Rise Phoenix Rise is lesson in rock chemistry

JON.BUSDEKER@htimes.com

What's more difficult?

Getting a master's degree in organic chemistry or succeeding in the music business?

According to Rise Phoenix Rise's lead singer Gibson (like Madonna - he goes by one name), it's not chemistry.

"The music is much more difficult," said Gibson.

Gibson, who holds a master's in organic chemistry from East Tennessee State University, said anyone can study hard and get a master's degree. "Music's really not up to you," Gibson said, adding that a band's popularity is up to the fans.

So Gibson gives the fans what they want. At every show, he thanks the crowd for spending their hard-earned dollars on Rise Phoenix Rise. "I like for people to have a good time," Gibson said.

Rise Phoenix Rise will be at Sammy T's on Saturday. The band, which mixes originals with covers ranging from Rick Springfield and Van Morrison to Pantera and Panic at the Disco, will start at 9 p.m. Tickets are $5.

Rise Phoenix Rise (made up of Gibson, Rob Hampton, Jarod Griffith, Ronnie Williams and Chris Bishop) grew out of two touring bands that crossed paths years ago while playing the college circuit.

Gibson's band GoodSpeed and Hampton's band the Poptart Monkeys played together in Johnson City, Tenn. The Poptart Monkeys were on tour from Pennsylvania.

Time passed, and the Poptart Monkeys lead singer asked Gibson if he wanted to start a new band. Gibson, along with two guitar players from GoodSpeed, packed up and moved to Pennsylvania. "Out of the ashes of the bands ... ours came together," Gibson said.

Hence the name: Rise Phoenix Rise.

When the bands formally merged in March 2007, Gibson said they had about a week of practice before hitting the road and heading to Key West.

Rise Phoenix Rise played for 17 days to crowds vacationing on spring break. "It was like rock 'n' roll boot camp," Gibson said.

Since the beer bongs and wet T-shirts of spring break 2007 (woo-hoo!), Rise Phoenix Rise has toured the eastern United States and been on the Vans Warped Tour.

Although the music business may be difficult at times, Gibson said he's glad he doesn't have to actually use his degree in chemistry.

"I hope I never have to," Gibson said.