CHESWICK was formed in June 2000 by Nathan Wojahn (100 WORDS FOR SNOW, GEHENNA) and Whyte (also from 100 WORDS FOR SNOW, PAGE), who had answered a flyer posted at a local cafe by guitarist Sach Sabhlok (whose credits include bassist of BANK OF BRIAN). After a dizzying period of bassist tryouts, Ryan Walker (from DRAWING FOR APRIL) was finally selected because, as guitarist/vocalist Whyte puts it, "he was just such a nice guy." With a stable lineup, CHESWICK began the songwriting process, which was a highly collaborative event.
"We're very much a pieced-together band," says Whyte. "We'll take ideas from Sach and work them so much, you can't tell what the original idea was." With a few key local shows under their belt (though collectively, they've played hundreds of shows with independent rock forerunners such as JIMMY EAT WORLD, GET UP KIDS, NO KNIFE and the PROMISE RING), it was time to head into the studio and create a release. Enter the seven-song Better Than My Best Dream.
Produced locally at For The Record by Paul Miner (DEATH BY STEREO), Better Than My Best Dream features the intricate guitar picking of Sabhlok and Whyte, Wojahn's dynamic yet solid drumming, foundation-laying low end from Walker's bass and Whyte's skillfully controlled vocal melodies.
Better Than My Dream serves more than just a release under the band's belt, as it is also an intimate introduction to just what CHESWICK is. A fusion of murmuring indie pop, full-force melodicore and the occassional experimental touch guarantees that CHESWICK's sound perpetually stays at the forefront of the independent rock scene, without being too overbearingly pretentious.
CHESWICK hopes to expand its fanbase by taking its show on the road, including a planned West Coast stint at the end of this summer. Accessible to all ears, CHESWICK's sound ensures that there's something for just about everyone.
Biography by Waleed Rashidi 4/01
Limelight
Cheswick Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's so much here that will eat you alive
So let's drive tonight
On one-way roads to homes of angels
Come in, feel the limelight
Caring can wait
Up to never have to give in
To anyone ever again?
Caring can wait
In Cheswick's song Limelight, the first verse warns about the risks and dangers that come along when one is in the limelight, hence saying "There's so much here that will eat you alive." Despite the risks, they suggest the idea of going on a drive to see the road less taken, leading to "homes of angels." It signifies taking a break from the pressures and chaos of the limelight and finding comfort and peace elsewhere.
The chorus repeats "Caring can wait," indicating that while the limelight is present, it's essential to understand that it could be fleeting. One must focus on their career and be vigilant to influence their audience and maintain their position. The bridge though, "How much would you give up to never have to give in To anyone ever again," indicates the stress and pressure that comes along with the showbiz industry. The limelight holds the power to gain fame, but it restricts one from freedom and personal choices.
Line by Line Meaning
I hope you know what you're doing
I hope you're aware of the consequences of your actions and decisions.
There's so much here that will eat you alive
There are many things here that will have a negative impact on you and may even destroy you.
So let's drive tonight
Let's take action to escape from our problems and challenges tonight.
On one-way roads to homes of angels
Let's go on a journey to a peaceful place, free from troubles and worries.
Come in, feel the limelight
Join me in experiencing the attention and admiration of others.
Caring can wait
Taking care of others can wait, let's focus on our own needs and desires first.
How much would you give
What sacrifices are you willing to make?
Up to never have to give in
To avoid having to submit or surrender to anyone or anything.
To anyone ever again?
To any person or situation in the future.
Contributed by Chase R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@cubansmurf
:( I really liked this band. What happened to you guys? It's been over 6 or 7 years since I've heard anything about you.