New Radicals: Whatever Happened To The Band Behind 'Get What You Give' & Gregg Alexander
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- čas přidán 2. 06. 2024
- Whatever Happened To New Radicals? The band Behind 'Get What You Give'
0:00 - Introduction/Early Years
5:52 - New Radcials/Get What You Give
10:40 - New Radicals retirement/reunion
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#greggalexander #newradicals #getwhatyougive
I cite my sources and they may differ than other people's accounts, so I don't guarantee the actual accuracy of my videos.
Back in 1998, New Radicals scored a worldwide hit with “You Get What You Give,” While the band may have formed just a year prior to the album’s release and, broken up a year after the they got big, they are a classic example of a one-hit wonder. Yet, they’ve still proven influential, even in recent times. Let’s talk about the history New Radicals.
The main catalyst for the New Radicals was frontman Gregg Alexander, who was born Gregg Aiuto in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, an eastern suburb close o Detroit. Growing up in at one point a conservative Jehovah’s Witness household, Alexander had what he’d consider a “low-grade dysfunctional” family. Alexander would tell Spin his parents changed religions one a monthly basis. Due to his proximity to Motown, the genre played a significant part in his childhood, and he and his mother would drive around the metro Detroit area listening to local artists on AM radio.
Besides the Motown sound, rock and roll also played a part in Alexander’s musical exposure. Using the family piano, he’d attempt to learn songs, namely “Band on the Run” by Paul McCartney and Wings, and “Cathy’s Clown” by the Everly Brothers. By his own admission, he’d eventually gravitated toward and I quote “instinctually writing [his] own melodies because [he] couldn’t learn other people’s”, and began composing original songs with his sister Caroline. Once he reached his early teens, he’d take up guitar and drums, and that’s when his pursuit of music turned serious. He’d join his older brother, Steven Aiuto, alongside fellow classmates George Snow and John Mabarak in a high school outfit called The Circus, who’d go on to perform in the 1984 Battle of the Bands.
But as Alexander told the Hollywood Reporter in 2014, the songs of Prince would lead him to an epiphany, and he’d experience it by sneaking into a showing of the movie Purple Rain while underage.
“The game-changer for me was seeing Prince in Purple Rain at 13 or 14.”
“‘Let’s Go Crazy’ knocked me over my head, but then when I heard ‘The Beautiful Ones’ it was all over. At that point I knew I was gonna be running away to California,” he’d say.
Alexander had initially visited his aunt in Los Angeles, where he’d observed, and I quote, “that post-’60s spirit that was still alive in the mid-’80s.” He’d find his surroundings easy to make the most of, visiting the open-mic scene and even sneaking into a Grammy Award ceremony, making note of all the artists present that he looked up to. But by age 16, over the summer, he’d sought to leave Detroit and reside in California permanently, recalling,
“I said to my parents, ‘I’m running away to California to be a rock star.’ My mom knew I was serious, but my dad said, ‘Well, make sure you’re back home in September for school if it hasn’t come together.”
Making his way back to Los Angeles, Alexander was eventually able to live between Compton, Studio City and North Hollywood, in large part due to what he felt was certain generosity among the African Americans there, saying,
“It was the black community that really took me in.” “Thank God for that, or else I would have been sleeping on the streets”.
Alexander also carried a bunch of demo tapes with him that he’d accumulated from studio sessions back home, and would frequently shop them around Sunset Boulevard. This effort would pay off tremendously for him, as he’d eventually play those demos for producer Rick Nowels, who, in turn, led him to record executive Jimmy Iovine. Iovine, for his part, had a production deal with A&M Records, and was willing to offer Alexander a recording deal with the label, but not before he turned 18. In the meantime, Iovine provided Alexander with an allowance, and the aspiring singer-songwriter would spend the next two years focusing exclusively on songwriting, particularly through bus rides and spending time on the beach.
Following through on his word, Iovine signed Alexander to A&M Records. When it came time for Alexander to name his debut album, he’d initially proposed its title be Save Me From Myself, but he’d change it just before the release, - Hudba
New Radicals...Great band or greatest band?
