bands work together to host a boat party which, this October, hits its 7th year and has been consistently sold out the last few years. It's a great opportunity to perform, expand our audience, and of course drink on a boat alongside the great sites of NYC.
Our fans are amazing. Their loyalty is humbling! We are always happy to take photos with fans and sign autographs once we are sure that they know we're not ACTUALLY Rage Against the Machine (yes, it happens). Plus our loyal fans are always good for a few free rounds of drink after the show.
BHM: Any observations about contemporary rock or the NYC band/venue scene?
Christian: I often hear people saying how rock music is no longer good anymore. In my opinion, the last real monumental movements in rock were around the time grunge hit. Hey- if what they say is true that music today is not as good as music before- then no better time to fire up some nostalgia with live performances of awesome songs from the 90s like Nirvana, Rage and Radiohead. So, support you local tribute band! 'Cause today's music sucks.
BHM: How do you balance your full-time work and band schedule?
Christian: I am the kind of person that likes to keep busy. My day job has nothing to do with music. But, in the evening, I get to let loose and rock out. That in itself is a great balance. I look forward to rehearsal. It's a simple formula: the more you practice, the more songs you can play. So, we are driven to rehearse as often as possible.
BHM: How is No Alternative different than Battle of LA?
Christian: It's an honor to be part of those bands and surrounded by so many talented musicians. The difference between No Alternative and The Battle of Los Angeles is the singing. I can sing, but have a limited in range with Rage- if you don't count screaming- so it’s exciting to be able to have more versatility with No Alternative. We've been developing into an amazing live karaoke band, and once we hit the stage, we’ll take you right back to that place in time you heard it for the first time. Check us out here: https://www.facebook.com/noalternativeband.