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Written by Amy Bidz Tuesday, 16 May 2006 07:41

6 are a local four-piece band in their early 20s who incorporate heavy electronics and a dark vibe in their sound and imagery. Not only do 6 provide eye candy for goth girls who love boys in eyeliner and PVC, they are emerging in their own right as serious musicians on the local scene. The band has a new manager and recently auditioned for sponsorship by Anheuser-Busch. They plan to have their first full-length album released this year. The band consists of Gage (songwriting, lead vocals, programming, guitar, keys), Bailey (guitar, backup vocals), Cain (keys, sequencing, backup vocals), and Mike (electronic drums).

1. What is the gist of what you do?

Gage: We make original music, which can be categorized as “industrial,” for the purpose of interpreting the world around us as opposed to the world that is pulled over our eyes.

2. When did the project begin, and why?

Gage: We began in 1997, six years ago now.

Cain: We do this as an outlet of creative expression, because we cannot live without music.

3. What has been the response to your efforts?

Mike: Crazy! We need to gain more exposure, but for the people already familiar with us, the reaction is either very good or very bad! There are a limited number of venues locally that support this type of music. Consequently, we have played several shows at punk venues where we did not fit in at all and were not accepted by the punks because of the use of electronics in our music, and the way we look. But, there is a small core following of teenage girls that love us and leave lewd messages on our guestbook—and who doesn't want that?

4. Where do you perform?

Bailey: Our favorite venues are Berzerker Studios, the Galaxy, and Pops.

Gage: We also have played Whiskey-a-Go-Go in L.A., and several other out-of-town shows in Springfield and Quincy, Illinois.

5. What is the biggest obstacle to the continuity of the project?

Gage: Building an older fanbase of people over 21 who are able to support shows.

Mike: Coaxing people to get past the categories and really hear what you are doing. For example, someone in Hot Topics might be interested in your music and ask, “What do you sound like?” When you list a few bands for them as a point of reference, you hear, “That is not industrial.” They are turned off because you don't give them the answer they want to relate to.

Cain: They are simply limited by their own lack of musical knowledge.

For more info, see www.inside6.com.