Great band!
Pretty dern good actually
🗑
They were a band.
Terrible
The song you "You Get What You Give" is not just an one-hit wonder... there is such a HIGH to the song, it brought many a depressed person out of their funk to really believing to give life another chance and things can get better but you gotta give back to life than sit and wallow in self pity
The BAND is a one hit wonder. That song was written for them.
@@alan30189 Yes, yes they were, but still what a fucking hit. And it was written as a collab between the front man Gregg Alexander and the producer for the album, which is not an uncommon thing. And I don't see why you wanna make it sound like the band had no talent... Gregg is a very prolific song writer.
Facts
I mean, “Someday We’ll Know” was a hit when it was covered by Mandy Moore.
@@acevan98 yeah because it was her cover... the original wasn't a hit because the band broke up before it had a chance to.
I was today years old when I learned that Gregg Alexander, the frontman for New Radicals, wrote Murder on the Dancefloor with the intention of it being the lead single over You Get What You Give. He sent a demo to Sophie Ellis Bextor who was working on her debut album Read My Lips. The rest is history. Both songs are amazing and always transport me back to a special time in my life.
He wrote life is a rollercoaster as well. Wish he’d sung it
The Game of Love by Santana and Michelle Branch, too.
I don't know what makes me cry about this song ...I know it's supposed to be a happy song, but for reasons unbeknownst to me I get so emotional... so touching ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I dont know why you would get emotional about the song, Maybe because of nostalgia but I wouldnt know I was not around the 90s
"You Get What You Give" still makes me believe in myself, as it did when I first heard it. There was a DJ on Miami's Y-100 who played it almost every night; he died of cancer at 35 not much later and I think about how that song must have have helped him too.
Y'all read my mind, I was just thinking of this song today. That line "This world is gonna pull through" always makes me cry. In one of my toughest moments, this song helped me pull through. They also played it at my brother's wedding
Gregg wrote “Game of Love”, which was a massive hit for Santana and Michelle Branch. I really like his recent “Lost Stars” songs.
wow.. thanks for sharing this. recently started listening to New Radicals again. Always nice to hear when an artist you like is still active in some form or another
@@abel3497
Game of Love was released in 2002
I did not know that. Love or hate the Michelle Branch/"Satana" song? It's well-written/arranged. Ya gotta appreciate that. I like punk, hard rock, metal but like Alexander's songs. Now can appreciate this
Gregg also wrote the song "Murder on the Dancefloor" by Sophie Ellis-Bextor in 2001. And Life is a Rollercoaster by Ronan Keating in 2000.
Thank you! I’ve going from “get what you give” to “game of love” in my head and realizing the similarities. Now I know why lol never would’ve figured this out.
And over 20 years later, their whole album still sounds fresh and exciting. Wish they'd made more material, but I guess the rarity of their songs make them even more special.
New Radicals were never a group, just a moniker for Gregory Aiuto's 3rd solo effort, where he was accompanied by varying session musicians and some relatively consistent session players.
I absolutely love that album. It’s such an odd but compelling album. I’m happy to see that Gregg Alexander has done well for himself.
One can’t deny that this is a remarkable story. I mean, he went for a dream which was incredibly far fetched and it all came together.
Dude got to reach the question most people wish to aquire. "what do you do next"
I used to get hype when the video for "You Get What You Give" came on MTV back in 1999 during my high school years.
You've got the music in you
Don't let go
You've got the music in you
One dance left
This world is gonna pull through
Don't give up
You've got a reason to live
Can't forget
We only get what we give
@@sstaners1234 may as well be both suck
Sad that these guys did only one album. That single album is a mindblower, though. I was always hoping for a comeback.
My thoughts:
1. Gregg is a smart man for pulling the plug before it became the alpha/omega of his existence.
2. He got to meet Prince & George Michael ... good for him.
3. He was totally right about people paying more attention to celebrity name dropping/bashing than the important issues. That said "You Get What You Give" is still a must on any 90's themed playlists.
