CityZine brings you LA band, Astra Heights, as part of our “Know Your LA Band” series. These four brothers (and one honorary brother) have intoxicated the Los Angeles area by way of Houston with their explosion of glam brit-pop rock. With melodic chords, unyielding harmonies, and beats that would even turn Ben Stein into a dancing machine, this band will have you flustered with a sudden rush of excitement.

Their album, Good Problems, is a whirlwind of Freddie Mercury vocals and bass lines reminiscent of The Clash. If you haven’t had a chance to experience this ear candy, it is available on iTunes and CD Baby. Mark (vox), James (bass), Tim (rhythm guitar) and Josh Morales (drums) along with Bernard Yin (lead guitar) give listeners undeniably catchy licks and insightful lyrics with each track.

Seeing them live is just a very lucky experience, if you get the chance. So it looks like you’ve all got it, because this Thursday, Astra Heights is performing at Hollywood’s best kept secret, The Hotel Cafe. Along with the lovely Meiko, the boys will not only be performing an acoustic set but they will be playing a few special rare tunes for fans. If you believe in karma, it’s giving back. Don’t reject the gift. Go support the boys on June 12^th at 10:00 pm. You can also find more LA dates on their myspace page.

CityZine was fortunate enough to chat with Mark and James Morales about their latest album, living in Los Angeles and their remedies for hangovers. Check out the interview as well as the hype video for their song, “Burning.”

Could you give a brief description of your band?

Mark: Modern rock with a classic glam rock twist, and some big harmonies for good measure. James: 5 small tanned males.

What was the first record/CD/tape you ever bought? And where did you buy it?

Mark: I don’t remember where I bought it, but it was the “New Moon on Monday” single by Duran Duran. I know, I know; that was very ironically hip of me as a 5th grader.

James: Seven Mary Three, and I believe I bought it at Hastings.

What is the meaning of the band’s debut album release title, “Good Problems?”

Mark: We had just finished recording our album, on tour, and any problem we ran into couldn’t phase us because, hey, we were on tour… It was a good problem to have.

James: Given how much fun we were having, we were like any problems we have right now are all good problems because we would all much rather be playing music on tour than anything else.

Songs such as “Good People” and “The March” touch base on politics. Do politics play an important role in who Astra Heights is?

Mark: Not really. Personally, politics and politicians deserve all of my ire, and those songs touch upon that, but I wouldn’t say we’re a political band. We are comfortable bashing them though… I mean, “Burning” was originally titled “Bush Burning,” but we thought that was too political… We’re not trying to be Rage against the machine here.

James: I would say yes but I think it’s just because it’s a part of everyday lives. I don’t think we try to place a greater importance on politics we just sing and write about things that are happening in our lives. Whether it be love or war.

The word on the street is that you’re already working on a new album. Will there be any songs your fans might especially be excited about?

James: We are beginning to write and record new material but I don’t think we’ve officially said we’re working on a new album. I think we’re definitely ready to start moving on from Good Problems since it was recorded over 2 years ago. “Under His Bed” is a new song that we’ve been performing at shows that fans have responded really well to so I’m excited to let them hear how that one is coming.

You played SXSW earlier this year. How was that?

Mark: It sure was fun….nonstop playing and partying… Too many bands to even begin to see. I’d freggin’ love to do it again. James: It was a pretty amazing experience. It went way beyond my expectations. It would be an understatement to say I’m excited about playing next year.

What is the biggest difference between LA and Austin audiences? Which do you prefer?

Mark: LA is a big city, so most unfamiliar fans are timid and standoffish…Austinites seem to be a little more comfortable taking in new music. However, young people in any city love to rock, so stick the kids in front and we’ll be all right.

James: You know every show is different even within the same city. I do think audiences in Austin probably care less about whether or not they look uncool by showing that they’re enjoying themselves. I seriously have no preference I just like playing music.

Do you ever wonder what it would be like if you chose to pursue music in Austin instead of LA?

Mark: Nah…We’ve made amazing lifelong friends out here and to look back with a comparative woulda-coulda-shoulda mindset isn’t healthy in my humble opinion.

James: I honestly don’t think about it that much. I’m just really content and happy that we decided to move out here to LA and how much it has helped develop us as a band, musicians, and people.

Do you see yourself now as an LA band?

James: You know it’s funny because when we lived in Houston, people would always say you don’t sound like a Houston band. It just always struck me as weird having a city label our music. I mean LA is a very diverse city and I don’t really know what the definition of an LA band would be. I know I do consider LA home and I really dig the different communities of musicians and artists here.

Has the line up changed since the original formation? If so, how has that affected the band?

James: The band started out as a 4 piece, with our second oldest brother Phillip. Then our other brother Michael joined for a while. Once we decided to move to LA only Mark, Josh, and I made the move. Then we met Bernard about a year into moving here. Then our younger brother Timothy joined about a year and a half ago. I’m confusing myself here.

How did you come up with the name for your band? What were some of the other contenders?

James: Well originally wanted to go with Jonah but that name was already taken. After that we couldn’t decide whether to go with The Heights, which was a neighborhood in Houston. We were very fond of and the latin phrase, “ad astra,” which means to the height of the stars. So we just decided to join the two together and Astra Heights was born.

How do you get ready for a live show?

Mark: I take some sinus medicine to clear the ole’ shotgun barrels. Then I apply loads upon loads of makeup to cover my blemishes. Not really.

James: I eat a light dinner. Preferably, sushi and I have a Red Bull and beer before.

What’s your favorite song to play live?

Mark: “Under his Bed.” It’s a little more personal to me and when we hit the harmonies right….It’s UNSTOPPABLE.

James: I would have to say “Under His Bed,” too.

If you could rid the world of one song, what would it be?

Mark: Ahhh….Plenty of those but why name names?

James: Oh I don’t want to do that; every song has to have some positive effect on at least one person.

Dead or alive: What 5 acts would you have play with you at a festival?

Mark: The Strokes, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, U2, Radiohead….that would kinda be badass, right? ….with Astra Heights headlining of course.

James: The Beatles, Queen, King of Leon, My Morning Jacket, & Creedence Clearwater.

Quick Fire Non-Music Round:What’s the best cure for a hangover?

Mark: Crying in the shower vowing to never drink again. Works every time.

James: Gatorade and a heavy breakfast.

What would be the perfect LA day?

Mark: Start the morning with a hike, continue with a day at the beach, BBQ with pals in the late afternoon, then hanging at someone’s pad at night (someone with a view of the city lights). That would be a perfect day, come here LA… Lemme give you a kiss.

James: I would say a perfect LA day would be: Any time over the holidays when everyone is gone, there’s no traffic, and blue clear sky with a nice brisk breeze.

Who would win in a fight, a Ninja or a Pirate and why?

Mark: Hmm…. My gut tells me a ninja but I have a 3yr old son and he’s infatuated with all things pirates. So for his sake, I’m gonna say a pirate would hack a ninja into 15 sad pieces and feed him to the sharks… Arghhhhh got any more hypotheticals? (said in a pirate voice)

James: Ninja hands down. The pirate would never see ‘em.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Mark: Dolly Parton: More pleasure than guilt though.

James: I enjoy watching The Bad Girls Club on TV.

What three things could you not live without?

Mark: My kid, my guitar, my cell phone (unfortunately).

James: Family, friends, music, and can I add food as a fourth.

Tell us one fact about yourself we probably don’t already know.

Mark: I used to be a telemarketer - A really bad one.

James: I’m currently selfish.

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