Phoenix band Radiobox, which has influences in Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox 20, has played Marquee Theatre and is gearing up to record a new album. The band loves their fans and hopes to make new ones with their rock-pop sound.

Give me a brief biography of the band.

Radiobox is a bunch of guys who originally came together through common acquaintances. There's a kind of freakish way we all work together and all have the same thing in mind with our music. We feel that having Jim Carr join us recently has really put the last puzzle piece in for us. Jim combined with Hans Homberg, Alfred Trujillo and Mike  Engelhardt makes for a sound you just won't find anywhere else. As a wise man once said, "There is no one out there who can do what Radiobox does."

How do you feel you fit in with the Arizona music scene?

Arizona is a great place for an original band because the people around here appreciate good music regardless of the genre. We strive to stay true to the roots of rock and roll as well as the alternative movement, yet we call upon many different musical influences, some of which are not familiar to many people. What's important is that our fans recognize our music to be as genuine as the musicians who compose and perform it. They see that we don't rely on gimmicks. Instead, they respond to the raw emotion and sense of humor we blend into our songs.

Describe what your live show is like.

Our audiences feel like a part of the show. We feed off of their energy, and they feed off of ours. We're real people playing real music, and folks respond to that. As with all good art, each person takes away something different. It's not unusual after a three hour show to have several different people talking to different band members about their favorite song that night.

Explain one of your favorite songs and why it stands out.

One of our favorite songs has always been "Way It's Meant To Be".
Emotionally, the lyrics take you through the trials of dealing with breakups and reconciliations. It's very much a love song in a world that seems to be less about making an honest statement and more about putting up a facade. Musically, we feel this is our signature sound in that some of the chord voicings are complex and the rhythm is intricate at times, yet the melody is one that makes the listener want to sing along. The vocals are powerful and compelling, and the harmonies can be haunting at times.

What's up next for the band?

We're very excited about our future. After a year-long search we've found a new bass player who brings a provocative and refreshing dynamic to the band. We feel re-energized and ready to work our way through the local scene. We've already made tons of new fans with our last few shows and look forward to making more.

We've been in the studio recently. A Radiobox album is definitely in the works, though we have debated whether or not it would be a good idea to release a double album for our first CD. We have a large number of songs from which to choose, so we'll be looking to our fans for input about what
they like the best. T

The response to our acoustic shows has encouraged us to add even more the schedule. They are a hit because we are able to really connect and interact with the audience. If you've never seen us before, this is a great way to get a feel for our music and meet the band.

Describe your band in three words.
Honest. Fun. Compelling.

Bongo's Bar & Grill
May 16, 30; June 13, 27; July 11- 8 p.m.
Free
4080 W. Ray Road, Chandler, 85226

Stray Cat Bar & Grill
June 9- 8 p.m.
$5
2433 E. University Drive, Tempe, 85281

www.myspace.com/radiobox