Beyond their exceptional musicianship and stage presence, these guys write great pop songs: melodic, smart and edgy. Zach and Nathan do most of the writing (though Cameron and Michael weigh in). Moreover, they wield a mature craftsmanship beyond their years."I’m a kid," says lyricist Zach, "so I feel issues a kid my age would listen to. I try not to write every song about a girl." Adds Nathan, "When we first came to this band, we just felt we had to write all the time. That’s all we did. We just developed this cool writing process, and people started liking it." Currently Allstar Weekend is in the studio working the likes of Howard Benson, Eddie Galan, Charlotte Caffey, John Feldman and Dave Bassett.
But long before that, San Diego band’s homegrown demos were good enough to wow siblings Richard and Stefanie Reines, founders of Drive-Thru Records, and now managers of the band. "We don't freak out about bands too often, and we never insist every band we work with is destined for Top 40 success," says Stefanie. "Allstar Weekend is one of those rare instances where we just know they’re going to be huge."Nathan credits his dad for teaching him the finer points of music appreciation. Zach was raised on a steady diet of Bruce Springsteen and Elton John, artists he credits for inspiring his artful approach to songwriting. Cameron fell in love with his parents’ 80's pop classics, from Prince and Michael Jackson to Duran Duran, later graduating to Jimi Hendrix and B.B. King.
Zach and Cameron had been friends since middle school, but the makings of Allstar Weekend didn’t begin until Nathan met Zach later in high school. Though a year apart, they saw in each other kindred musical spirits, and began a string of garage bands. "Then Zach and I decided to take our abilities somewhere else," remembers Nathan. "We wrote songs and recorded in our bedroom, then put the music up on Myspace."
Not long after, first Cameron, then Michael came aboard and the line-up was complete. With key influences like the music of Queen and Blink-182 at their back, the band wasted no time getting serious about developing their careers. "It wasn’t just the artists who inspired us," recalls Zach, "but the producers. We tried to figure out how they made things sound the way they did. It was a trial and error process, and when we first met, it was our entire life. We’d sit there all day figuring out how to get certain tones out of the guitars, how producers tracked vocals, how drums were mixed."
The Walt Disney Company sure noticed. The band was selected to participate in Radio Disney's "Next Big Thing" program, and the reaction was so positive, Hollywood Records grabbed them. So far, they've racked up more than 2.5 million Myspace plays and 50,000 You Tube plays for their video of "Journey To The End Of My Life." In concert, Allstar Weekend has shared the stage with bands like Justin Beiber, Maine, Forever The Sickest Kids, Selena Gomez and Savanna. Typically their live shows turn into a picture-and-autograph frenzy. "A few months ago we didn’t have a single fan," laughs Cameron. "Now we love hanging out with them and getting to know them."
With their new 24/7 whirlwind existence, the members of Allstar Weekend have mastered the art of chilling, and do not take themselves too seriously. Which is a good thing, considering the frenzy is only just beginning. "We never clash and we’re always on the same page," says Nathan. "That’s because we have music in common."
EDIT: Nathan Darmody has since left the band and the boys have left their label Hollywood Records
Discography:
Suddenly (EP) (June 22 2010)
Suddenly Yours (Album) (October 19 2010)
All the Way (Album) (September 27 2011)
The American Dream (EP) (July 3 2012)
Twitter:
www.twitter.com/Allstarweekend
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/allstarweekend
Offical page:
www.allstarweekendrocks.com
A Different Side Of Me
Allstar Weekend Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If my life switched
With the football team
I'd be praised by my friends
If I was driving a Mercedes Benz
What do I know?
What do I know, oh oh
I wanna be
A rock star
A superhero
Living the dream
Doing the things that
I always wanted
I wanna see
My face on the T.V.
With my picture,
On the cover
For my friends to see
A different side of me
I'm barely five foot eight
No muscle man but I can roller skate
Not the biggest sports fan
But the band drives a mean mini van
What do I know?
What do I know, oh oh
I wanna be
A rock star
A superhero
Living the dream
Doing the things that
I always wanted
I wanna see
My face on the T.V.
