COSMIC JUKEBOX On The Fast Track to Success! By D.A. Muse Keep your eyes open because these guys are going places! The Six members of the Los Angeles based Ska band, Cosmic Jukebox are causing some commotion on their way to the top. The Scene had a chance to speak with the band’s charismatic front man Joel Clelland about the music, their gigs and playing with ska legends. We caught them on their way up. The Cosmic Jukebox sound is ska with a twist, and goes down as smooth as a well-mixed drink. "It’s ska, with modern rock, pop vibe" as Clelland describes it. For you people out there who believe every thing you read, ska is not dead! It is alive, well, and if you enjoy the sound, go check these guys out! The six of them deliver a powerful punch, if you are in the room your definitely gonna move. "Our take on the sound, it’s got a very pop edge to it, and a lot of jazz influences, but definitely not swing or punk, like some of the bands out there." Sean Hall writes most of the songs in addition to being the guitarist and sharing lead vocals with Joel. Although Clelland and Hall did not grow up together, they share some of the same musical influences that have helped shape Cosmic Jukebox. Joel has personally been influenced by such bands as the Police, Bob Marley, Agent Orange, and Men at Work. "Most of the lyrics we write are not conceptual or fairy tales, they come from true to life stories. "I think a lot of people can identify with the song writing" says Clelland. "Feel my pain" he adds jokingly with a sad, puppy dog face. Cosmic Jukebox writes songs that are super-high energy, and fun, proving they can laugh at themselves and at life. The song "Some Feller" is very tongue in cheek, but is also auto-biographical. Written by Joel Clelland, Sean Hall, Joel Clifft. Clifft was in a previous band with Hall and Clelland, called "Bakersfield." They poke fun at every day situations, like waking up with a hangover, or getting fired from your job, and even throw in a touch of toilet humor with the chorus "He was a chillin’ on the can, he had no paper so he had to use his hand. He keeps his life on the toilet". Watch out: This band means business. They are heavily promoting themselves. They’re currently in the works with a producer to record and produce one of their songs on video. "We have been working very hard for a lot of years, and it’s encouraging after so many years to finally get some people who are sticking up for us." Since their inception, they have managed to connect themselves with some ska heavyweights, having shared the stage with The Skeletones, The Specials, Save Ferris, and The Untouchables. Through connections to the movie industry, Cosmic Jukebox can also claim a movie feature among their credits, The new Jennifer Love Hewitt film "Telling You," features two songs by Cosmic Jukebox, on the sound track "Kiss Me" and "Some Feller." Not too bad for a band who had their first official show was Halloween of 1997. Even with all this going on, plus a very heavy touring schedule, they still manage to maintain a tight friendship. "We have worked together for so long, we’re just no-nonsense with each other, We’re like brothers." Chad the saxophone player and the newest member of CJ helps them keep cool when the touring becomes too much. "Since he came in January 1998, he has been a major calming presence" explains Joel, "He is a psychology major, he is very reasonable and very logical." That hardly seems necessary, as they all give off such a happy, mellow vibe. The Cosmic Jukebox anthem "Rude Boy (Don’t Wanna Fight Tonight)" proves that philosophy. So if you are looking to hear some good music and have a great time, go see Cosmic Jukebox. For more information check out their web page: