Local band hopes to impact the music scene

By: Charissa Lock

Posted: 12/3/09

There is a fresh new sound taking over the Boston area, and it's coming from Air Traffic Controller. This indie/ pop/rock band out of Malden, Massachusetts, is infiltrating the Boston music scene and swiftly building a name for themselves as they approach the release of their debut album, "The One." A few weeks before their music was set to appear on iTunes, lead singer and songwriter, Dave Munro, discussed the new album, his musical inspiration, the process of production, his independent label, and the next step for the band.

Like most good stories, Munro's music career started with inspiration. He began strumming in high school, but was then separated from home for a career in the aviation field. Upon his return, he recorded an album with one of his rock heroes, then started a record label with his friend, and he's now taking part in his band's major accomplishments.

Munro has always loved music. In high school, he began playing around on the guitar, learning just enough to perform songs from bands like Green Day and Nirvana at variety shows. Munro never imagined years later he would be performing at the Boston Garden, on WERS (the number one college radio station), have a top downloaded song on WFNX and WBOS (Radio 929), and be nominated by MTV for 2009 Best Breakout Artist (Boston).

Air Traffic Controller started with Munro's reaction to being far from home. With guitar in hand, he wrote songs as an emotional release. Songs like, "God Has A Plan" and "Test 1, 2" reflected the isolation he was feeling while thousands of miles away, working as an air traffic controller. These songs were originally captured on a four track recorder Munro got as a gift while in the military.

"I had no idea this was going to go anywhere," admitted Munro. "I wished that it would."

Wanting to share what he had created, Munro sent a recorded tape back home to his family and friends, which quickly resulted in a fan base. The tape was filled with his original, meaningful lyrics, backed up by detailed, catchy melodies. When Munro finally returned home for good, his goal was to build a recording studio with his brother. This studio was not just a closed off room.

"My brother and I built a few rooms soundproofed with layered boards everywhere, glass dividers and everything. We actually made a real recording studio."

Once back home, Munro continued to write songs in moments of solitude. Living an hour from places he needed to go, like school, jobs, and the new studio, there was a lot of driving. This had its advantages.

"That time alone in the car was inspiring, I'd reflect a lot, being able to shut the radio off and think."

This setting inspired "This Road," and "Can't Let Go." The latter alludes to an ironic high-speed car chase ebbing from the driver's assumption that his ex-girlfriend is in the car he's following. Munro is also inspired by other everyday situations.

"With the song, 'The One,' I was running across the street when the song popped into my head, which is why I wanted to put stomping at the beginning."

Often songs came from walking.

"Sometimes all it takes is the rhythm of your feet to inspire a song," said Munro. "[I've] written new songs just walking to the train."

Life's lessons are key to Munro's ideas behind his album. It's about things that can happen to anyone.

"I'm inspired by significant feelings, struggles, and changes that occur in everyday life."

The fact that Munro writes and sings about these experiences is what makes Air Traffic Controller original and easy to relate to.

"These are the thoughts everyone has. People say 'that's my song.' Although nobody is ever talking about the same song."

A friend enjoyed the brothers' demos enough to help search for a producer. He was able to get in contact with Dave's favorite power-pop artist, Bleu, a former Columbia Recording Artist. Bleu enjoyed what he heard and quickly got onboard to produce Air Traffic Controller.

"At first I was excited, but at the same time, reluctant, since all I'd ever done was play guitar and sing."

He had always thought of himself releasing an "ultra-folksy album." Bleu had a different outlook. Being a fan of the famous Jeff Lynn, he specialized in a more polished sound. Munro was hesitant.

"Bleu wanted to throw in a lot of off the wall ideas that you never hear done anymore."

But he had a good reason for this.

"While he knew plenty about mass-appeal, he wanted to experiment, and really turn heads with these songs."

Munro let Bleu do what he does best: "I put total faith in him and I think it paid off."

The changes that Bleu made were significant, but they didn't take away from Munro's musical goal. The songs still kept Munro's acoustic guitar intact, Bleu just gave it more levels. With the song "Don't Tell Me What To Do," Munro felt "the vocal and acoustic demo tracks, which were actually used on the record, worked well on their own. However, there was so much more impact with the strings, tympani, and all the other instruments happening in there on the final version."

After recording, it was time to promote their successfully produced creation. Starting without a label was tough. Having the time to promote was no problem for Munro who had recently co-founded a new independent record label, Sugarpop Records, with friend, Dennis Hennessey. Munro appreciates the ideology of an independent label.

"We have a good thing, and indie labels don't have power to make something popular without it being really good, and worthy enough."

Air Traffic Controller's popularity won't be relying on a label to make them famous, "It will depend solely on people liking our music, our live performances, and word of mouth."

This was also the time for building a fan base. Not having a major label or advertising, they had to self-promote to gain exposure. They began playing shows around Boston, adding to their local following while spreading outward with downloadable songs on radio websites (WFNX, WBOS) and songs on their MySpace. Air Traffic Controller also played some acoustic shows featuring just Munro and bassist Kev in New York.

Performing live shows is something Dave loves, as do his band mates, which include his brother Rich on drums, KMD on bass, multi-instrumentalist Steve Scott primarily on keys, and Randy Rock on lead guitar. They have been playing live shows together since the record's completion. A new addition to the band that sometimes makes appearances is the string quartet (two violinists, a viola, and a cellist).

When the quartet is with them, "It's an extra special night. I think all of our shows should be special, so I try to get them in as much as possible."

This can be hard depending on the venue's size since with the quartet addition, there are nine people up on stage.

Air Traffic Controller's song choices are aimed to "make people dance," so they, "try to put in upbeat tunes." This means some of the slower songs, which tend to be Munro's favorites, don't get to be played at these shows. So he makes a point of also playing acoustic solo shows.

An acoustic show is how the whole band will be performing at their CD release party at The LOFT on Tuesday December 8th.

"It's going to be such a special occasion with the album hitting iTunes that day."

The LOFT is one of Munro's favorite venues to play.

"It's extremely fun, like a big house party. We try to play as much as they let us."

Tuesday's show will be a bit different since there is not a club dance party after. Yet, it is the day of their album release and Air Traffic Controller will be more focused and energized than ever. It is definitely something to check out if you're in the area.

Not only will Air Traffic Controller's "The One" be release on iTunes on December 8th, it will be also be everywhere else on the internet and at a selected number of Newbury Comics in the Boston area. There's also a good deed in buying their CD; for every album Air Traffic Controller sells, Sugarpop Records will donate a dollar to the Boston Children's Hospital.

What's next for Air Traffic Controller? Many gigs and promotions for their album. These include a live WMBR (88.1 Boston) performance that will be streamed online December 3 at 4 p.m (www.WMBR.org); a full, live, electric show at the The LOFT on January 30; a pending CBS TV show placement deal; staying on MTV's radar with an upcoming video shoot this weekend; and Munro has already been writing new songs. Musically, Dave is not planning on any drastic changes.

"We've established a sound and don't want to jump off of that right away."

Instead, he would rather just lightly explore opposite sides of the spectrum.

"We definitely want to be heavier at times and softer at times," Munro explained. "To say that we could record an album next that is different than from this one is redundant, like saying we're going to be different. . .again."