University City Magazine

Local Teens on a Rock n' Roll Ride

Justin, Nick, and Hannah Tosco believe that they are just a few steps from fame. Granted, the remaining steps are pretty big ones. But, as grand prize winners of the national "So You Want to Be a Rock Star" competition that saw them profiled in a corresponding, recently published book, these local teens appear to well on their way.

The personable trio, who make up the band "justincase," cringe at comparisons to other high-profile, family-only rock groups. Collectively, they believe that their edgy style, earthy attitude and eclectic alternative sound sets them apart from the "oom-bopping" Hansens and other similar groups.
Evidently, the folks at Beyond Words Publishing tend to agree.

The Low-down
The siblings have been playing as a organized band for about three years. Justin a 15-year-old rising junior at Vanch High School, is the band's singing, songwriter, and guitarist. Nick, an animated 14-year-old and self-taught drummer, plans to start Vance in the fall.
Twelve-year-old Hannah, a rising eigth grader at Countryside Montessori School, plays bass, keyboards, and flute.
The band's first public performance came in 1997 at a Countryside talent show. Their road to success began a year or so later with a music questionaire and biography attached to a few snapshots and a demo disc. Over 300 bands, mostly adults, entered into the same rock star wannabe contest. The top 17 were profiled in a how-to book that details the ins and outs of the music business- everything from picking members and a name, to getting an agent and gigs.
As the contest winners, the Tosco kids have been on a regional book signing tour, which started at the Barnes & Noble near Southpark. Their next big live performance was a June 17 benefit at Tremont Music Hall with five other bands. A possible appearance on Nickelodeon and landing a national recording contract are penciled into their summer plans.
Previous gigs for "justincase" have included Charlotte's "Festival in the Park" and the "Matthews Alive" festival. Additionally, Charlotte radio station 106.5 FM "The End", has aired a song from their demo disc. Recently the band also performed the acoustic ballad "After You" on National Public Radio's Charlotte morning show.
"I wrote that one when I was young, a few years ago," explained Justin with a straight face. A veteran guitarist, he's been playing for nine years. "There was no real incident. It was about loving my girlfriends in the past and how hard it is."
Of collaborating with others on a tune, Justin feels that the sibling relationship works well for the band.
"We know each other so well that we feel the song together," he said.

Growing up a Tosco
Quiet is not a word Justin would use in describing the Tosco home.
"There is a stereo on in each room," he said noting that at any one time Mozart, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles or Counting Crows are streaming out of various rooms in the house. "But it's not a distraction (from school work), at least not anymore."
"Surprisingly lenient" is how Justin described the neighbors who have grown accustomed to live music coming from the home.
"When we're playing music in the garage, sometimes we're loud and play late," Nick said. 'But that's when we are most cooperative."
Some neighbors even enjoy the impromtu concerts.
"A lot of people come out to listen to us," explained soft-spoken Hannah of the sessions. "One neighbor was even dancing with painted his house. That was pretty funny."

The Sounds of Music
Music has always been a way of life for the Toscos.
"We grew listening to all kinds of music and we are known for having music parties," said Hannah. "Dad(John Tosco) is a well-known local musician and he also teaches music in schools and through the Community School for the Arts. He's helped us a lot."
But even Dad doesn't alter their stuff.
"Their music is original, is 100 percent their own," said the trio's mother, Holly. A Montessori Directress at Countryside who majored in drama, she and John are following their children's lead. "The whole band thing was really their idea," she said. "It came together."

Getting the Nod
"I kept screaming when we got the call," said Nick about receiving the news from the book publisher annoucing their win in the contest. "I couldn't believe it. That we actually won."
Of what the exposure could bring, Justin seems more interested in the journey that the final destination.
"We want to get on a bus and go all over," he said. "It's not about being famous."
Hannah enjoys the experience of performing.
"I just love being on stage, having everyone watch you and enjoy hearing you," she said. "It's like playing a sport. So many people watching you do what you love."
Nick, however, offered a different perspective.
"My other goal is to meet (actress) Katie Holmes before I die!" he said.
According to Mom, these A/B honor roll students are all college-bound. Then, Holly conceded, if things keep clipping along at this pace, alternative education may be part of the plan for justincase.

The trio recently won a national talent competition and appears headed toward a recording contract. Justin and Nick will attend Vance High School next year, while Hannah is a student at Countryside Montessori School.