It's a jungle out there, folks. I know it. You know it. Steven DeLong, lead singer and supercharged frontman for Sweet F.A. knows it too. When this Midwestern quintet, founded by DeLong and drummer Tricky Lane and rounded out by James "J.T." Thunder (guitars), Jon Lightning (guitars), and Jim Quick (bass), took to the clubs of the heartland on their mission to get signed, they knew the road would not be easy. "People see the video; they see the shows; and hey see you smiling in all the pictures, but they don't realize the stress under the surface. If people are gonna get into this business, then they need to be aware that they're gonna have a lot to deal with," Steve offers.
The hard work has paid off. Sweet F.A. are now a permanent feature in the MCA Records portfolio of promising acts with their current release Stick To You Guns. They have kicked the asses of concert goers from sea to shining sea, and they have been lauded as "the best unsigned band" and "THE band of the `90s" by industry moguls.
How did they do it? DeLong explains, "About the best way to keep from sinking to the bottom is to stick your head above the crowd. That's what we tried to do. We know what we have will sell, it's just a matter of getting it to the public." He adds, "Within 11 months of our first show, we were signed to MCA. As far as how we did it, I don't know."
One of the most striking aspects of Steven's personality is his quiet confidence, a trait which can be a major advantage amidst the false glitter of the music business. "I've been pretty set in my ways for a while. A lot of realities were slapped into my face at a young age. A lot of people lose direction (in L.A. and New York) because they get so caught up in it, and I just take it for what it's worth. It's a great place to go party, have a good time, and get the hell out while you're still alive."
The thought of travel inevitably led DeLong to reflections on his Indiana home. "I like the Midwest. I like being from here. I'm not opposed to going out on the road for a year. I can handle that just as easily, but I prefer to be in the Midwest. You always run into people who say, 'Man, I wanna get out of this town,' but the situation is what you make of it. We can have fun in the middle of a wheat field.
Evidently, he and his fellow farmhands had a lot of fun putting on a very special brand of show for the DEA helicopters that used to scan the local farms for illegal vegetation. "Every time they would fly over, there would be nine or 10 guys out in this field, and we'd all jump up, drop our pants and moon the hell out of `em. We'd get bored, y'know? You have to have a sense of humor about yourself all the time. It's the only way you can keep your sanity." I wonder what those fly boys for the DEA would say about that.
Love isn't the only feeling Steve has for the Midwest. He and the rest of the band have proven their dedication as well by being the first rock group to break through the "covers only" scene and force the Indianapolis area to promote original music. "I'd say give it another four years and it's gonna be happening." he prophesies. "This is virgin ground. This is great farmland. A lot of people are starting to realize, 'I don't have to go to L.A. or New York.'" Sweet F.A. have certainly made that clear.
Now that they have achieved their original mission, the boys are looking forward to focusing on the product, their music. "We're finally getting into a situation where a lot of the business is being watched over by so many people that we can concentrate more on being a band than being a road crew, a band and our own management. We've got a good, strong team around us. Sometimes we just gotta put (the business) out of our minds and continue to write songs and put on good shows," says DeLong.
By the time this goes to print, you will have had the chance to see Sweet F.A.'s raw, high-energy show first hand at Hammerjacks. But in case you missed it, fear not. They will be headlining there on November 4 for an all ages concert. If you want to experience some of the Midwest's best harvest, catch Sweet F.A.
October MitBits
The "Major" thanks you for reading "Shooting Stars." Here are some of the things that happened over the last month: