Jumping around and saying stupid things: Corporate Thunder
By Jared Jacobson
It was 2004 in a freshman literature class at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Nate Miller and Ron Parpart were asked to share with the class their biggest life-influence. While everyone else shared things like “friends� and “family�, Ron and Nate caught each other’s attention when each professed “music�.
After a chance meeting at a party a couple weeks later, the two formed a band.
Miller and Parpart played a few shows together, but soon realized their need for something to really fill out their sound.
Miller knew that his friend, Anders Lundahl, played bass and so he was asked to join.
The threesome then began playing music together, only now under the name “Corporate Thunder�.
“We don’t try to sound like anyone,� said Miller, “we just play and see what happens.�
If you’re curious as to what genre of music you’re in for, it is probably better to listen to their music rather than ask them to classify themselves.
“It’s always hard to narrow down your music to a genre,� said Parpart, hesitantly. “I suppose we are aggressive-indie-rock.�
Lundahl’s girlfriend has a different name for their style.
“‘Crazy-drunken-indie-rock,� said Lundahl. “That’s my favorite euphemism.�
The band, in a venture to preserve originality, has started its own label. They call it Cat People Records, and are able to create their own t-shirts and produce their own records.
“We literally put one hundred percent of who we are into our music,� said Miller. “I can honestly say it’s a completely genuine expression.�
The band now plays 3-5 shows a month, usually in Duluth/Superior area.
“The local Duluth Scene is bittersweet,� said Lundahl. “There are all kinds of awesome bands, but the venues only cater to a certain kind of music. I wish the town would become a little more open-minded.�
Miller, however, likes how Corporate Thunder fits into the scene.
“We fit in here decently. We’re lucky in a sense that we’ve never had to play for a crowd that didn’t want to hear us,� he said.
The band also has music available for listen and download at www.myspace.com/corporatethunder.
“We like to jump around and say stupid things,� said Parpart, “so come boo us if you’d like.�
You can feel free to boo them on March 21st at Bev’s Juke Joint in Superior or March 25th at the Merritt Community Recreation Center in Duluth.
“You definitely won’t be hearing us on MTV any time soon,� said Lundahl, “but I feel that we bring a fair amount of originality to this cold little port city.�
Corporate Thunder Promotional Photo: Used with Permission