Charlotte Observer November 9, 2001

The bright lights beckon for teen band justincase
By TONYA JAMESON

Charlotte sibling band justincase is on its way to the big dance.

Three months ago, they performed for record execs in Los Angeles. On Monday, the band of brothers - plus a sister - signed with Maverick, Madonna's label. And within weeks, they hope to be working on an album in L.A.

While plenty of Charlotte groups are on independent labels, few record on baby majors, such as Maverick, or major labels. Most recently, Gastonia's rap-rock group Sunny Ledfurd signed with MCA.

The pop-rock trio - vocalist and guitarist Justin, drummer Nick and bassist Hannah Tosco - embody the next phase in pop music. They're teen-age singer/songwriters who play and sing instead of dance and lip-synch.

Since forming in 1997, justincase has been a mainstay on the Charlotte music scene. The group has played in Charlotte clubs, festivals and the side stage at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. The Tosco teens' dad, John, hosts the long-running Tosco Music Party, which moves to Spirit Square next year, and the Tosco House Party at the Evening Muse.

Justincase regularly performs at both events. In the last few years, the band performed in New York, Las Vegas and Atlanta in hopes of getting a deal.

Justincase, as fans know, played its last area show on Oct. 20 at a Pineville festival. When the group returns from recording in L.A., expect a more polished sound, new material and reworked fan favorites.

It's too soon to speculate on a release date for the CD.