When Carrie Schupper returned from this year's South By Southwest festival singing the praises of a new L.A.-based rock 'n roll band she saw at a Blender showcase, I didn't think anything of it. Until I surfed on to Drive A's MySpace page and discovered that no one in this hardcore quartet is old enough to get behind the wheel.

First off, rid your head of any "School of Rock"-based preconceptions and then brace yourself—because the following might make you feel a little old. "My first concert was Green Day and Blink 182," says 15-year-old lead guitarist and vocalist, Bruno Mascolo. "I started going to more concerts like MXPX, and Sugarcult. About a year later I was blown away when I saw Motley Crue and then U2. That's when I knew I wanted to be in a band. I started practicing everyday for several hours, eight days a week. It took a few years to find the right band members who have the same drive, and work ethic, but we all love making kick ass music and that's what counts."

"Bruno and I have been friends ever since he moved to California," adds his equally infantile bandmate, Ashton Moio. "He was having trouble finding the right bass player so he challenged me to learn how to play. I could already play the guitar and was excited to learn something new. So after practicing like crazy, they put me in the band and all the hard work was worth it. The best part is being able to do something you love everyday." Ah... fresh-faced words that will warm any rock 'n roll loving heart.

Along with a few middle schools, the boys will also be playing Ruby, a weekly show of up and coming rock bands presented by SPIN magazine, at Key Club every Tuesday night in April. Admission is free, so you've got no excuse not to check these hot young talents before they make it big—or at least make it to graduation!

Key Club is located at 9039 Sunset Boulevard, (310) 274-5800.

- Caroline Stanley

Similar Topics:live shows, music, new band

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