About to Pop: Hot Chelle Rae

By Ashley Iasimone Posted Oct 26th 2009 01:30PM

Who: Hot Chelle Rae
Album: 'Lovesick Electric'
Song: 'I Like to Dance'
Hails From: Nashville, Tenn.
For Fans Of: Metro Station, The Cab

Why They're About to Pop: Although you might not know Hot Chelle Rae's catchy dance-rock tunes yet, chances are you will soon -- and you're likely more familiar with their work than you'd think. The Nashville-based band lent a hand to superstars Taylor Swift and T-Pain to co-write 'Thug Story,' the parody based off of Swift's hit, 'Love Story.' "Working with T-Pain and Taylor Swift was kind of a dream come true," guitarist Nash Overstreet tells PopEater. "We got a call one night, asking for a hip-hop song that they could perform together for the CMT Awards. I believe they were both on tour at the time, and didn't have the time to get it started. We began 'Thug Story,' and then Taylor and T-Pain met us in Nashville to finish the track."

Hot Chelle Rae -- Overstreet, lead singer Ryan Keith Follese, bassist Ian Keaggy and drummer Jamie Follese -- are now busy readying the release of their own debut album, 'Lovesick Electric.' The first single, 'I Like to Dance,' has already been featured on 'So You Think You Can Dance,' and the band recently filmed a video for it, featuring 'The Hills' star Stephanie Pratt. Catch Hot Chelle Rae live as they wrap up a tour with Third Eye Blind, and pick up a copy of 'Lovesick Electric,' out on Oct. 27.

Listen to 'I Like to Dance'

Seven Questions With Hot Chelle Rae's Nash Overstreet:

Hot Chelle Rae was named after a crazy fan. What's the story?

Yes, I believe we have all come to the conclusion that a "dedicated" fan is the nicest description. Don't get me wrong, Chelle Rae -- that's at least the handle that she had on her MySpace -- was absolutely insane. She first contacted us saying how she liked our music and could help us get it out there. She allegedly worked at Universal Records, and had pictures with people like Pete Wentz and Snoop Dogg. After a lot of red flags we finally found out that she had been faking her identity the entire time we'd known her, stealing pictures from a model to use as her own, and definitely had zero connections. Anyway, we kind of called her out on the whole lying thing, and she disappeared, but we got a cool band name out of it.

What's your favorite song from 'Lovesick Electric,' and why?

My favorite song is 'Never Have I Ever.' It's such a summary of all of the members and the album. It's got crazy drum moments, danceable bass lines, a guitar solo and cool vocal parts.

You wrote over 50 songs for this album before finalizing the tracklist. Do you plan to do anything with those that didn't make the cut?

There will definitely be some songs that go on future records -- ours, or other artists' -- that just weren't fitting within our vision for this specific record. Also, I'm sure there will be bonus editions of 'Lovesick Electric' that will include a few songs that got left out for one reason or another.

How did you get involved with Taylor Swift and T-Pain's 'Thug Story' parody, and what was it like to meet and work with them?

Working with T-Pain and Taylor Swift was kind of a dream come true. We got a call one night, asking for a hip-hop song that they could perform together for the CMT Awards. I believe they were both on tour at the time, and didn't have the time to get it started. We began 'Thug Story,' and then Taylor and T-Pain met us in Nashville to finish the track. It was definitely a proud moment to see it debuted at the awards show.

You're a Nashville band. Have you ever felt the pull to try your hand at country music?

We love Nashville, and have been surrounded by all kinds of music throughout our lives. There have a been a few country songs written by members of HCR. It's probably one of the most difficult types of music to write, lyrically. Every word usually has such importance -- it's really good for keeping us working hard at our craft.

Since you're on the road now, what are some things you can't live without while you're away from home and on tour?

If we didn't have our laptops/iPhones ... we may strangle each other. I'm kidding, I think. Driving across the country demands either an incredible attention span, or lots to keep busy with. I may have answered this differently a few months from now when all the apps imaginable have been worn out.

You were all raised in musical families. What's the best advice your parents have given you?

They have been very supportive of us and our dreams. They are great about giving us guidance and warnings, or letting us in on past mistakes they've seen musicians make. It has already saved us on future turmoil. Most importantly, they've instilled in all of us the desire to never stop progressing and growing in our musicianship. Our families have helped shape who we are.

Download Hot Chelle Rae Songs