Summary: The last time Studio 360’s Kurt Andersen appeared on Soundcheck, he spoke with host John Schaefer to highlight his show's "Remixing Spring" listener challenge. Andersen is back on Soundcheck, but this time in the host's chair for while John is on vacation, and he's taking the opportunity to tell listeners about Studio 360's latest listener challenge: The Battle of the High School Bands. Here's the gist: The program is asking musicians and lapsed musicians alike to dial up an aural time machine back to their teen years, and share the songs they recorded while high school. Or, if they're still in high school, listeners can send in their latest and greatest tracks. One lucky band will have its song covered by "Battle" judges, party rocker Andrew W.K. and indie pop musician Thao Nguyen. Andrew W.K. joins Andersen to run down a few highlights from the hundred-plus entries so far. Then, we speak with two young musicians about their high school bands: Recently-graduated high school senior and drummer Rex Detiger of the band Fly Baby, and rising ninth-grader and guitarist Sofia D’Angelo of The Sectionals. Plus, pop rock singer-songwriter Ben Folds shares some stories and a little knowledge from about his own experience playing music in high school. Hear some of the entries from Studio 360's "Battle of the High School Bands" listener challenge. Wakovia Bank Robbers, "Lucky Cloud" (2002) True Romance, "Tongue Tied" (1979) Bea, Rita & Maeve, "The River" (2011) The Orphans, "Fourth Dimension" (1981*) *Note: "Fourth Dimension" was written in 1981 but was actually recorded 25 years later during a brief reunion.
