Lane student’s band to release first album

By Sophia Swenson
& Cody Lee

Clay Frankel, Div. 270, and his band, Crash Hero were stooped over. Standing awkwardly in the corner of an empty beauty salon, the four teenage boys prepare for a “Battle of the Bands,” but this was not the battle the band was planning to take on. As a newly formed group, gigs did not come easily, and this was one of the first that they acquired.

In the store, two women quietly browsed as the band attempted to set up. Since there was no room for drums, the three guitarists uncomfortably played until they ran out of songs. After they finished, they were thanked by the salons owners, and rewarded…with store credit.

Frankel started a small garage band in the 8th grade, collaborating with his neighbor, Spencer Ebach. Frankel then brought in a drummer from his grammar school, Jake O’Hagan, who then introduced the band to their current bassist Jack Simborg. Thus creating Nova3…then Black Nova…then The Whiplash Tones…finally sticking with their most recent and familiar name, Crash Hero!

At first, the band searched for gigs on the internet and booked a few open mics around town. Along the way, they met another Chicago band with connections to the manager of a bar where Crash Hero still performs today. Although they did have a few gigs here and there, Myspace music was what really boosted the band’s popularity.

Nowadays, Crash Hero performs locally around the Chicago area, ranging from fundraisers such as Parkerpalooza, to 21+ bars. Since the boys are still in high school, scheduling shows for the band can prove to be pretty sporadic.

“[We’ll have] no shows for like two months, then [have] four shows the next,” said Frankel.

Despite their young age, the band has been heavily influenced by a 60s Modern Revival.

“It’s real simple chords with no cheesy melody, and [it’s] repetitive but interesting,” said Frankel.

With a little help from a band called Brian’s Jonestown Massacre, along with everyday life, Crash Hero receives a steady flow of inspiration for the band’s vibe.

“Music-wise, we’re all on the same page, even though we don’t really know which page that is.” Frankel said.

With their upoming first album, “Let’s Ask the Hippy Kid,” expected to be released on Dec.18, Crash Hero has come a long way from fooling around in their basements. And although they still have a long way to go in life, Crash Hero plans to keep on jamming for as long as possible.

“If you’re not down for forever, just get out now,” said Frankel.

From beauty salon shows to the release of an album, it is clear that Crash Hero already has plenty of experience. No matter the bumps in the road, no matter the outcome, Frankel and his band insist that they are here to stay.