Most kids balk at their parents’ musical tastes. But the members of the Maryland group Bad Seed Rising have not only embraced their elders’ love for old school heavy metal, rock and glam, they are writing songs of their own. These young musicians, aged 11-15, will take the stage at 6 p.m., May 3 at the hair metal extravaganza, the M3 Rock Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion.
Bad Seed Rising is Francheska, 15, on vocals and guitar, Mason, 13, on guitar, “Iron” Aiden, 11, on drums and Louey, 14, on bass. They list Guns and Roses, Aerosmith, Motley Crue, Foo Fighters, Lamb of God and others among their influences.
“All our parents listened to rock music,” said Louey. “My dad and Aiden’s dad were in a band together. We got introduced to this music that way.” Added Francheska, they love it “because it is loud and aggressive and cool.”
The members met through the Let There Be Rock music schools and very soon started working on songs together. Scott Marceron, Aiden’s father, has a long history in the music industry, both as a musician and as a talent scout and manager for major record labels. His connections led to the group being able to record their EP at the Foo Fighter’s studio in California and eventually to a contract with Roadrunner Records.
Now Chris Shiflett (guitarist of the Foo Fighters) and John 5 (main guitarist and songwriter for Rob Zombie and formerly of Marilyn Manson and David Lee Roth) fly out to meet with Bad Seed Rising to write songs together. They also have professional management and have shared the stage with the likes of Everclear, Kix, Night Ranger, Motley Crue, Johnny Rzeznik, and Molly Hatchet. Not too shabby for a group of kids mostly still in middle school.
As for school, they still attend regularly. Francheska and Aiden are from Frederick County, Mason in Carroll County and Louey in Howard County. They all their friends are supportive of their musical endeavors.
The band has performed for large crowds before, but they have a special love for the music represented at the M3 Rock Festival. Mason and the rest are excited to return to the Columbia stage this year (yes, they have done this before) “just to be able to be on stage with Kix and W.A.S.P.,” Mason said. “We are glad that they wanted us back.”
Look for Bad Seed Rising at Baltimore Soundstage with Airbourne on May 12; House of Rock with LA Gunns on May 27; and at Ride Across America on June 1 at Max Blob’s Park in Hanover. This summer they will support Daughtry, 3 Doors Down and Halestorm on an east coast tour in July.
Check out the video below. For fun, close your eyes, and enjoy the musicianship and the catchy tune. Then open your eyes again to remind yourself that the members of Bad Seed Rising have many years ahead of them to develop their clearly evident talent. Plus, Francheska’s braces make the video extra precious!