Since launching his career as a 16-year-old with the independently released The Rocket Summer EP, a name he took from a Ray Bradbury short story, Bryce has toured around the world, selling out venues not just in the US, but Canada, the UK, Australia, and Japan, while playing such noted events as UK’s Glastonbury Festival, Scotland’s T in the Park, Japan’s Summer Sonic Festival, Australia’s Soundwave Festival, Austin City Limits, SXSW, Bamboozle, Cornerstone and the 2007 and 2010 Vans Warped Tour. “I try to write songs the whole world would want to sing along to but I also want to make an album of genuine and honest songs written from my heart that musically and lyrically are better than anything I have done before and above all will be an album that would hopefully move and affect people. For me it's all about focusing everything you have on making the greatest music you can without banking on anything else. I'm grateful to be doing this and I want to do this for the right reasons."
For someone as spiritually motivated as Avary, that means he focuses on the struggles and victories of life’s often-challenging journey in his most recent release on Island Def Jam Records titled Of Men and Angels as well as on the current album he is recording. Of Men and Angels was release in February 2010, and debuted as the No.1 Album on iTunes surpassing The Black Eyed Peas’ The E.N.D., which had previously held the No.1 spot for Top Album. The album debuted #38 on the Billboard 200 and # 4 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums charts. This is just one instance of how Avary’s loyal hardcore fan base has supported The Rocket Summer throughout the years. This also explains the kind of viral following that turned the video for “Do You Feel” into an Internet phenomenon. With guest appearances by Paramore, Relient K, All Time Low, Jack’s Mannequin, Forever the Sickest Kids, MxPx, Hellogoodbye, the music video led to the album version of the song being played more than 4 million times on The Rocket Summer’s My Space site. The album Do You Feel hit #44 on the Billboard 200 and #16 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums charts and has sold over 100,000 copies in the US alone. “We’re definitely aware of the kind of connection we have with our fans and I’m just fortunate to be a part of it.”
His albums and live shows are all about positivity, optimism, sing-a-longs, excitement, and overcoming our struggles. The Rocket Summer has toured with The Goo Goo Dolls, OneRepublic, Paramore, Relient K, The All-American Rejects, Copeland, All Time Low, The Ataris, Something Corporate, Plain White T’s, Hellogoodbye, Phantom Planet & many others.
“I like the term ‘young veteran,’” says Avary. “We have this loyal, hardcore following and I couldn't be more grateful for this. I keep pushing myself forward, trying to make great records, trying to put on the best live performance I can, all the while expanding The Rocket Summer to as far as it can be taken.”
Official website: http://www.therocketsummer.com/
A Song Is Not A Business Plan
The Rocket Summer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I do but does anyone know?
The same old thing we heard an hour ago
Different band, the same radio
We broke down on the side of the road
East Coast we had to cancel the shows
I'm tryin' as hard as I can
Because this is me sayin' words I actually mean
I won't compromise this thing just to make it
I want to that's a given but
I can't imagine it the same way as you
Oh, you know I'll never do
The things they do just to make it
Sayin' so, you say got it in you?
Somethin' to say well, I don't hear it in any one of your tunes
The words you heard usually used
You got a hook, there's no book, got no soul, just a look
And this is me sayin' words I actually mean
I won't compromise this thing just to make it
I want to that's a given but
I can't imagine it the same way as you
Oh, you know I'll never do
The things they do just to make it
Do you even know what you're even sayin'?
Or you just sayin' it 'cause someone else said it
Do you even know what you're even sayin'?
Or you just sayin' it 'cause someone else said it
Do you even know what you're even sayin'?
Or you just sayin' it 'cause someone else said it
Do you even know what you're even sayin'?
Or you just sayin' it
I want to that's a given but
I can't imagine it the same way as you
Oh, you know I'll never do
The things they do just to make it
I want to that's a given but
I can't imagine it the same way as you
Oh, you know I'll never do
The things they do just to make it
The Rocket Summer's song A Song Is Not A Business Plan is about the difference between making music for art and making music for profit. The first verse talks about how radio stations play the same types of music over and over, despite the fact that there are many other talented artists out there. The chorus emphasizes the importance of staying true to yourself and your art, even if it means not making as much money. The second verse talks about the pressure to conform to what is popular in the music industry and how some artists compromise their integrity and authenticity in order to make it big.
The use of repetition in the lyrics, especially in the chorus, highlights the message of the song and emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself. The lyrics also showcase the artist's frustration with the current state of the music industry and the lack of diversity in popular music.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey stop, do you hear an echo?
Are we just repeating the same stale ideas over and over again?
I do but does anyone know?
I hear it, but does anyone else recognize the repetition?
The same old thing we heard an hour ago
The ideas being presented are unoriginal and uninspiring.
Different band, the same radio
Regardless of the artist or performer, the commercial radio industry churns out predictable content.
We broke down on the side of the road
We hit a roadblock on our way to success.
East Coast we had to cancel the shows
Our plans fell through and we had to cancel upcoming performances.
I'm tryin' as hard as I can
I am putting forth effort to achieve success.
But I'd rather write a song than a business plan
I value artistic expression over commercial success.
Because this is me sayin' words I actually mean
I am genuine in my artistry and will not compromise my expression for profit.
I won't compromise this thing just to make it
I will not sacrifice my integrity as an artist to achieve commercial success.
I want to that's a given but
I desire success in the industry, but not at the cost of my artistic expression.
I can't imagine it the same way as you
My vision for my art is unique and different from what others may envision.
Oh, you know I'll never do
I will never compromise my artistic integrity for profit.
The things they do just to make it
Other artists may compromise their artistic vision for commercial success.
Sayin' so, you say got it in you?
Others may doubt my potential for commercial success.
Somethin' to say well, I don't hear it in any one of your tunes
Others may not be expressing anything unique or interesting in their artistry.
The words you heard usually used
Other artists may be using predictable and overused language in their music.
You got a hook, there's no book, got no soul, just a look
Others may have a catchy sound or appearance, but lack depth or originality.
Do you even know what you're even sayin'?
Are the artists even aware of the substance and meaning behind their own lyrics?
Or you just sayin' it 'cause someone else said it
Are they repeating the same ideas they have heard elsewhere without adding any originality or thought?
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRYCE AVARY, STEPHEN BRYCE AVARY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind