BALLYHOO! is undeniably turning the world of music upside down and sideways as they blur the lines between rock, reggae, punk and pop to craft their own hybrid of music that can’t be held down to one definitive genre. This signature sound of theirs is one they have been perfecting since their high school days in Aberdeen, Maryland - the sweet melodic voice of lead singer and guitarist Howi Spangler; the hard hitting beats set forth by brother and drummer Donald “Big D” Spangler; the skillfully added funk of bassist JR Gregory and Scott Vandrey (aka DJ Blaze) rounds it out on the turntables and keys.
BALLYHOO!’s unique sound, hardcore devotion to the road and to their fans, partnered with their irresistible “life of the party” approach have pitched them into the position of America’s favorite feel good party band. They didn’t get here by accident; rather, they had been single-handedly growing their empire through unparalleled hard work and dedication until Jan 2011, when they got a well-deserved nod from LAW Records and were signed to the Hawaii-based independent record label. Yesod Williams of the dub rock music mega-sensation PEPPER and owner of LAW Records says of his newest addition, “Having BALLYHOO! join the LAW Records family is a perfect fit. They are an incredibly talented band with a really catchy style”. Now, with the backing of LAW, 2011 promises to be a paramount year on BALLYHOO!’s trajectory destined for greatness!
BALLYHOO! has toured the country with some of the biggest and most respected names in the reggae rock genre – 311, Authority Zero, Pepper, The Supervillains. “It’s always intimidating when playing for another band’s crowd, you never know how they’re gonna react,” explains front man Howi, “but then you see that they’re enjoying it and the worry goes away. You’re free to rock at that point!”.
BALLYHOO! will start their tour of the southeast with fellow label mates Iration in February 2011. Their rigorous, nonstop nationwide touring schedule has certainly been the catalyst for the exponential growth in their fan base. BALLYHOO! fans are some of the most loyal and enthusiastic fans out there and their love for the band runs deep.
In 2006, BALLYHOO! released Do It For The Money! which “opened a lot of doors for us and spread like wildfire in the underground” says Howi. Their follow up album, Cheers!, was released in May of 2009 and was an opportunity to work with 311’s Scotch Ralston as the producer. In addition, BALLYHOO!’s stellar rendition of “40 Oz. To Freedom” is featured on the compilation album, Forever Free: A Tribute to Sublime, and helped stimulate a surge in their popularity. Fans can also hear their songs on the Rock Band Network and in feature films.
BALLYHOO! currently has a single out on iTunes (“The Front Porch”) and when they aren’t on the road, they are in the studio, finishing their new album, which is slated for release on LAW Records in the summer of 2011.
http://www.ballyhoorocks.com
http://www.facebook.com/Ballyhoo
Radio
Ballyhoo! Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
you walkin next to me
i never felt this pain
i heard my song got played
on the radio today
im happiest this way
oh yeah, is it in my head?
i thought i heard you say
you feel so far away
your lyrics are so lame
so who'd you kill for this
you sing with a closed fist
you only get one wish
oh yeah, is it in my head?
oh yeah, dont kill your radio yet
The lyrics to Ballyhoo!'s song Radio seem to be about the happiness the singer feels when he hears his song being played on the radio. He initially thought it was a dream when he saw someone walking next to him, but the happiness he feels when he hears his song being played on the radio becomes a reality. He's never felt this pain before and he is happiest this way.
In the second verse, it seems like the happy moment is disrupted by someone who doesn't appreciate the singer's music. Someone complains that the lyrics are lame and questions who the singer killed to produce the song. The singer responds by saying that they only get one wish and he's fulfilling his dream by being on the radio.
Overall, the song seems to be about the excitement of having one's music played on the radio, but also the potential negativity that can come with it. It's a reminder to appreciate the moment and not let the negative comments get to you.
Line by Line Meaning
i thought it was a dream
The singer expresses disbelief and confusion about the situation - they cannot believe that they are experiencing what they are experiencing.
you walkin next to me
The singer is referring to the physical presence of another person next to them, and is likely experiencing a sense of joy or excitement as a result.
i never felt this pain
Despite the joy and happiness that the singer is feeling, they are also experiencing pain or discomfort of some kind, either physical or emotional in nature.
i heard my song got played
The artist is referring to a song they have written or recorded, which has recently been played on the radio. This has caused them to feel a sense of success or validation.
on the radio today
The artist is indicating that the song was recently played, and that this is a significant event for them.
im happiest this way
The singer is expressing contentment and satisfaction with their current situation, which may be a result of their recent success or the presence of the person walking next to them.
oh yeah, is it in my head?
The singer is questioning whether their current situation is real or imagined, and may be experiencing feelings of doubt or uncertainty.
oh yeah, dont kill your radio yet
The artist is encouraging themselves (and maybe others) not to give up hope or lose faith in their dreams or aspirations, despite any setbacks or disappointments they may face.
i thought i heard you say
The artist is recalling a moment when they believed they heard someone say something, but they are uncertain if it actually happened or if they are misinterpreting the situation.
you feel so far away
The artist is expressing a sense of distance, either physical or emotional, between themselves and the other person. This may cause them to feel disconnected or lonely.
your lyrics are so lame
The singer is criticizing the other person's lyrics, suggesting that they are unoriginal or uninspired in some way.
so who'd you kill for this
The artist is asking a rhetorical question, implying that the other person is not talented enough to have achieved their success without some sort of underhanded or immoral behavior.
you sing with a closed fist
The singer is making a metaphorical statement, suggesting that the other person is not open or welcoming in their approach to music or life in general.
you only get one wish
The singer is stating a universal truth - that life is short and people only have a limited amount of time and opportunities to achieve their dreams and goals.
Contributed by Max M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.