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On the Road With: State Radio

On Year of the Crow, State Radio blend punk and rock with some reggae flourishes for a decidedly tasty musical concoction. The band pull no punches when it comes to espousing their politics, and they pride themselves on truly having something to say. In an age where rock and roll has become safe, State Radio remain dangerous. The band also puts on a killer live show that brings together all those elements. So it's only fitting that vocalist Chad Stokes would partake in ARTISTdirect's "On the Road With" feature.

What records have you been cranking lately on the tour bus, backstage or before you perform and what's so great about them?

I've been listening to Nirvana's From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah, RX Bandits' And the Battle Begun and Jethro Tull's Stand Up. Cobain's sound check howl is worth it alone, RX Bandits are a great band and great players and Tull are classic.

What's your favorite piece of stage clothing and where did you get it?

I had this Russian shirt that was given to me by good friend and producer Jack Gauthier.

What's the best place to eat on the road?

The Gentleman Farmer in Coventry Rhode Island—it's a diner in a farmhouse with the specials written on the walls.

Do you write music on the road?

Writing on the road is very fragmented because the road life is so scattered, but sometimes I can hold on to an idea until we get home.

What's the best way to kill time in a boring spot?

Skateboarding and football.

What's the most inspirational truck stop?

Wall Drug is well good. Also, on the corner of Robertson and Olympic in LA, there's a solar paneled gas station that sells biofuels.

What city has the best and most responsive crowds?

I’ve got two: Asbury Park, New Jersey and Boston.

Which venue has the cleanest facilities?

9:30 club in DC does.

More importantly who provides the best rider?

House of Blues Chicago.

What do you miss most when you're out on tour?

Pond hockey.

What's the first thing you do when you get home from tour?

Cook up some fried eggs and then go check in on my nephew Oscar.

—Rick Florino
02.21.08