The Simple Radicals based in the rock and blues city of Chicago, Illinois. They are a retro/classic rock band that combines sounds and influences from bands like Pink Floyd, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Cheap Trick and Tom Petty. If you like those bands then I think you will like their sound. Their album, “New Revolution” (https://open.spotify.com/album/4rgBmqnv7h3p5gYPGjiXfU) was released in 2019 and features Vernon Reid from the band Living Colour playing lead on our track “Medicate” (https://open.spotify.com/track/19F4GLlRe2JZCjpc5kvPQq?si=81f8b7830d074ed5).

Here’s what they had to say when we had the chance to ask some questions.

How did you all meet?

“I (John Malkin) developed the concept and wrote the songs for the “New Revolution” album and began laying down the construct of the songs in my home studio. My fellow Radical, John Griffin and I played in many bands over the years, and I reached out to him on Facebook and asked if he would listen to the tracks and consider laying down the leads. He loved the tracks and laid down some absolute incredible shreds and The Simple Radicals were formed. We then brought in our drummer Griff Johnson and bass player James Page to lay down their tracks”.

Who were your musical influences growing up?

“Eddie Vedder is my musical hero. I’m mesmerized with his writing and try to capture the messaging, passion and energy that he does in his songs. If I can even come within a million miles of that I’d consider it a success. Other bands that have influenced us include Foo Fighters, Cheap Trick, Pink Floyd, Green Day, and Tom Petty”.

What made you want to be in a band?

“I just love everything about the creative process. From the germ of the idea, to taking the idea to the guitar, constructing the song, writing the lyrics, and then ultimately turning it into a composition with your fellow bandmates”.

What has been your best gig?

“We were truly honored to play the iconic Cutting Room in New York City where the likes of John Mayer, David Bowie and Sting also played. Great sound. Great lights. And we rocked the house”.

Can you tell us a bit about your music?

“We collaborated with an incredible husband/wife duo called Che-Val on a pop-psychedelic version of Jefferson Airplane’s iconic song  “White Rabbit” that was just released. We recently released a song and video called “Rich Man Wanna Be King” which provides a scathing lampoon of ex- President Trump. It’s already racked up 190,000 views and climbing. And, we have a podcast  show called “Music & A Brew” where we crack open a cold one with musical artists. Our first show was with world-class drummer Kenny Aronoff”.

Can you describe your music in 3 words?

“Retro. Classic-rock. Spatial”.

What makes your band stand out from others?

“Our sound captures the classic rock guitar-driven classic rock sounds with a modern”

What are your plans for the rest of 2021?

“We’re in the studio working on some new material including one track that we’re really excited about. It should be out in the next month or so. And, once the pandemic lifts we’ll be out on the road playing”.

If your band had to be remembered for one thing apart from your music what would you want it to be?

“Having the best designed guitar picks”.

Do you have any gigs coming up?

“We had a kick-ass 2020 planned including two showcases at SXSW in Austin, Texas, playing festivals with Molly Hatchet, Jefferson Starship, Puddle of Mudd, and Blackfoot as well as a tour starting in Chicago. But all got axed due to Covid. But we’re on the docket to play those in 2021 if the apocalypse ends in time”.

By Ollie Cooper

Spotify