Inventing the ruKus
The Kellys throw down on the road
by Joseph Rafidi II

The unsettling sound of guitars plugging in, tuning and drum-hits getting progressively louder before a band practice typically means that a loud hour of miscues and re-do’s will ensue. The moment the lights go down, I realize that this isn’t just any band practice packed with song restructuring and “from the top” shouts. This is a live show simulation; neon beer signs illuminate the low-ceiling basement filled with gear as singer Kelly McCracken picks up her vintage microphone and casts the notes with her alluring, elastically angelic voice box. I then conclude why her name is stamped on the forehead of the band’s music.
It was a flawless exhibition of musicianship and well-rehearsed excellence. The atmosphere was show-like and the band’s presence was absolutely earnest. “We knew it was out last practice before MPMF,” says bassist Moe Angelo.
It’s a Thursday evening in late summer and the band is preparing for the three-day MidPoint Music Festival in Cincinnati coming up that weekend. The festival hosts 250 artists from the U.S. and abroad. Besides live music, it features speakers, panels, mentor sessions and exhibitors. All in all, it’s a haven for industry professionals and fans alike. “It’s like a small version of Coachella,” Angelo insists, “this will show us where we go next.”
This past summer The Kellys had the opportunity to play back-to-back shows in New York City. One of the two shows was at the infamous CBGB. The band was supported with warmth and appreciation in the Big Apple. Their music is currently in sporadic rotation on a number of radio stations across the country including New York. The response for the Youngstown-based band was positive. Radio airplay can be the direct cause, but probably didn’t help as much as people witnessing their live performance. “People noticed us, but not so much from the radio airplay,” notes McCracken. “But, it’s always good to get airplay in New York,” guitarist Joel DeGenova interjects. “A couple fans from MySpace actually approached us about the show,” Angelo says.
It always makes a stronger impact when some of the local core audience makes the trip for an out-of-state show. “We had Ohio fans travel to see us up there,” drummer Civ states.
I asked the band what their mentality is when they’re playing to an audience in an unfamiliar town, in front of unfamiliar faces. “Just kick ass,” Angelo says. “Throw down and play tight,” DeGenova adds.
The band was also involved with Project Rockstar at House of Blues in Cleveland. It was a four-round competition with only two of the rounds being judged on performance. They placed first in the third round and came in second place in the final round. Even though the band dropped a spot in competition ranks, they were recognized for their emotional performances led by McCracken’s passionate words and actions. “Second place was a letdown, but something else always comes around for us; a new opportunity,” Angelo optimistically states.
Along with some of the cash prizes from the competition, the band will get the opportunity to play in front of thousands of fans at Blossom Music Center sometime in ‘07.
Opportunity doesn’t come to those who idle; The Kellys are a business-first band. I witnessed this as I walked into McCracken’s house where the band, along with their manager (Kelly’s mother, Pam Politsky), were discussing what new gear to buy before the MPMF show. Along with how to disperse band’s fund, the issue was how they’d transport their equipment to Cincinnati.
Besides playing local and regional shows, The Kellys are also entrepreneurs. They founded the record label by which they release their music: ruKus Records. They started the label to have more control of their musical destiny. “We’d love it to be something; it’s in a place to be [something],” Angelo says.
The band’s music is available through Best Buy “because of the label,” DeGenova mentions. “Any band, with persistence, can get in Best Buy with no label but it definitely helped,” says Angelo.
Certainly persistent bands must also possess unique traits, thus presenting a unique blend of musical influences. The Kellys style of rock is structurally tight as well as aggressive and exhilarating. The band’s influences run the gamut from music, art and stardom to life in general. DeGenova notes that “Van Halen and Tool really inspire me.” And this is evident within his intricate plucking. Angelo has no shame in declaring he’s after the “idea of rock and roll…the dream.” Civ simply states that “everything” about life influences his role in the band. McCracken’s inspiration stems from her love of art, mainly Salvador Dali. “He always took it [art] beyond a certain level. It obscured reality and I identify with his obscurity.”
The band is confident that their music doesn’t have to fit snuggly inside of one genre. Great musicians shoot to dispel any thought that their music is defined by one or two words. DeGenova surrenders that the band does maintain a “pop sensibility,” but all that really means is that the music can be vibrant and resilient to a common ear. McCracken suggests that the message and intent of the Kellys music is “undeniable and unquestionable.” “It can catch the eyes of everyone,” Angelo adds.
The Kellys are doing anything in their power to expand their catalogue and fan base. They made their way to Memphis in ’05 for a Battle of the Bands. They are aiming to release a new CD sometime in early ’07. After their return from the MPMF show, the band will continue prepping for shows in Cleveland, then returning home for a couple Youngstown gigs. They are playing at Crest Entertainment Center on Oct. 7 where they will begin shooting a series of music videos. “We’ve made a lot of progress this past year. If we keep doing what we’re doing, we can become bigger than what we already are,” McCracken says.
In mid and late October they will play two consecutive weekends in Cedar’s Lounge in downtown Youngstown. The first is The Champions of All Time’s Spooktacular and on the following weekend they are playing The Zou’s Rocky Horror Halloween. The Zou and The Champions are a strong influence on The Kellys work ethic and ambition.
The Kellys love playing at home in front of their core fan base but also cherish the experiences that come along with playing out-of-town gigs and are willing to give it their attention. “The outta town shit has been starting to happen; we’re trying to focus on it. We’re in a good spot to travel,” Angelo concludes.