October 14th 1999 Featured Artist

Featured Artist
What's Up With Musicians & Performers

Emily's Toybox Emily’s Toybox
www.emilystoybox.com

by Ian Bonner

"We don’t just stare at our shoes," says Mike Wise, the lead vocalist for the modern-rock band Emily’s Toybox, a band that is anything but ‘local.’ "I believe Alice Cooper said it best: ‘People are paying money to come to see you — do something!’ That is the simple philosophy of this three-man band — to just get out there and "have fun."

Believe it or not, sporting a chrome dome was not always the modus operandi for Mike Wise, and his fellow band-mates — Frank White, on guitar, and Wade Corbin, on drums. The three were previously together in the band "Blazon" from the time they were teenagers, sporting the ‘big ’80s hair’ … they were barely recognizable in their pictures. In fact, during the interview, many may not have recognized Wise in his Oakland Raider slippers.

Emily’s Toybox has built its reputation on a very uninhibited style — which includes some trademark theatrics not to be missed. One of their songs from their 1997 release I Never Get My Way, is called "Purple Alien," and as Emily’s fans well know, there is always an inflatable purple alien creature that is coveted at their shows. "People in the audience would strip, and guys and girls would exchange their clothing just for the chance to win the alien," remarked Wise. "But it’s all in good fun," he added.

And what could be all the fuss about those infamous lyrics "…my d**k smells like Chapstick?" The lyrics to the original song "Bionic" are "…my feet smell like Chapstick" and at one show, a fan yelled out his version of the phrase and it stuck. The boys in the band believe it is important never to be taken too seriously. Corbin commented, "We don’t sing about being angry, and we’re not sad — no one ran over our dog."

The ultimate high for Emily’s Toybox is playing on stage and experiencing a certain ‘telepathy’ and a sense of being ‘in synch’ with each other as well in synch with people in the audience. Wise noted that there is definitely a harmony going on between members of the audience and the band while performing.

The fans of Emily’s Toybox have a new CD to look forward to before the end of the year. Recording is important to the guys, but they feel that their music comes alive on-stage. "We hope people have as much fun listening to our music as they do watching us play. We go out there, have a good time, and hope that everyone else has a good time," commented Corbin.

The forthcoming CD is entitled, Kindly Remove the Stick, and is dedicated to those who are just "too uptight and don’t want to have any fun." You get the idea. According the White, there is a lot to look forward to with the new disc. "We have upgraded and are going more ‘full-speed ahead’ with our songs," says White. There is also another surprise "hidden track" on the new CD — one that follows up the hidden track on their recent Beach CD. Happy hunting!

Among the 250 shows that Emily does per year, they "up the ante" on their Halloween and New Year’s shows. The guys love the road and touring. Wise says, "I’d still have to do it even if I weren’t paid to." "But it’s nice to be able to do this full-time," added White. Among the many benefits of being on the road, according to the guys, is knowing where the best Sheetz and Wawa stores are — as well as the next McDonald’s. However fun, though, life on the road is sometimes very challenging for the band, especially since they rarely have more than a couple days off at a time while touring.

It’s safe to assume that Mike Wise has lost his shyness. "I was so shy when I was 12 or 13, that my Mom had to order for me when we went out to eat," said Wise. For those of you have seen Emily’s live, you will find this hard to believe.

In addition, the Internet has been a big boost for the band. Their website, www.emilystoybox.com, receives tens of thousands of hits per month, and according to band, the number keeps growing — a true testament to their popularity.

And, just in case you’re wondering, the origin of the name "Emily’s Toybox" is more simple than accidental. "Well Emily is Frank’s favorite girl name, and toybox — just because it’s so ordinary — there are millions of them, but this one is Emily’s," said Wise. By the way, I would like to thank the guys for all the animal noises they made into my tape recorder while I was in the bathroom during our interview. Maybe we can use those noises for a future hidden track. Keep me posted.