New Politics Interview

New Politics will be headlining the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in Raleigh tomorrow, April 13.  They will usher in the racers as they complete the challenging marathon or half marathon run.  Lead vocalist, David Boyd, took time to speak with The Triangle Beat about their journey to success, the culture shock of coming to America, and hopes for the future.



New Politics is comprised of three talented musicians:  David Boyd (lead vocals), Soren Hansen (guitar, bass, vocals, keys), and Louis Vecchio (drums).  Hansen and Boyd decided to make the huge move from Denmark to the United States after winning a contest that propelled their careers.  Originally, the third member and drummer was Poul Amaliel, but after spending some time in the U.S., he opted to move back home.  Soon after, Louis Vecchio of Long Island, NY auditioned by sending the two remaining members a video of him playing "Back that Ass Up" by Juvenile.  This caught the attention of Boyd and Hansen and the trio became the official New Politics.




Boyd stated that the move from Denmark to the U.S. proved to be culturally shocking.   However, the group loves the American idea that hard work pays off because they have been working non-stop for the past four years.  When Hansen and Boyd first arrived in New York, they were living off of ramen and barely had enough money to pay their rent.

Stress and panic took over at times, but they channeled those feelings to create genuine music.  Their second album, Bad Girl in Harlem, is all about that struggle.  It pans over the past three years, telling stories of missing home, meeting new people, and living unforgettable experiences.  Boyd admits that there is in fact, a bad girl in Harlem, "...there are probably several of them, actually," he jokes, but "Harlem" is based on his experience with one particular bad girl.  New Politics thrives on taking those every day events and turning them into catchy, fun, and danceable tunes.  

A New Politics show offers an endless amount of energy and enthusiasm.  Boyd has been dancing since he was very young and he tries to incorporate his skills into the show as much as possible.  It isn't unusual to see him doing full back flips on stage as he did on a Late Night with Seth Meyers show recently.  Although dancing is a strong love, music always comes first in his life, it's been his escape for several years.  All three members contribute to writing their songs, so Bad Girl in Harlem combines the experiences of each band member.  

How does the future look for New Politics?  Pretty golden, actually.  The group is constantly touring, trying to reach as many fans as possible.  They will begin their summer tour with Paramore and Fall Out Boy in June, which hits Raleigh on July 22 at Walnut Creek.  Before touring though, they have some time off in New York and hope to write material for a new album.

Catch them live tomorrow, April 13, at Raleigh's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon.  They are set to take the Red Hat Amphitheater stage around 10:30 as the runners approach the finish line.  It's free to the public, so come on out, cheer on the runners, support the community, and rock out to New Politics.

Local Bands Announced for the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon

On April 13 over 12,000 runners will takeover downtown Raleigh for the 2014 Rock 'n' Roll Marathon. WRAL is hosting the race and proceeds will benefit the Jimmy V Foundation.  This is a unique event that unites an entire community with local artists, cheerleaders, dance teams, and friends and families of the runners.




Lining the streets of Raleigh to encourage those runners will be 29 local bands.  The list is impressive and covers every type of genre imaginable.  From the Americana sounds of Saints Apollo to Irish punk with My Three Kilts, all music lovers will be covered and the runners will stay motivated.  This is great exposure for the local artists because 40% of the runners are from out-of-town, so they can see our beautiful capital city while listening to our expansive musical talent. Some of the landmarks to be seen on the course are the Governor's Mansion, Rose Garden, Pullen Park, Oakwood neighborhood, and the Daily Planet at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences.  The marathoners will cross the finish line on Fayettville Street.  See the complete listing of bands, locations, and play times here.






Welcoming the runners and their fans at the finish line will be New Politics.  They are performing at 10:30 on the Red Hat Amphitheater stage.  This group has had a successful year with a warm reception to their latest album, Bad Girl in Harlem.  Between performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live and touring with Fall Out Boy and Paramore, this band is experiencing a whole new level of success. To read more about New Politics, check out our previously posted profile.  Also performing on the Red Hat stage at noon is local southern roots band, Old Habits.  This group came together in 2003 and has been playing around the Triangle ever since.



