by
Debbie Seagle
Artists of the Month, Caroline’s Spine
have a refreshing attitude when it comes to making music and giving their
entire lives to the pursuit of that  goal.
Like most bands that make it to national or international attention, they
have had their share of hard work and hard times. When asked what
kept them going in the early days of being on the road and living in their
van, vocalist/guitarist Jimmy Newquist responds, "The fact that we wanted
to be the biggest band in the world. I’ve read interviews with artists
who say, ‘I didn’t want to be a rock star and my life sucks as a result
of this fame and blah, blah, blah.’ I think I can speak on behalf
of everyone in the band when I say that this is the only thing we’ve ever
wanted." Guitarist Mark Haugh adds, "There’s nothing like getting
on stage and making that live connection. We all feel very lucky
to be making music for a living and we try to enjoy every minute of it."
The enjoyment of their craft clearly comes
through in their latest CD on Hollywood Records, "Attention Please."
Combining thought provoking lyrics and melody with old school guitar thunder
and driving rhythms, this disk is on our short list for those you want
to have with you on a long car trip. Its thump your steering wheel,
nod your head, have the people in the car next to you think you are crazy
kind of music.
Produced by legendary rock producer Roy
Thomas Baker (Queen, Ozzy Osbourne, Cheap Trick, Cars, Local H), the first
single from this latest effort, "Nothing To Prove" climbed to #9
on the modern rock charts and further perpetuated the buzz the band started
with their first Hollywood Records release "Monsoon" and their contributions
to such movie sound tracks as "Varsity Blues" and "An American
Werewolf In Paris." BEWARE! You can get sucked into
this music. The showcasing of the musical ability of each band member
on "Attention Please" makes it unique and addictive. The driving
vocals of Jimmy Newquist on "Nothing To Prove," the DW kicks
your ass drum solo of Jason Gilardi in "Ready Set Go," progressive
harmonic guitar work of Mark Haugh in "Deep In Your Wake" and incredibly
intense bass work of Scott Jones on "Open Fire" demonstrate the
fact that this band really doesn’t have anything to prove, or if you are
listening to the CD, they just did! If that isn’t proof enough of
their star power, keep your eyes open for a live show coming your  way.
One thing the CD doesn’t do justice to is the passion and sensuality of
their live performance. When the lights go down and they take their
rightful place on the stage, they shine every bit the rock stars.
Clearly they are there because that is the only place they should be and
they take all their pleasure in making the audience move, rock and dig
the music. Calling their fans "friends," they take their job seriously
and set out to blow your mind with the music - and succeed.
In August of 1994, the members of Caroline’s
Spine (vocalist/guitarist Jimmy Newquist, guitarist Mark Haugh, drummer
Jason Gilardi and bassist Scott Jones) decided to each quit their jobs,
sell their belongings and hit the road. By hitting six cities a week
and performing anywhere they could, the band began to nurture a cult following
on the strength of their explosive live shows. They performed over
250 shows that year, booking each gig themselves. They toured relentlessly
for over three years and supported four independent CDs before signing
a deal with Hollywood Records in 1997. That first CD, "Monsoon"
featured the hit single "Sullivan," which was based on the true
story of five brothers who died in WWII while serving on the U.S.S. Juneau.
It climbed to #23 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock  chart
as well as #14 on R&R’s Active Rock Chart. Solid record sales
and the success of "Sullivan" kept the band touring for an additional
two years, landing them a gig aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Enterprise,
as well as approving nods and open slot duties from legendary bands Aerosmith
and KISS. They have also shared the stage with Bush, Limp Bizkit,
Cheap Trick, Third Eye Blind and Fuel.
Currently on a break and writing material
for their next project, look for Caroline's Spine to continue to
shake things up in the Rock N World. They are on a rocket ride to
stardom with their unwavering determination, overabundant talent and encompassing
stage presence. Don’t let yourself fall into the uncomfortable position
of being the last one in your neighborhood to discover this band and believe
- rock lives!
Meet The Band:
 Jimmy
Newquist (vocals, guitar)
 Jason
Gilardi (drums)
 Mark
Haugh (guitar, vocals)
 Scott
Jones (bass, vocals)
Check
out the exclusive interview with the band as part of Rocknworld.com's "You
Can't Kill Rock n Roll" Special!
Visit
the official web site
Listen
to tracks from the CD/purchase it
Debbie Seagle is
the special features Editor for Rocknworld.com. Have a comment or question
for her? Email her at dseagle@rocknworld.com
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