Peachcake
Words: Aubrey Bramble

Peachcake is neither a peach nor a cake. Discuss.

As its anomalous moniker suggests, this rather forward-thinking and (in)famously crowd-pleasing synthpop duo from Arizona takes pride in celebrating the jollification of music and hopes to revolutionize the way we perceive performance by making things more visceral and less mechanical.

Says lead vocalist Stefan Pruett, "It's a very jocular thing our music. It's not supposed to be super serious. I think too many people put too much emphasis on being serious with being creative and I think that they get stuck in a very monotonous and mundane approach to things. That's not what we want to do."

Along with bandmate John O'Keefe, the keytar-wielding beat maker of the pair, Pruett is firm when it comes to his philosophy of music and live performance. "In my opinion what rock and roll embodies, what music embodies, is energy."

He continues, "That is the fundamental aspect of music. I love music more than anything, but it just seems to be run in such a manner that is so textbook, and I'm sick of that. I don't see anyone going out of their way to make a difference to their audience and for some reason that bothers me."

And he is not simply running his mouth. Peachcake is perhaps best known for its wildly audacious stage shows, complete with a cast of ornately attired characters, random audience participation, and circus-like antics. In chatting with Stefan from his tour stop in Oklahoma, I learned that the previous night's gig involved destruction of equipment, a formation of a chanting circle with the audience, and a spontaneous comedy show.

Currently garnering national attention as one of MTV2's "Bands on the Rise," as well as holding a coveted spot on URB Magazine's "Top 100 Bands To Watch Out For in 2008," Peachcake is no small ripple in the pond. Their latest full-length effort will be released this Spring, and to drum up excitement the band has embarked on a nationwide tour, over the course of which they will dazzle Florida audiences in Miami, Tampa, and Tallahassee.

When you read this issue, the band will have already loved and left their Sunshine State admirers, but you should make an effort to check them out anyway. They have a hefty web presence, which includes countless videos of their spirited stage shows.

Comments Stefan, "Live performance is so elemental in the music world.  A lot of bands aren't very good live. A lot of bands aren't entertaining. And a lot of bands don't have much to say. I am surrounded by that attitude, which is why I think I have been so inspired to do something different."

peachcakemusic.com
myspace.com/peachcake