OK. It’s time to flip the script on all the grief we collectively give Kelly Clarkson, the Jonas Brothers and the whole teeny-bop scene. This is no niche of the music industry; it’s arguably its largest area of growth for music in the last 10 years.
Maybe it takes having a lovable version going for the big time from right here in Maine, but behind the cooey choruses, shrill screams and glitter galore, there are actual kids with longing, lockers and unanswered Facebook pokes.
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Meet Fyve, straight outta Winthrop, with Danielle Pease on vocals, Declan Chu on guitar, Aaron St. Pierre on bass, Katherine Veayo on drums and twin Kristen Veayo on guitar and vocals. This rockin’ ensemble is poised to make the leap to an MTV Top 10 near you. (Check out Fyve’s website, fyverock.com.)
The group has already tasted Bono status playing at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.; plays at the Maine Mall from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. today; will perform Friday at a charity softball game in Connecticut featuring the Jonas Brothers vs. Mike & Mike from ESPN; and is building momentum by sticking close and supporting one another. Go and get yours, Fyve; your home state’s behind you all the way.
The members of Fyve recently checked in with GO via email:
Do you guys feel a little like the early Beatles playing for packed houses of shrieking teenage fans?
The Veayo twins: Um, we don’t think we are quite there yet — lol — but, that is one of our goals.
How did Fyve end up crossing paths with ESPN’s Mike & Mike?
Fyve: We played at Gillette Stadium last June, and one of the promoters there happened to be organizing the pre-game show for the ESPN vs. Jonas Brothers game, and he asked Fyve to be part of his show.
What’s the most challenging part of mixing school and teenage life with constant practice and performing?
Fyve: Mostly homework.
Danielle: Finding time for myself.
Who are the artists out there that you most admire and why?
The Veayo twins: Heart, Paramore, Kelly Clarkson and the Eagles. We like female rockers, plus bands that are great live performers.
Danielle: Devonsquare (my uncle’s band), Eagles and Paramore. I like Devonsquare because they worked hard for 20 years, Paramore because they have a great female singer, and the Eagles because they harmonize well together.
Aaron: 30 Seconds to Mars, Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace, ’cause they all rock.
Declan: Guns & Roses, Aerosmith and Def Leppard, because they are all great live, have tons of fans and are tight musically.
Has getting along together always been easy, or have you had to work at the friendships in Fyve?
Fyve: Yes, we are best friends first, so this is why we click real well. We are having a blast together on stage.
What’s your favorite memory from being part of this group?
Fyve: Playing at Hard Rock Cafe in Boston, because we took the grand prize among some awesome talented bands, but playing in New York City and Gillette Stadium were pretty big for us too!
With college looming, how do you see Fyve adapting in the next five years?
Kristen: We hope to continue to make music and have fun no matter what happens!
Mike Olcott is a freelance writer who lives in Portland.
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