Make A Scene. Don’t we all want to exude that sort of confidence? Well this band, MAS for short, out of Marinez, CA, is all about promoting the concept of being yourself and questioning everything. Their attitude towards fans and firm belief in confidence are two of the ways that set them apart from the heaping mass of other bands out there.
As Nick Stephens, the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of MAS, says, “You are your own person, so make sure you follow your dreams, your heart, and your beliefs, and don’t ever let anyone tell you different. Make a scene, while doing it!”
Courtesy of the band
The positive attitude they put forth as a band certainly parallels the love they receive back from the fans. Though together for only one year, they are certainly putting up a strong front in the music industry without the backing of a record label. They have managed to earn more than 4000 likes on their Facebook fan page and have played various shows. They heavily rely on word of mouth for promotion and sell merch to further their name.
Influenced by a wide range of sounds varying from Avenged Sevenfold to Michael Jackson, MAS produces unique tones and melodies for their hardcore/pop and punk/rock music that also incorporate daily inspirations from living life to the fullest.
Initially, they started out when brothers Nick and Cory Stephens began writing songs a few years back and had been trying to start a band. One year ago, they finally met some other guys, and according to them, it just clicked. Good thing, too, otherwise we would be bereft without their music. The music incorporated with the blast they were having together just worked, with Nick Stephens on lead vocals and rhythm guitar; Cory Stephens on lead guitar and backing vocals; Alex Van Buren on bass and backing vocals; and Cronic Chaz on drums and backing vocals.
Driven by their love of music, their message, and their support of each other, MAS will finally debuted their full length A Theme For Her Murder on July 11, 2012. Why that title?
Nick comments, “It’s funny ‘cause a lot of people think the title is a theme for the murder of a girl, but it’s actually a theme for a murder the girl is committing. Though it’s not really physical murder but more of an emotional murder. The murder of love.”
Courtesy of the band
The concepts in this album span a wide range, from their strong opening song “Anthem for Avenging Hearts” which goes out to soldiers fighting for a pathetic government to the ironic song “Dracula Was a Hemophobic” to “Diamonds in White” about loving someone who just doesn’t love you back. For an album recorded out of their home studio, the overall sound and product is quite good.
MAS has arrived on the rock n’ roll music scene and are making a scene in their own right. As they say, “We’re a hardcore/pop punk/ rock band with the occasional shenanigans and a little something for everyone.”
by Melissa Duong
