Rolling on Cloud 9

While Oprah and Russell Sim...
While Oprah and Russell Simmons attempt to redefine the hip-hop community, one group is emerging with its own definition from an unexpected place – a dorm room.

It was an unintentional gathering of friends and cold beverages that led to the successful start of Cloud 9. From the echo of a resident hall at SUNY Brockport students may have overheard the voices of two young white boys rapping.

But unexpectedly, people liked what they were hearing. “The stigma attached to white kids rapping has actually been a benefit. When people think we’re a joke, they’ll stick around to watch us mess up. In most cases we have the satisfaction of watching them rock out with us for the night. We have a loyal fan base.” Mike Tangney and Doug Fredericks started writing lyrics together their freshman year of college and went from a small vocal recording booth to “Cloud 9,” opening for major recording artists Gym Class Heroes, and getting requests to headline at Texas State this coming semester.

Of course, they could never have done it without recruiting lead guitarist Mike McInerney, rhythm guitarist Steve Baccello, bass player Paul Ferguson, and percussionist Anthony De Rossa, along the way. “We actually never intended to start a band,” Tangney stated with a goofy smile. “Initially we just wanted to convert a couple of songs to live music versions and realized by adding live instruments to our shows they became much more dynamic. It was a new avenue of creativity, much more sophisticated.”

Cloud 9’s original sound reflects the attitude of its band members, who believe “with a little bit of effort and a lighter ego you can get by just fine.” But that doesn’t mean these guys are afraid of intense lyrics. With tracks ranging from fun to heartbreaking to political, this group’s energy isn’t beyond anyone, and their modesty isn’t either.

“Yes, we opened for Gym Class Heroes, which in any respect was a huge success,” said the bands’ lyricists, “but the most rewarding thing right now is playing shows and seeing more and more familiar faces. We all need to make sure the bills are paid first and foremost, and with that said no one has missed a practice yet.”

So to all you college “wannabe” musicians sitting in your dorm room strumming away on your guitars, or writing lyrics in your secret journals, take a lesson from an up and coming band that was in the very same position and used it to their advantage. Cloud 9 gives us hope that American Idol is not the only way to get started. “Anyone can write and record music in their basement, the key is getting it in the hands of the people that want to hear it, staying motivated, and being able to laugh at yourself when your told NO!”
Cloud 9 can be heard in venues all over the state of New York, and at other venues around the country. Check out their sound for tour dates, tracks, and merchandise, or book them for a new hip-hop experience. Either way, they look forward to any support, or criticism their fans are willing to give them.
Posted on Friday, August 31st 2007


27 responses to Rolling on Cloud 9
Jay says:
Wednesday, September 05th 2007
these guys are pretty decent, i definitely like there style

Brian Park, University of Illinois at Chicago says:
Friday, September 07th 2007
I met Mike in person, he's a really down to earth and cool guy. He's also very talented, and i like his style

Emily, University of Vermont says:
Friday, September 07th 2007
THESE GUYS ARE AMAZING!!! If you havent seen them you should. Plus they are the chillest group of guys you will ever hang out with. Congrats boys on your growing success, to many more articles like this one!!! <3 Ej

allie, suny brockport says:
Friday, September 07th 2007
i love you boys! ive never been more proud of ne one Tags! go see their show they rock out!!

allie, suny brockport says:
Friday, September 07th 2007
i love you boys! ive never been more proud of ne one Tags! go see their show they rock out!!

Tara, Suffolk says:
Friday, September 07th 2007
I have know Doug for years and he always had a flow for music and a talent for lyrics with motive. The group has come together into a amazing band of awesome guys and great music. Good tunes is Good tunes! Best of luck I can't wait till they play to sold out shows in NYC and I get front row!

dan Tinucci, suny farmingdale says:
Friday, September 07th 2007
i've only very recently discovered this group... but their sound is so potent i was forced to purchase a morning after pill. theyre talented way beyond their age and it shows in their songwriting, various musical styles, and in their live performance.

says:
Friday, September 07th 2007
check out cloud 9 at.. www.myspace.com/upstateofmind

Evan, SUNY Oswego says:
Friday, September 07th 2007
This is the kind of music you hear while blacked out drunk one night and then spend the whole next day singing in your head wondering...where the fuck did this kick ass song come from. Save your self hours of searching through lyric databases trying to figure out the song in your head and just get Cloud 9...