An event this size wouldn't be possible without some community volunteers.  There are positions available at the start line, the finish line, along the course, and at the Health and Fitness Expo.  If you know someone in the race or want to help your community, consider becoming a member of the Race Crew.  For more details, check out the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon website.

Last Call for Local Bands!

The deadline is quickly approaching for local bands to register for the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in Raleigh  on April 13, 2014.  The final registration day is this Friday, February 21.  

With a newly approved course in hand, race organizers are moving forward with the next steps of planning a world-class running event, with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Raleigh Marathon & ½ Marathon Presented by WRAL Benefiting The V Foundation.

The unique, entertainment themed race will feature the best sights of Raleigh, and its best sounds too. Live, local bands will play each mile of the 26.2-mile course, providing motivation, entertainment and a taste of Raleigh’s music scene to thousands of visiting runners. Bands from across the region are encouraged to apply online. More information is available at RunRocknRoll.com/Raleigh.

 

Participants will experience sights like the Governor's Mansion, Rose Garden, Oakwood neighborhood, Pullen Park, and the North Carolina State campus and will finish in downtown Raleigh near the Red Hat Amphitheater  where they can gather with friends and family for the post race concert with headliners, New Politics.  



The racers will be ushered in with the alt-rock sounds of New Politics.  This group has had an exciting year with their hit song "Harlem" appearing in a trailer for Disney's Frozen and commercials for Windows 8 and Taco Bell.  According to an interview with suntimes.com, Boyd wrote this song after a fling with a girl from Spanish Harlem.  Since then, the band has had the fortune to travel with fellow rockers, 30 Seconds to Mars, Fall Out Boy, and Pink.


The show is free and open to the public.  The Triangle Beat will keep you posted on updates for the race and bands that will perform. For more information, head to the Rock 'n' Roll Raleigh website.
 

New Politics Headline the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon

The inaugural Raleigh Rock 'n' Roll marathon will take place Sunday, April 13. The event is presented by WRAL and will benefit the Jimmy V Foundation. 12,500 marathoners are set to run the streets of Raleigh surrounded by encouraging spectators, motivating cheerleaders, and of course, bands.


Local musicians are encouraged to apply to play along the course on race day.  This is a great opportunity to be heard by visitors from all around.  Interested bands should apply online.

Volunteers are also needed to help this event run smoothly.  Positions for the Race Crew are available along the course, at the starting line, finish line, and the Health and Fitness Expo. Volunteering is the perfect way to be involved with the community while cheering on family and friends.

The racers will be ushered in with the alt-rock sounds of New Politics.  This group has had an exciting year with their hit song "Harlem" appearing in a trailer for Disney's Frozen and commercials for Windows 8 and Taco Bell.  According to an interview with suntimes.com, Boyd wrote this song after a fling with a girl from Spanish Harlem.  Since then, the band has had the fortune to travel with fellow rockers, 30 Seconds to Mars, Fall Out Boy, and Pink.

New Politics - "Dignity"

It took some time for the native Denmark members of the band to adjust to American life.  Two current band members, frontman David Boyd and guitarist Soren Hansen, moved from Copenhagen to Brooklyn in 2009. After touring for their first two years in the states, culture shock and home sickness settled in for the mates. The group wasn't used to the financial struggles of an up-and-coming band due to growing up in socialist Denmark, where poverty isn't an issue.  Due to this struggle, the original drummer, Poul Amaliel, returned to Denmark in 2010.  Native New Yorker, Louis Vecchio stepped in and has been with the group ever since.

New Politics will perform at the finish line at Red Hat Amphitheater on race day.  The show is free and open to the public.  The Triangle Beat will keep you posted on updates for the race and bands that will perform. For more information, head to the Rock 'n' Roll Raleigh website.


Sources:   runrocknroll.competitor.com/raleigh
               suntimes.com
               newpoliticsrock.com