With my picture,
On the cover
For my friends to see
A different side of me
I know everything
Is gonna change for me
If I can make it then you'll see
That there's a different side of me
I won't be waiting
For my life to pass ahead of me
So I know you'll see
A different side of me
I wanna be
A rock star
A superhero
Living the dream
Doing the things that
I always wanted
I wanna be
A rock star
A superhero
Living the dream
Doing the things that
I always wanted
I wanna see
My face on the T.V.
With my picture,
On the cover
But you'll never have to wonder
'Cause I'm not like all the others
But my friends will see
A different side of me
A different side of me
A different side of me
A different side of me
A different side of me
The lyrics to Allstar Weekend's song A Different Side Of Me express the desire to be someone different, to live a life that's not one's own. The singer imagines what it would be like to be a football player, driving a Mercedes and being praised by friends. He then goes on to contrast this with his current position in life, as a small man who is not a sports fan but is in a band that drives a mean minivan.
The chorus repeats the desire to be a rock star and a superhero, living the dream and doing the things he's always wanted. He imagines his face on TV and his picture on the cover of a magazine, for his friends to see a different side of him. The song ends on a hopeful note that by pursuing his dream he'll be able to show others a different side of himself.
Overall, the song celebrates the desire to break free from societal expectations and pursue one's passions, even if it means being different. It encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and strive for their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
That I'd be living the dream
I thought my life would be perfect and I would achieve all my aspirations.
If my life switched
If I could swap lives with someone.
With the football team
I envy athletes for their fame and fortune.
I'd be praised by my friends
My friends would look up to me and admire me.
If I was driving a Mercedes Benz
If I owned an expensive car, people would be jealous of me.
What do I know?
I am not sure what I want in life or how to achieve it.
I wanna be a rock star
I desire fame and fortune as a musician.
A superhero
I wish to be a fictional character who is idolized for their bravery and strength.
Living the dream
Living a fulfilling life that meets all my desires.
Doing the things that I always wanted
Pursuing my goals and living a life that satisfies me.
I wanna see my face on the T.V.
I long for public recognition and attention.
With my picture, on the cover
I want to be the focus of a magazine or newspaper.
For my friends to see a different side of me
I want my friends to see that I am capable of achieving great things and living a life of success.
I'm barely five foot eight
I am not physically imposing or impressive.
No muscle man but I can roller skate
I don't have a lot of strength or stamina, but I am good at a unique activity.
Not the biggest sports fan
I am not particularly interested in sports.
But the band drives a mean mini van
I belong to a band that is successful or well-known.
I know everything is gonna change for me
I am optimistic about my future and believe that good things are in store for me.
If I can make it then you'll see
If I achieve my goals, people will recognize my potential and success.
That there's a different side of me
People will see that I am capable of achieving great things and living a life of success.
I won't be waiting for my life to pass ahead of me
I am determined to take control of my life and make things happen for myself.
So I know you'll see a different side of me
People will be surprised and impressed by my abilities and success.
But you'll never have to wonder
People won't be surprised by my success because I always knew I had potential.
'Cause I'm not like all the others
I am unique and have my own strengths and abilities that make me stand out.
A different side of me
People will see that I am capable of achieving great things and living a life of success.
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Written by: NATHAN DARMODY, THOMAS NORRIS, ZACHARY PORTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tricia141
THROWBACK WHEN THEY WHERE THE NEXT BIG THING ON DISNEY
@laru2935
He'll yeah bro! I was like 9 years old then and I thought they were cool.
@toastgodrbe6844
YES OMG IM 7-8 Y/O SELF LOVED THIS OMG SKNDSKNDSKSNDKS
@wildhopeXx
Lol wow I was 15 and obsessed with them all through high school
@marcusfullerton9420
I’m 19 years old. Idk why but this song just popped up in my head. I remember when it played on Disney channel
@nouvashenron5564
I'm 28 and I had the same thought 😅
@AlexSmithermergerd
I’m 23 and great minds think alike.
@vazquezc2013
Lmao I'm 27
@AlexSmithermergerd
Twas a time. A simpler time. A synthesizer time.
@PtsbrghPride25
26 😭😂