Every musician has their first memory of why they decided to play music. Sometimes it comes from a parent playing a Beatles album or from their first concert, but for Matt Balas of Red Red Indicator, it was when he was 11 years old and his cousin copied him a Rancid cassette tape. Balas then saved up money from his paper route to buy his first electric guitar and amplifier, and has been playing music ever since. He has been in seven bands, toured all the U.S. and most of the U.K., and can play just about every traditional instrument. On July 15, Balas will showcase his talents when he performs at the Vintage Theater with No Service Project and Mad Conductor. This show is more than a typical concert for Balas though, originally from Freeland. It’s more of a reunion show with a group of friends, he said. “I played drums with Mad Conductor a few years ago,” said Balas. “I actually toured in both the U.S. and U.K. with them. Then I played guitar in No Service Project, played drums on an album, and toured with them as well.” Balas, the current singer and guitar player in his project Red Red Indicator - which also includes guitarist Kevin McHugh, bassist Marc Balas, and drummer Ryan Malloy – began their new effort about a year ago. They have a four-song EP available at redredindicator.bandcamp.com titled “I’m Not Product,” which was recorded solely by Balas before the band was formed, and they’re currently working towards their debut full length album. The “progressive punk” act, as described by Balas, includes bits and pieces of Rancid, Joe Strummer, Rush and some Foo Fighters and Green Day. The band’s hustle since their start has allowed them to share the stage with Celtic punk-rock band Flatfoot 56 a few months ago. They often accept whatever opportunities to play that they can get. “It’s hard to find shows these days,” Balas explained. “The independent music scene is, I don’t want to say it, but kind of (expletive). It’s honestly hard to find shows. I’ve had more luck booking tours around the country then shows in this area. “I just have to remember I love playing music and that’s what we all want to do.”