Sarah, University of Delaware says:
Friday, September 07th 2007
I love Cloud 9's music. They have the best songs to listen to when you're in the car with the windows down hanging out with your friends. Without a doubt this is a band everyone needs to check out, you will be hooked the moment you listen.

kelly mcinerney, new england institute of art says:
Friday, September 07th 2007
so these guys are the koolest kids around.. deinately listen to them if you havnt already. just do it.

Justin, SUNY Brockport says:
Friday, September 07th 2007
Cloud 9 is definetly up and coming. Coming from SUNY Brockport and seeing them perform here live, I know they kick ass. Not to mention like everyone else has said, these guys are chill and just good people. Congrats!!! We living on Cloud 9...

Allison, Suny Brockport Alumni says:
Friday, September 07th 2007
I remember sitting in the dorms/state street/main street listening to you guys rock out before going out at night!!!! Im sooo happy everything is working out for you all ... and all i gotta say is ... BE EASY!!!!!!!!!!! Miss You Guys! Come play down in Philly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Crissy, SUNY Brockport Alumni says:
Friday, September 07th 2007
I just want to say I think it's great that all your hard work is being recognized outside of NY. I also give you boys credit for NOT trying to come up with some getup in order stand out ( like a Yiddish Priest who raps) and just being yourselves- oh, and the musical instruments are always a plus ;-) Good luck in the future and you know what face you will see in the crowd if you come to Albany.

D TRAIN, SUNY Plattsburgh says:
Friday, September 07th 2007
its nice to see some people relize the talent you guys have... stay hungry my dudes.... ya digggg haha keep doin ur thing

cuestaaaaa, nassau BaBY!!!! says:
Friday, September 07th 2007
i was in love with c9 from day one i play their cd in my car all day everyyday YAAAAAAAAYYYYY

PERRA, Life University says:
Friday, September 07th 2007
Yo this group of guys are going to blow your mind. Hard rhymes, strong lyrics and kickin guitar and base, what can you say, its only a matter of time before Cloud 9 is a house hold name..... if its not already. Check em out!

Tess, SUNY Brockport says:
Friday, September 07th 2007
Ive seen them play a bunch of times, always play a great show, but they are better guys...keep doing your thing tags.

Walter Miley, University of Tampa says:
Saturday, September 08th 2007
Tangney is my boy...these guys are great...i love there music. Fresh Rhymes and nasty beats

Melissa , Manhattan says:
Sunday, September 09th 2007
Michael Tangney U are SUPER SEXY!!!!!!!!!! Love you haha!!!!

J says:
Wednesday, September 12th 2007
Amazing to see how far these boys have come, from the good old days at Brockport. They got a catchy style of their own, and the personality to keep a crowd going, keep up the good work boys:-)

says:
Wednesday, September 12th 2007
These guys are soo hot right now!!! check out their longer days song on their myspace!! www.myspace.com/upstateofmind

Pete, Texas State says:
Wednesday, September 12th 2007
I saw these guys when they came down to Texas and let me tell you....its one of the best live shows I've ever seen. If you havent seen them yet make sure you go and check um out!!!! C9 is crazy down here in TEXAS!!!!!

says:
Wednesday, September 12th 2007
loveeeee Cloud 9..i think they are all amazing and SO talented!!!!!! <3

John, Ithaca says:
Wednesday, September 12th 2007
Cloud 9 you guys gotta come to Ithaca, everyone loves you guys here!!!!

Matt, Fordham says:
Thursday, September 13th 2007
Cloud 9!!!! You guys are AMAZING!!!! I really can't get enough of your sound and everyone who here's me playing your CD wants a copy!!! Don't worry... Im not burning it for them... Good music like this has got to be supported!!! Keep doin your thing

Kevin Gundersen, Suny Brockport says:
Friday, September 14th 2007
I used to room with these guys, their flow is amazing, definately proud to see them doing so well, Keep on truckin' guys.