Everything?s changed for Aiden in the past few months. Although the Seattle-based band signed with Victory Records in 2004 and released Nightmare Anatomy while half its members were still in high school, it was arguably the band?s gig at Baltimore?s recent Virgin Festival that edged them toward stardom.
The band won the coveted slot ? plus major publicity and perks ? through the “Book the Band” contest.
“This is our very first headlining tour and we are just jamming and having a great time,” said vocalist wiL Francis with a laugh.
Such elation is especially poignant coming from Francis. A sad home life led him to pot by age 10, ironically the same year he taught himself to play guitar. He soon moved onto acid, heroin and crimes which netted him about 25 trips to jail. During his last arrest, police spoke with glee about his upcoming 18th birthday after which they would lock him away for “a long, long time.”
That prompted him to ask the court for mercy ? and treatment.
“For me, it was a matter of living or dying,” said Francis. “For some people who aren?t alcoholics or drug addicts, [recreational use] can be a lot of fun ? Some of these guys, though, don?t know what life has to offer.”
Many of Francis? early songs are dark and confessional, talking about friends who died, including one who overdosed in front of him.
While punk confessional music is still Aiden?s calling card, Francis has allowed his writing to follow paths other than “pure punk” as evidenced on the recently released Conviction.
“Conviction is an excellent next step in the path of a band who is not content with staying static in their musical direction,” wrote a critic for Amazon music.
Of course, not everyone agrees.
“I know some fans think I sold out,” he said. “Listen, I?m just a punk rock grunge kid from Seattle who taught myself to play guitar and started my own band. I never went to LA to be a rock star.”
But that doesn?t mean Francis and his band won?t push to hit their version of success.
“For me it?s all about drive and passion and what I want to become,” he said. “I?m good at only two things: taking drugs andmaking music. I want to make music.”
IF YOU GO
Aiden with Drop Dead, Gorgeous, Still Remains and 1997
Venue: Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St., Baltimore
When: 3 p.m. (doors), 3:30 p.m. show, Saturday
Details; $14
