College Life
Big Time: A Profile
By Eva Williams
April 2009
We are familiar with the concept of the superhero: they walk among us in the "Average Joe" disguise. They could be a rich billionaire, a journalist, or the simple college student. Either way, no one suspects that there is anything extraordinary about them, yet they save the world and continue to live their lives in disguise, never really basking in their own glory. Society is not to learn their identity. However, Spiderman's true identity was discovered by a train full of people. Then, there's Tony Stark who bluntly revealed to the press that he was indeed Iron Man. Now, we are in the midst of uncovering the true identity of the superhero force saving the world, or at least Harvard, from bad tunes and giving us something to really rock out to. No longer will they walk among the students of Harvard College unnoticed. They are Big Time.
Superheroes Are Made
Big Time was not always a force of four but started off small. The two original members, Steven Duque and Andrew Livingston, worked together recording and writing for quite some time. Then, after being accepted into a Battle of the Bands contest, the two realized that they needed two more members to complete this super troop. They met Tyler Hall as he was punching a few clubs and, although he did not end up in those clubs, he landed a spot in their band. Jacob Benson met the band through a mutual friend. So, Steven, Andrew, Tyler, and Jacob, with great chemistry, yielded the product of Big Time.
Big Time Powers Unite!
Every member has their own power. Steve possesses the power of vocals and has a guitar that he is never afraid to use. Andrew is lethal with his guitar and he destroys all of his musical nemeses. Tyler rocks out on the bass while Jacob blows people away on the drums. While every member contributes original work, Steve and Andrew work hard to compose the music and lyrics. Andrew is responsible for the instruments and the sound while Steve handles the vocals.
The Superhero Hideout
Of course this band of superheroes has a hideout where they get together and perfect their skills. They can often be found at the SOCH or the Fly working on their music and perfecting their powers.
Every Superhero Has A Disguise
For now the boys are busy trying to maintain their secret identities as Harvard students, but they each previously had multiple disguises. Some of them still do. For example, Andrew spent a year studying at a music conservatory while Steve wrote for a newspaper (Clark Kent anyone?). Jacob spent a year editing a political blog while Tyler runs 'On Harvard Time' and has been extremely involved in Hasty Pudding Theatricals tech.
Superheroes Need Inspiration Too
While this band possesses the power of rock, their influences come from various fields of music including everything from classic rock (Steely Dan, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin) to experimental (Gorecki, Ligeti, Cage). Andrew explains, "Jazz informs my writing to a large extent—not so much with traditional jazz harmonies and melodies, but rather with the rawness of emotion and 'groove' that defines the genre."
Behind Every Superhero Rock Star is a Rockin'… Chick Anthem?
Every guy has a chick song that they rock out to! For Andrew, it's Britney Spears's "Circus." Tyler likes Khia's "My Neck, My Back." And Steven is into Mariah Carey's "Always Be My Baby." Finally, Jacob can't get enough of Britney Spears's "Womanizer."
Every Superman Needs a Superwoman
Andrew seems as though he has already found his: he described his dream superwoman to look exactly like his girlfriend and have the same sense of humor. Steven is looking for a girl who loves to chill and have a good time (yes ladies, he's single!). Steven says that he likes "intelligent, compassionate women who are genuinely passionate about something and have a good sense of humor. There isn't really one body type that I prefer; different aspects of a woman's figure can be incredibly sexy, if she carries herself the right way."
The Power of Charm
All of the guys claim to have been inspired by a girl when it comes to their music. Andrew claims to have definitely been influenced by a special lady and Steven agrees saying that relationships and women have helped inspire his own writing. Tyler says that "every time I write a bass line it is an ode to a different woman I have loved, a four to six note ode repeated over and over again."
Superhero Powers at Work
As of now, the band has a 5 song demo EP recorded which has gotten awesome reviews. Earlier this month, the band went back to the studio, Cybersound, where they are currently recording new tracks. They have a lot of new songs which, as Steven says, "capture different aspects of our musical versatility." In addition, Steven is featured on the album of an up-and-coming hip hop artist, Jesse James, whose album will also have a guest appearance by the rapper, The Game. Steven states, "It's kind of random, but great that we can get Big Time exposed across different genres."
Superheroes Have Plans As Well
"This summer, we're touring. After that, who knows? As I've been nearing graduation, I've been thinking more and more that I've got one life to live, and there isn't a whole lot of time to do all the things I want to do. There are a few options on the table right now, and being a rock star would be pretty sweet," says Steven. After graduation, Andrew would like to continue playing and composing music. While they reflect on focusing on music after graduation, Tyler is just looking for employment. Jacob, a freshman, has not thought that far ahead.
