NOISE: Four Questions With a Maybe-Soon-To-Be Star

Chris Carney knows the Prom Kings are the next big thing

Josh Bell

L.A. hard rock quartet the Prom Kings may not be stars yet, but lead singer Chris Carney is already talking like one. The band's self-titled debut is out in March on indie Three Kings Records, run by Carney's brother, Michael, and the first single, "Alone," is spinning on radio stations across the country, including Vegas' KOMP 92.3-FM. White-hot rapper The Game, a longtime friend of the band's, makes a guest appearance on one track and the Prom Kings were at the Radio Music Awards at the Aladdin in October. They'll be playing a Von Dutch fashion show at Ra on Valentine's Day, in conjunction with the MAGIC apparel convention. Carney, just back from the very LA activity of going to the gym, hardly lacks for self-confidence when talking about his band.



Do you think The Game's huge success will help you guys out?


Our ongoing joke is, "I'll meet you at the top." Because the hip-hop thing is more hype and we keep messing with him, saying, "Well, we're going to get you in the long run, buddy. You might beat us in the first week, but overall, we're going to kick your ass." So it's just like an ongoing back-and-forth between us.



Would you ever consider a major-label deal?


Hell, no. We signed probably the biggest record deal in the last 20 years through [Three Kings]. Their whole basis of that record company is artist-related. We've been offered record deals from other majors, and it's like, do you want a penny or do you want $5 million? Because they're throwing like Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears-type promotion money at us right now.



You've got a lot of corporate synergy with your sponsorships from Von Dutch and Vonage. Does that ever concern you?


You know what? If it wasn't for the man, we wouldn't be here. Corporate is good as long as they do it in the right way and honor the artist.



Do you have any crazy Vegas memories?


Oh yeah, man. We're from LA, so we get hammered and messed up, and the next thing you know, we're two hours deep in the drive down the f--king freeway in the middle of the desert to Vegas. And then five hours later, five grand later, I'm blowing a dude for a sandwich, trying to get a cab ride back to the hotel.

  • Get More Stories from Thu, Feb 10, 2005
Top of Story