The Megas (band)

Infobox musical artist
Name = The Megas

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Img_size = 250
Landscape = Yes
Background = group_or_band
Origin = Los Angeles, California
Genre = Rock, Indie, Experimental
Years_active = 2004–present
Associated_acts = Agent 51
Apathy
Current_members = Josh Breeding
Eric von Doymi
Greg Schneider
Mike Levinson
Past_members = Brent Firestone
Dave Jensen
URL = http://www.themegas.com/

The Megas is a Los Angeles based independent video game cover band based on the Capcom game, "Mega Man 2". They differentiate themselves from artists who have played "Mega Man 2"'s music in the past by adding original lyrics and composing new sections which blend seamlessly with the original compositions. Their lyrics expand on the simple story laid out in the NES game, giving each of the 8 robot masters a unique personality. Their debut album, "Get Equipped", was released in January 2008.

The band has gained notoriety in the video game music scene due to their popularity on sites like Newgrounds. Their song "The Annihilation of Monsteropolis/Airman" was featured on the front page of the popular video game music remixing site OverClocked ReMix, and most recently the band was mentioned on Wired magazine's blog [cite web|url=http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/05/meet-mega-man-c.html|title=Meet Mega Man Cover Band The Megas|accessdate=2008-09-09] as well as the official Capcom blog [cite web|url=http://blog.capcom.com/archives/1235|title=Don't Stop the Rock: The Megas|accessdate=2008-09-09] .

They plan to create new music from other "Mega Man" games in the future. "Mega Man 3" and "Mega Man X" have been mentioned as the most likely candidates for inspiration, though in May 2008 they released a track for a VG music compilation based on the Mega Man 2 level select track, a song they had skipped over during the recording of "Get Equipped". Their ultimate goal is to tour Japan, and play their music for Mega Man's creator, Keiji Inafune.

Mission statement

"Since the year 200X (4), The Megas have strived to bring a message from Dr. Light to the people. They have chosen to transmit that message, the tale of a small blue robot named Mega Man, directly into the eardrums of the general populace through the power of rock."

History

Formation and early days

Josh Breeding arranges and performs a version of the song "I Want to be The One" (based on the Dr. Wily 1-2 theme) for a school talent show. Later, plays the song for Eric von Doymi, a friend that he met at Cal State Long Beach. The two of them re-record the track. The band is formed shortly after, picking up bassist Greg Schneider (previously of the band Agent 51) and drummer Dave Jensen. The first songs are laid out and performed live at video game themed shows and local venues. The band continues as a side project for a couple of years up until the recording of their first official album, "Get Equipped".

Release of first album

Drummer Mike Levinson, who previously played in Agent 51 with Greg, joins the band. He takes the place of second drummer Brent Firestone. The band constructs a studio dubbed "Dr. Light Studios" and focuses on recording and releasing their first album. "Get Equipped" was released in January, 2008.

Live Tour

Originally performing only at venues local to the band's native Hollywood, August 2008 saw The Megas tour a small section of the east coast of the US. The tour was catalyzed by their inclusion in the "32-Bit Genocide" concert.

*Aug 16 - "32-Bit Genocide" in Baltimore, MD
*Aug 19 - The Khyber in Philadelphia
*Aug 21 - Otto's Shrunken Head in Manhattan, NY
*Aug 23 - All Asia in Cambridge, MA
*Aug 23 - Ground Zero in Suncook, NH

The group considered this first major tour to be a success, and future plans for the band include more ambitious tours as well as new albums.

Podcast

In April 2008, the band began recording a bi-weekly podcast, in which they discuss topics relating to video games or whatever else is on their minds. They also answer questions posted on their [http://www.themegas.com/megasarmy/index.php official forums] .

Style

The original music from "Mega Man 2" is an 8-bit format from the NES. The Megas use guitar, bass guitar, and drums to create songs inspired by the original themes of each boss stage, as well as other soundtrack selections such as the enemy selected music and the ending song music. Original lyrics are created for the songs, typically centered around each of the Robot Masters' personalities, made up based on their level design and their appearance.

Band members

Current members

* Josh Breeding aka Rev. Breeding - lead vocals, rhythm guitar
* Eric von Doymi aka E - vocals, lead guitar
* Greg Schneider aka Gregatron - bass, backing vocals
* Mike Levinson aka Mikey Hell - drums (2006-present)

Former members

* Brent Firestone - drums (2005-2006)
* Dave Jensen - drums (2004-2005)

Discography

*"Get Equipped" (2008)

Official websites

* http://www.themegas.com
* http://www.myspace.com/themegas

ee also

*The Protomen, who perform an original dystopian rock opera based on the origins of Mega Man.
*The Minibosses, one of the very first game-music cover bands, focusing mainly on NES tunes.
*The Black Mages, a metal band founded by Nobuo Uematsu to play "Final Fantasy" arrangements.
*The Advantage, another band which plays covers of Nintendo theme music.
*The OneUps, another band which plays covers of video game music (although with a more jazz-inspired sound).
*The NESkimos, another band which plays covers of Nintendo music, but adds a very heavy style to it.
*MegaDriver, another band which plays covers of video game music, mostly of the Sega Genesis (or "Mega Drive" outside North America) but also plays Nintendo covers, with a heavy metal style.
*PRESS PLAY ON TAPE, another band which plays covers of video game music (Commodore 64 tunes as rock).

External links

* http://kotaku.com/gaming/colette-bennett/feature-video-armageddon-222580.php
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agent_51
* http://www.ocremix.org/remix/OCR01687/
* http://www.intellivisionlives.com/media/newsletters/news060921.html
* http://www.thasauce.net/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=741
* http://music.ign.com/articles/787/787795p1.html
* http://gamemusic4all.blogspot.com/2008/01/megas-get-equipped-album-release.html
* http://www.vgfrequency.com/the-megas-release-debut-arrangement-album-get-equipped
* http://themegas.newgrounds.com
* http://blog.capcom.com/archives/1235
* http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/05/meet-mega-man-c.html

References