Posted on Fri, May. 09, 2008

-- I first met the members of Long Beach's Stereohype in the summer of 2005. They played a show at the now-destroyed Downtown Tavern in Gulfport in front of maybe 10 people. Most of the other people at the show seemed more interested in their pool game than the band's happy, ska/punk-influenced sound. It was a sad sight. The next two years were bittersweet for the band. More people came to their shows and they released a great album, but they lost their shot to open CPR Fest. Twice.

What a difference a year makes. It seems the third time is the charm for the band. Last week, the curse was lifted and the rock 'n' roll gods smiled upon Stereohype as they won the 2008 Battle For CPR Fest. In what was perhaps the most civil and polite Battle of the Bands in recent memory (OK, there were a few scuffles, but just work with me here), Stereohype edged out Gulfport rock act Cathercist to perform before thousands at CPR Fest 12 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum on July 5. Cathercist won the right to open the after-party following the show (which might be a better gig, anyway).

"Oh man, it feels awesome," vocalist Chase Thoms said of the band's win. "It's a good accomplishment for the band, for sure. We're really just looking forward to playing before all those people. It's an awesome event that (97.9 WCPR FM) has put together, so we're really looking forward to playing it."

Stereohype's dream gig almost didn't happen, however. The rest of the band had to be talked into even entering the competition by guitarist Nic Rohde. The previous two years' experience had been a bitter pill to swallow. In that time, they recorded and released their album "Tequila Sunrise" and toured across several states. Their work ethic over the last two years served them so well, they were seen as the "elder statesmen" of the bands that competed this year, if not an odds-on favorite.

"I think luck has a little bit to do with it," Thoms said. "I think hard work pays off, man. Bands that work hard, make it. There's a select few that have been really lucky, but the ones that leave a lasting impression are the bands that work hard. You can't just expect the opportunity to come to you. You have to go out and get it."

Sterohype plays happy songs that are easy to dance to. They smile when they perform and play with the crowd during every song. You leave a Stereohype show feeling refreshed and just a little lighter on your feet. That may have something to do with their sound, but I think it speaks volumes about their attitude toward their work and their fans.

The band's first gig was more than nine years ago at a small dance club in Diamondhead. Thoms was only 15 at the time. Nine years later, perspective and experience in hand, the band is looking forward to the future. A summer tour is currently in the works with stops planned as far away as Boston. They've already got several festival gigs under their belt and have their sights set on more for the next year. They also played a rousing set to a packed house at the Hard Rock Café last Monday night. Onward and upward, one fan at a time.

Stereohype has been a functioning band in South Mississippi for the better part of a decade. Their victory is not just one for them, but for their fans who have remained true for nearly as long. Their investment in Stereohype will be returned in spades when the lights go down on July 5 at the Coliseum.

Until then, let's get skankin', Mississippi.

Justin Hooks covers bars and bands along the Coast for the Sun Herald. He can be reached at jhooks@sunherald.com.