What started as a vision for a one-girl revolution has multiplied into an army of nonconformists who believe in themselves and their ability to affect change. So defines the impact of Superchic[k], a Chicago-based band whose albums inspire, empower, and entertain with a call to rise above society's unhealthy trappings. Superchic[k] is ready for another round, and the band's new album, Beauty From Pain, breathes fresh life into their relentless search for the next young revolutionary. The band's previous albums - Karaoke Superstar, Last One Picked, and the remix disc Regeneration - ignited the radio with such hits as "Hero," "Get Up," "Barlow Girls," "So Bright (Stand Up)," "Na Na," "Me Against the World," and "One Girl Revolution." While listeners embraced the band at radio, the press, likewise, featured Superchic[k] with prime coverage in the New York Times, Seventeen, Marie Claire, Bop, and ReMix magazines.
Superchic[k], featuring vocalist Tricia Brock and vocalist/guitarist Melissa Brock, bassist/vocalist Matt Dally, lead guitarist Dave Ghazarian, drummer Brandon Estelle, and keyboardist/DJ/producer Max Hsu, raises the bar musically and lyrically with Beauty From Pain. While still packed with punk-pop anthems, the new album delivers more diversity, stylistic blends, and emotional range. It's a unique combination of punk-rock riffs, hip-hop beats, and R/B melodies intertwined with solid songwriting.
While Karaoke Superstar addressed self-esteem issues and Last One Picked delved into real stories inspired by fans, Beauty From Pain takes an in-depth look at the artists' personal lives. Over the past year, most every band member faced the breakup of a serious relationship, and as these painful moments took root, the band naturally allowed the experiences to flow into the songs.
"The title Beauty From Pain sums up those relationships," says Melissa. "We all go through these hard times, but in reality, there is a beauty in that pain because it makes us stronger people and prompts us to lean on God in a way that we never have before. When a relationship is over, as much as it hurts and as hard as it can be, God is the One who is still there," she says.
"There's a lyric in Beauty from Pain that says, 'Though I don't understand why this happened, I know that I will when I look back someday,'" adds Max. "When you are in that dark place, hope can be an elusive thing to find. Some days you just have to grind out the pity party. For us, we've found redemption from these times. Beauty from Pain represents the hope that has emerged," he says, "and we've come out wiser, stronger and smarter."
Adds Tricia, "The songs won't bring you down. But if you are down, this album lets you know that you're not alone."
In the end, the band spent nearly a year and a half composing the album and six months recording it. And with such a personal album, the band was reluctant to release Beauty From Pain until they felt it was completely ready. While the band continued to tour during this time, Max stayed behind to work on the album, and the other members would fly home between shows for marathon recording sessions.
"I feel like we've finally hit our stride musically," says Max. "On this album, the entire band contributed and we really poured ourselves into the process. We want to make cool music, but more importantly, we want to change kids' lives," adds Matt. "If any of us lives this life without making a difference, we are just wasting the gifts and talents that God gave us," he says.
