YAMAHA PIANOS AND DRUMS HIT THE ROAD WITH SOMETHING CORPORATE

BUENA PARK, CA (March 7, 2003)—Andrew McMahon of the band Something Corporate incorporates a sound almost unheard in today’s new punk/pop scene—a piano.

Something Corporate’s Andrew McMahon

The band is comprised of pianist/lead vocalist McMahon, guitarists Josh Parington and William Tell, bassist Clutch and drummer Brian Ireland. Formed in early 2000, the band members were barely out of high school when their debut six track EP Audioboxer was released in late 2001, establishing them as a local club favorite.

On the road, the band travels with a Yamaha U1 upright and generally records on a C7 or C9 Conservatory Grand. “The use of Yamaha pianos has been an important part of the recording process for both of our albums,” says McMahon. “The Yamaha U1 has been the sturdiest and most beautiful sounding road piano I’ve used so far. My biggest and earliest influence was Billy Joel—I’m a huge fan of classic rock music and Billy Joel infuses piano so well into that genre.”

The band also travels with Yamaha Drums. “I've been playing [drums] for about four and a half years,” says Ireland, who plays a Maple Custom kit. “After about a year, I picked up a Yamaha Maple Custom, and it’s exactly what I wanted. I’ve been extremely happy with it. It sounds great in the studio and tunes up really quick and easy. They’re awesome! It’s easy to brag about them.”

Drummer Brian Ireland

Having the opportunity to play in front of a crowd of people nearly every night is what McMahon considers the most rewarding aspect of what he does. “I have wanted to be a musician since I was eight years old, so I began to play the piano and write songs.”

The full-length CD Leaving Through the Window, recently released on Drive Thru/MCA, gains speed as it makes its way to the top of the charts. McMahon is extremely proud of that release—and with good reason—it debuted at #1 on the Billboard “Heatseekers” chart, #1 on the Billboard “Alternative New Artist Albums” chart and at #101 on the Billboard “Top 200.”

Something Corporate is currently on a European tour and anticipates beginning work on its second full length studio album in the Fall of 2003.

For more information, contact Yamaha Corporation of America, Piano and Pro Audio & Combo Divisions, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622, telephone 714-522-9011, email infostation@yamaha.com or visit www.yamaha.com.