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KSM: Girls Can Rock
If you’ve seen commercials for ABC Family’s new series 10 Things I Hate About You, then you’ve already heard some of the rockin’ tunes of up-and-coming band KSM.
The five-girl unit covered Cheap Trick’s classic “I Want You to Want Me” for the television show, but also has stellar songs of its own. Vocalist Shelby (16), guitarists Shae (18) and Katie (15), bassist Sophia (18) and drummer Kate (18) are out to prove that girls can rock just as hard as dudes—and they’ve been catching lots of attention along the way.
GL got the girls of KSM to dish on everything from life on the road to fashion inspirations. And did we mention they’re currently touring with Demi Lovato?
The Name Game
So what exactly does KSM stand for? “KSM started out because all of our first names begin with K's and S's and the letter M stands for music,” explains Katie. “Now, we like to think KSM can stand for a lot of things and love to hear what our fans can come up with!”
Acing Chemistry
Though the girls did not know each other before forming the band, the five have since bonded into a tight-knit group of friends. “We didn’t start as friends, but have become just that,” says Shae. “Originally there were just the four of us. Walt Disney Records got together with the PoGos to form an all-girl band. After we found our lead singer, Shelby, things came together and we went more towards a rock 'n' roll direction.” Sophia agrees that the band’s connection was instantaneous: “The first time we played together there was instant chemistry. We knew we had something special.” What do these five friends enjoy doing together in their downtime? Bowling and eating sushi, of course.
Tour Totes
Touring for long periods of time can make anyone homesick, so KSM makes sure they each bring along items that remind them of home. Shelby always has her laptop, and Sophia brings a journal to record her tour experiences. A pillow is Shae’s on-the-road must-have, while Katie keeps comfy with Bear, her stuffed teddy bear. And as for Kate, she keeps, “a picture of my dog when she was a puppy” close with her.
So what exactly does KSM stand for? “KSM started out because all of our first names begin with K's and S's and the letter M stands for music,” explains Katie. “Now, we like to think KSM can stand for a lot of things and love to hear what our fans can come up with!”
Acing Chemistry
Though the girls did not know each other before forming the band, the five have since bonded into a tight-knit group of friends. “We didn’t start as friends, but have become just that,” says Shae. “Originally there were just the four of us. Walt Disney Records got together with the PoGos to form an all-girl band. After we found our lead singer, Shelby, things came together and we went more towards a rock 'n' roll direction.” Sophia agrees that the band’s connection was instantaneous: “The first time we played together there was instant chemistry. We knew we had something special.” What do these five friends enjoy doing together in their downtime? Bowling and eating sushi, of course.
Tour Totes
Touring for long periods of time can make anyone homesick, so KSM makes sure they each bring along items that remind them of home. Shelby always has her laptop, and Sophia brings a journal to record her tour experiences. A pillow is Shae’s on-the-road must-have, while Katie keeps comfy with Bear, her stuffed teddy bear. And as for Kate, she keeps, “a picture of my dog when she was a puppy” close with her.
Rock On, Girl
KSM wants everyone to know that girls make just as good rockstars as boys. “Girls can rock and can do anything boys can...and better,” says Shelby. “We want other teen girls to know that they can follow their dreams and dare to do the things that people tell them they can't.”
Fashion Sense
When it comes to their wardrobes, the girls each have different styles, but all look super cute and fashion forward. “My style is very rock ‘n' roll,” says Shae. “I love to wear black and usually a really bright colored skinny jean. My inspiration comes from other bands and artists.” Kate explains that her look is, “very smart looking. I love a business look, [like] wearing ties and button down shirts with skinny jeans.” Her inspiration doesn’t come from a celeb or musician, but rather from ‘my new Blackberry.’”
Describing her look as, “girly with a rock edge and a touch of bohemian,” Sophia says she “loves a classic but edgy style like Kate Moss.” Shelby looks up to Gwen Stefani and Katy Perry for their fashion choices, and is really into “dresses with belts at the waste. I love my bright red Doc Martins!” As for Katie, “My closet is full of colorful mix-and-match patterns, heart shaped glasses, onesies and interesting shoes. You’ll often see me wearing headbands with bows on them! My inspirations come from actress Kat Dennings.”
Be sure to check these cool chicks out on the road as they tour with Demi Lovato through July 22. And for more info on the band, visit ksmofficial.com.
--Haley Blum
KSM wants everyone to know that girls make just as good rockstars as boys. “Girls can rock and can do anything boys can...and better,” says Shelby. “We want other teen girls to know that they can follow their dreams and dare to do the things that people tell them they can't.”
Fashion Sense
When it comes to their wardrobes, the girls each have different styles, but all look super cute and fashion forward. “My style is very rock ‘n' roll,” says Shae. “I love to wear black and usually a really bright colored skinny jean. My inspiration comes from other bands and artists.” Kate explains that her look is, “very smart looking. I love a business look, [like] wearing ties and button down shirts with skinny jeans.” Her inspiration doesn’t come from a celeb or musician, but rather from ‘my new Blackberry.’”
Describing her look as, “girly with a rock edge and a touch of bohemian,” Sophia says she “loves a classic but edgy style like Kate Moss.” Shelby looks up to Gwen Stefani and Katy Perry for their fashion choices, and is really into “dresses with belts at the waste. I love my bright red Doc Martins!” As for Katie, “My closet is full of colorful mix-and-match patterns, heart shaped glasses, onesies and interesting shoes. You’ll often see me wearing headbands with bows on them! My inspirations come from actress Kat Dennings.”
Be sure to check these cool chicks out on the road as they tour with Demi Lovato through July 22. And for more info on the band, visit ksmofficial.com.
--Haley Blum
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