One of the most explosive bands on the road these days is undoubtedly DecembeRadio, known for combining scorching classic rock riffs with its fi nger on the pulse of current trends. After endless hounding from fans for some sort of soundtrack, the Grammy-nominated band fi nally complied with the Live (Slanted) CD and DVD, which is steadily raking in the critical acclaim, including a glowing review by yours truly for CCM. Here’s more about those explosive projects from front man/bassist Josh Reedy. In a nutshell, what inspired you to release a live CD and DVD? Reedy: We’ve always wanted to be a great band live. That is such a big part of what we do and the music we create. This release is a chance to share what we do live with everyone and to combine songs from both albums. It was also a chance for us to do some fun and lighthearted b-roll for our fans. In your opinion, what’s the highlight of the audio edition and what’s the highlight of the video edition? Reedy: The ballad “Love Can” turned out nicely on the CD and “Love Found Me” is a favorite on the DVD. What is the band looking forward to most about summer? Reedy: Finishing up our west coast tour and beginning festivals! On June 20th, we will be performing at Rock the Fort at Fort Jackson for the troops. Any ideas on how Christian music fans should spend their summer vacation? Reedy: Come on tour with DecembeRadio! Maybe a festival with an amusement park; we love the rides! A mission trip is always life-changing! — Andy Argyrakis DecembeRadio ROCK HIGHLIGHTS The Act: August Burns Red The Site: www.augustburnsred.com The Sound: Hard rock The Buzz: Catch the band in a hometown concert (that’s Manheim, PA to be exact) on June 4, which also marks the date the group’s fi rst ever live DVD/ CD will be fi lmed. Tickets are only $10 in advance and $15 at the door with additional details at www.myspace. com/cishows. The Act: Hawk Nelson The Site: www.hawknelson.com The Sound: Punk rock The Buzz: Come June 8, Hawk Nelson will release the triple disc set Hawkology, which will comprise its fi rst three studio CDs Letters to the President, Smile Its the End of the World and Hawk Nelson...Is My Friend at a budget price. Consider it a perfect collection for both longtime fans to get caught up and newcomers to learn about the band’s high-octane sound. The Act: The Rocket Summer The Site: www.therocketsummer.com The Sound: Piano pop/rock The Buzz: Starting in April and continuing through May, The Rocket Summer will be embarking on a tour of massive proportions thanks to an opening slot alongside mainstream megastars the Goo Goo Dolls. From there, the Bryce Avary-led band hits the Vans Warped Tour circuit, which remains one of the summer’s hottest alternative staples. Photo by Joshua Sage Newman CCM 41