Riding a Rocket
Bryce Avary, better known as The Rocket Summer, was offered a Christian record deal early on, but held out for the mainstream instead. Now he's doing a "reverse crossover."
by Jackie A. Chapman | posted 8/22/2005
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Bryce Avary, the singer/songwriter also known as The Rocket Summer, has seen quite a bit of success in his short 22 years. Growing up in Texas, this musical prodigy began playing a variety of instruments when he was 12 and making CDs when he was still in high school. After music from his first EP landed on local radio, Avary eventually landed a deal with mainstream label The Militia Group, releasing his debut Calendar Days and the brand new Hello, Good Friend. Since then, The Rocket Summer has appeared at Austin's acclaimed SxSW Festival and Japan's Summer Sonic Festival and spent time on the road with Something Corporate, Ash, Copeland, Recover, The Format, Relient K, Mae and Maritime. Influenced by Weezer and Smashing Pumpkins, Built to Spill and Superchunk, even Caedmon's Call and Dixie Chicks, The Rocket Summer's music moves between guitar and piano, complemented by bass and percussion, and is loaded with plenty of melodic hooks. The new S/R/E Recordings recently partnered with The Rocket Summer and The Militia Group to release Hello, Good Friend through Christian retail on July 26, and Avary now gives a bit more insight into this "reverse crossover" decision.
What's your musical background?
Bryce Avary I definitely did not come from a musical family. In fact, I was just asking that question of myself yesterday. Everyone in my family has a different thing, and I've been into music ever since I was a kid. When I was 12, I started playing instruments. My dad was in the high school band back when that was cool, and he has a saxophone that he let me pick up.
So, what's in a name? Where did The Rocket Summer moniker come from?
Avary It's pretty casual actually. I was in high school at the time; I was 16 and working on my third [indie] CD. A friend was reading a book and one chapter was called "The Rocket Summer." That was suggested as a name and I was OK with that, so it stuck.
What about a band? You basically are "The Rocket Summer," so do you have a regular group that plays with you?
Avary Oddly enough, it never seems like the same group of guys but hopefully that will firm up. It's pretty much just friends, and the band right now is the most fun it's been. It's three guys, all from high school.
Do you like any part about being an artist/musician/performer better than another part?
Avary I definitely am not a huge fan of recording because I tend to get really, really picky. But when I write a good song, that's the best feeling ever —it's what I do and what I love. Mostly, I just like connecting with people. I'm blessed to do this even though at times, I pretty much hate the music business. I do love the fans and being with them.
What about that fan base? What does it mean to you?
Avary That's huge; it's extremely important to me. Something about The Rocket Summer is very personal, and something really cool is happening that makes the shows a lot more awesome nowadays. It's so crazy because some shows are so small but they don't feel like it. The vibe is so much cooler. I'm getting ready to play at the House of Blues at Disney, and I can't even sleep I'm so excited. I guess I am a people person and getting to talk to all these people makes it feel crazy.
Besides fans, who or what inspires you on a day-to-day basis?
Avary In life, Jesus and the whole awesomeness of him. I'm really inspired by what songs can do and seeing that unfold, especially being on the other side of seeing what that is doing every night. I'm so glad that I get to do this for now and so glad about what I can do for the bigger picture. Other things that inspire me: troubles of life, my wife, everything I guess—probably because I sing more about overcoming stuff than being stuck in stuff.
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