Beta State exhibits levels of camaraderie, talent and passion that few other bands equal. Since 2009, the Bay Area band has steadily strengthened in popularity while their music continues to receive considerable play on television stations including E! and MTV.
Expanding on the success of their 2010 album “Stars,” Beta State recently completed work on their second full length album, “#Friendship,” which is scheduled for release on May 21.
“‘#Friendship’ was originally an EP with only six songs on it,” said Beta State vocalist Matt McDonald. “So we took that and made it a full length album. And then in addition to that full length, we’re adding like six remixes. So we’re going to pack it to the brim of what it can hold.”
Along with McDonald, guitarist and co-founder Ryan Hernandez, drummer and co-founder Adrian Robison, and bassist and backup vocalist Justin Kastner have found a unique strength and connection through their differentiating experiences and tastes.
“It helps that all four of us are completely different from each other. We really don’t share a whole lot in common other than that we love music,” said McDonald. “We even love different music styles. Adrian loves rap, Ryan loves grunge and I listen to metal sometimes.”
They also have a healthy process for resolving differences of opinion.
“We’re completely different personality wise, too,” said McDonald. “But that balance is actually really refreshing because when we do have arguments, somebody else steps in and says, ‘Hey, I’m the voice of reason right now.’ It’s not always easy, but it’s nice to have that underlying difference and to find a way to connect that.”
Recognizing the value of their material, television networks have incorporated Beta State’s music into various television programs.
“We did ‘[Keeping up with the] Kardashians,’ ‘The Real World’ and ‘Road Rules Challenge,’” said McDonald. “On each of those shows, we were on multiple episodes. And so we had a good chunk of songs that made the cut.”
Hernandez expanded on the point.
“We know with the Kardashians, they played us during the proposal scene,” said Hernandez. “It’s a blanket deal. So basically we give them the right to use our music and play it whenever they want.”
In selecting a name, the band found inspiration from conscious brain waves.
“Basically the name behind Beta State is like being in the moment. It was like the alpha, beta and theta states,” said McDonald. “And this one was kind of being in the moment and being aware of everything going on. So it kind of has a nice meaning for everyone.”
In 2009, co-founders Hernandez and Robison were looking to start fresh from their previous project.
“We basically had a thing on MySpace. A sing-along to try out singers that way,” said Hernandez. “We had a bunch of people try out and got like 200 singers. And then we heard Matt and were like, ‘Wow, this guy is awesome.’”
With his considerable range, vocal work came naturally to McDonald.
“I was obsessed with music when I grew up, but I never played and never sang. I didn’t start singing until I was like 19 or 20,” said McDonald. “And then one day I was just driving around in my car and realized that I could sing whatever was on the radio. Then from there, I thought I would try to sing in a band. So I just decided to go for it and, you know, learn as I go.”
For more information on Beta State and to listen to a sample of their new album including their first “#Friendship” single, “Start a Clean Slate,” visit www.facebook.com/betastate. Their back catalog is also available on iTunes.
