IN T R A N S I T
By Cyndi Brown

Just recently breaking into the Vegas music scene is Transit - a 4 piece band consisting of Matthew Hedegaard on guitar, vocals and piano, Trevor Smith on guitar and piano, Dell Star on bass, and Anthony Parrulli on drums. Formed in late 2003, Transit comes from various musical backgrounds and have a wide range of influences in several genres. Collectively, the group admires such influential bands as Radiohead, Coldplay, and U2 just to name a few. Smash Magazine recently had an opportunity to sit down and talk with the members of Transit about the band, the music, and all things Blue.

SMASH: According to your website, Transit began when Dell Star (bass) started a
search for band members in late 2002. How did you each meet up with Dell and
the other members of Transit?

Dell: Actually the band history now precedes the formation of Transit. Our
new member Trevor was working with Matthew before the forming of the band.
Anthony: I answered an ad in a local paper that Dell had placed for a
singer.

SMASH: Transit already has performed several shows over the past several months,
including the Cabo Wabo Meltdown Battle of the Bands at the Hard Rock. The
release of your debut EP, "Dangerous Airwaves" is just around the corner.
What are your plans once you have released the new EP?

Matt: We plan to get the songs to as many people as possible. It should be
available at local music stores and online. We will also be trying to
generate label interest and radio airplay.

SMASH: Aside from Vegas, where would you most like to tour and do shows? How
extensively would you like to tour?

Anthony: Start on the west coast, make our way east, and then further east
to Europe.

SMASH: If Transit were going to hit the road for a national tour, and you were able
to pick any band to tour with, who would it be?

Matt: Elbow
Dell: Starsailor
Anthony: Muse

SMASH: Anthony Parrulli, drummer for Transit, is also a blue man in the Blue Man
Group show at the Luxor. Is it difficult juggling his schedule with the rest
of the band so you are able to record and perform shows?

Anthony: It's not an issue. Blue Man is a great company to work for. They
support us in our outside projects.

SMASH: Who does the majority of the songwriting for Transit, or is it a shared
effort?

Matt: I write the songs and bring them to the group.

SMASH: How did each of you get your start in music? Who are your biggest
influences?

Matt: I started playing piano at a very early age and gravitated to other
instruments. My influences are Jeff Buckley and Noel Gallagher.
Anthony: I started drumming when I was 8 in school band. My biggest
influence right now is Brian Blade, a Jazz drummer in New York.
Dell: I started playing guitar in elementary school and later picked up the
bass. My greatest influence is the U. K.

SMASH: What messages do you want to send through your music?

Matt: I would like people to take anything they want from our music.
However, I did write these songs with specific meaning and subject matter. I
just want people start thinking.

SMASH: Some say that the local music scene in Vegas is struggling. Certainly, there
is a serious problem with kids finding good all ages venues where they can
see their favorite bands. What do you think it is about Vegas that makes
things so difficult for local bands to find a decent place to perform?

Anthony: This town is made for people 21 and up. It's unfortunate that there
are not more clubs for the under 21 crowd.
Dell: We think Jillian's is a great all-ages venue. We played there once and
we plan on playing there again in the future.

SMASH: What are your passions and interests, aside from music?

Matt: My hobbies are politics and arguing.
Anthony: I love football! Go Bucs!!
Dell: Web design, art and fashion.

SMASH: Thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Are there any parting
thoughts or words you would like to share?

Anthony: Check out our website! <http://www.transitband.com>
Dell: I think we have something cool to share so come check us out.