blog post Today on Appetite for Distraction - Singing the Story

Coming Up: Hard Drugs

What is the difference between a rock opera and a musical? One definitely sounds cooler, that’s for sure. I’d rather say I’m listening to The Wall than say, Cats.

Then again, becoming a fan of Glee this year has changed me; I’m not so reluctant now to see story unfold in song. Usually I find musicals a bit awkward – why are you all of the sudden singing and not talking? – but you have to give over. Like why does Brian (the dog) talk on Family Guy, but no can hear Stewie, the talking baby?

For Jeffry Lee of the band and rock opera Hard Drugs the inspiration was really quite simple, he’s an artist and musician, so it all made sense together.

The story follows two Downtown Eastsiders who are as addicted to each other as drugs. Through the course of a dozen songs we get to know the couple (she’s prostitute, he’s a pimp), the neighbourhood and their ultimate fate.

Though based out of Brooklyn, New York right now, Hard Drugs is made up of Lee, his wife Jenni and various Vancouver musicians.

And if you tune in later, you’ll get the full story as Jeffry Lee joins me from his work place in Hell’s Kitchen, New York.

(An aside, should you be a fan of both the rock opera and the musical and Glee, they are holding open auditions; online, too!)