The video for their song “Renegade” opens with the sad reminder that 6 out of 10 American teens witness bullying at least once a day. With all of the recent instances of cruelty being reported in the media, the band’s goal with their first song is to rally teens around a message of tolerance and acceptance.

Since we’re a couple, our love and musical communication gives the music a sense of urgency when we play live,” Cupcakes explains. “We create something new every time we play we play and invite the audience to take part in the process,” and that is exactly what happened when the

There was a new sense of vigor and excitement. We’d never felt more excited to be making music. I wrote songs frantically, all the time. I would go out and come home in the morning with my pockets full of napkins that I’d written lyrics on. The songs were darker, stranger.

Playing raw, energy-infused melodic rock music, Eriko (guitar and vocals), Akiko (bass), and Kumiko (drums) have been making a buzz all across Japan since their 2005 major label debut. Now, with their latest Oricon chart-topping album “Kokuhaku” (Confession), they’re ready to infect North American fans with their catchy take on girl-rock power.

The band’s sunny disposition stems from their bouncing, funky beats, soothing rhythms and mosh-pit style shout-it-out choruses. That’s the stuff that a band with great promise is made of. If you like Sublime, then forget about Badfish and look to these guys for your fix of funky stoner tunes.

Most recently, Matty released his sophomore album, Life Commercials, a unique blend of funky drums and bass, scorching rock/pop guitars and honest lyrics. Everyone can find something to relate to on this collection of tracks.