Biography

There's a common theme on this record," says Bryce Avary, the frontman, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist behind The Rocket Summer. "Wanting to do greater things for the world, and not just trying to be a rock'n'roll star. I think we all have that desire but our issues and daily life get in the way. These songs are about trying to overcome that."

Talk with Avary for even five minutes and you'll discover a young man who is the complete opposite of today's rock star. He's confident, but humble. His attitude is undeniably positive in a genre that perpetuates misery and se-loathing. And he sees the bigger picture - who he is now, what it took to get there and where he wants to go.

He's also freakishly talented. Do You Feel, his third full-length record and first major label release, is similar to his previous work in that he wrote and performed the entire album himse . It's rock guitars, sunny pop and a cavalcade of pianos. It is also possibly the most energetic and upbeat album you'll hear all year.

Although many of the songs are uplifting, Avary doesn't shy away from controversy. On "A Song is Not a Business Plan," Avary calls out the industry and some of his music peers for looking at music as pure commerce. "It is one of the few bitter songs on the record," he admits. "I wrote it the day we had to cancel our whole Canadian tour because my van died - it was one of those days where I felt beat-down, working hard for what we believed in, yet still sitting there, broke down and smoking at the side of the highway! I got over it, but it felt good to get it out. I think the bottom line is to stay true, even if it means I'll stay in the van a little longer. It'll all work out."

There's no denying that he's on his way to making a difference in the music world. "I do think there's something special about The Rocket Summer, something people can feel connected to," he says. "I hope, if you come see the band, that you come away from it feeling connected and accepted in a way you haven't before..."