How to explain How I Became the Bomb

Aspiring local bands have different beliefs regarding the best way to distribute their music. While many propose that physical CD pressings are a waste of money when songs can be posted cheaply for online download, others argue that the demand for hard copies is still high as fans often value the collectability of tangible memorabilia. So what about a band whose fan base is predominantly made up of the most extreme of all collectors - sci-fi fans?

Murfreesboro's How I Became the Bomb are self-proclaimed nerds, offering songs about robots, supermen and spaceships while performing across the country at various cons (comics and sci-fi conventions). While tech savvy enough to distribute music exclusively through the Internet, the band is well-loved by the sort who likes keepsakes.

How I Became the Bomb's delivery of free three-song "episodes" in monthly downloadable installments throughout 2010 was very successful in sating its rabid fans, and the release of its annual compilation "Deadly Art" in CD format was equally successful despite the open availability of the material. Though the group will not specify which variation drew the most downloads/sales, they admit that the release planned for this summer will definitely come in a shapely form.

"We're happy with the sales of 'Deadly Art,' all things considered," says Bomb front man Jon Burr. "We seem to keep selling them online and they always do well on the road, which, really, is their purpose. Without fans purchasing goods at shows, we'd be at a loss.

"We are all nerds of sundry sorts, so the cons are fun for us, if not always lucrative. The larger cons pay very well, while the smaller ones pay little to not at all, but our fellow nerds walking 'round have come to spend, so we usually do well at the merch table. And, really, you can't discount the pride felt when selling a T-shirt to Boba Fett."

For its next release, the members of How I Became the Bomb locked themselves in a cabin in Woodstock, N.Y., for much of December, deprived of television and video games while writing new material. Then the band returned to Nashville for recording and now boasts a total of eight tracks, leaving a decision that teeters between a full-length or EP release. Much of the decision will be determined by the group's ability to sign with a label, an ambition that has recently come to the forefront of the band's promotional efforts. With heavy radio play for two of its tracks, finding the right interest should prove only a matter of time.

"It was refreshing," says Burr of the band's Woodstock excursion. "We are all creatures of habit with partners and a rather insular group of friends, so it was nice to get away for a good long while and work on songs. We got at least two fully finished songs, which is rather impressive considering our plodding pace when it comes to writing, as well as many, many useful fragments.

"I'm not sure if our next release will be an EP. We've tracked eight songs thus far, but there's a chance we may fill it out and record more, or we may just use some of these as an EP. We've yet to decide. Barring some unexpected influx of money, I think a label would best suit reaching a wider audience. We've been very lucky to have had 'Secret Identity' and 'Harvest' receive some good airplay, which we hope will give us some more cache with labels. We are working presently with our publisher to get something going. Hopes are high, yet in this business, one must always temper expectations. We are always looking to take the next step, but know that we'll only get there with sweat and luck."

Branching out: Tuesday night Kevin Hyfantis' monthly Preservation Pub showcase welcomes Mike Mains and the Branches. The show has a 10 p.m. start time and costs $3.

Easterday away: Sonya Easterday of Kamuy and Tony Johnson perform a free all-ages set at The Bistro at the Bijou at 9 p.m. Thursday.

© 2011 Knoxville.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.