4. Trivia bit here. Gregg Alexander's birthday was the day of the Kent State Shootings (May 4, 1970).
Your thoughts are very much appreciated. Thank you.
This song got me through a really bad and low time I my life, it's beautiful!!!!
I absolutely adore this album. It’s intense but fun. There are delicious sounds, especially guitars, perfectly placed all over. I happen to love the timbre and range of Alexander’s voice. I like Danielle’s too.
Very personal but relatable lyrics. Just a great combo of lyrics, music, and production.
If I had five albums for a desert album, this is one.
It's in my permanent rotation too.
"Courtney Love and Marilyn Manson,their all fakes run to your mansions"lol good line
“Come around,we’ll kick yer ass in”!
Manson was shook after that song came out. He mentioned it in his book
This song was huge. The music video reminds me of going to the mall at that time. 🙂
His falsetto in get what you give is awesome
I used to really love the whole album they made! "Flowers" and "I Don't Wanna Die Anymore" were my favs
Same - love those 2 songs in particular as well. And “Crying Like a Church on Monday”…
It's a great album front to back. Every song is worthwhile.
Maybe you've been brainwashed was good song.
Gregg Alexander is one of my favorite songs writers and I seriously hope he releases another solo album someday
This whole record was great, I'm glad I bought it at the time, back when you'd hear a single you liked and go pick up the record, otherwise I probably would have written them off as one hit wonders like most people did. "I Hope I Didn't Just Give Away the Ending" is one of my favorites, very dark lyrically but also funny at moments
I always loved New Radicals and I knew nothing about Gregg before this video - what an outstanding story!
Still love the story about Marilyn Manson's reaction to the song, something along the lines of "I don't care that he called me a fake, I don't even mind that he said he would kick my ass. But if he mentions me in the same sentence as Courtney f***in Love again, I'll kick his teeth in."
The whole album is pretty good. It stays in my circulation when other 90's bands have dropped off.
I've been listening to them daily for the last 3 months after a watch mojo video said the album was amazing, they were right. Amazing album
My best friend and I often break into their song Mother We Just Can't Get Enough (notably heard in A Walk to Remember). No doubt it would've been a hit if released as a single.
A fave of mine.
Agree. Great song.
Thank you for making this video! It has all been said but not everyone said it: Gregg/this band where, are and will be underrated af. The album is in my all time top 5.
One thing that really bothers me about this video is, that the name of the album is "IntoxiFORNication" (not "intoxification" 4:36 ). Don’t know if anyone mentioned it yet...
When growing up, I never realized how many other kids used music as an escape from our horrid realities. I carried a 9V little transistor radio with me wherever I went, spending most of my allowance on batteries so I would have a continuous melody keeping my mind off of the misery. As I aged, I found many people had done the same thing, playing many songs over and over, as their lyrics touched our hearts, or just blanking out the sad feelings we had about other things.
You get what you give, well this song came out when I was getting divorced; it helped me understand why our marriage was doomed from the start.
But that understanding, also helped me move on, to better people, instead of my terribly mixed up ex wife.
@d.e.b.b5788
These are really well said words.!
Bless you
Yup, only know this one song, but am happy to learn about this band. A deep bow to Alexander.
Betcha this guy is a chore to have small talk with
Gregg Alexander?
I can't imagine how much it actually costs to purchase and use all that epic stock footage.
My absolute FAVORITE song of all time, You Get What You Give. Got me through some 😢hellish times in my life.
Cheers man... stay in the game
Thos song would come on at work and all us waiters & waitresses would sing it as we did our closing duties... good time
I can not praise that debut album enough “Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too” is such a truly remarkable album every track is really good (Gregg Alexander is a musical genius) it’s poetic there was only one New Radicals album in many ways that makes it so much more special! (Everyone watching this video should take the time listen to the 54min. album) it’s not fair to call them a one hit wonder since every track could actually be a radio hit (The only real dud would be the title track “Maybe You’ve been Brainwashed too” that song is not very good at all (Gave it dozen of chances over the last 20+ yrs don’t see much value in it 👍👍👍❤ ❤❤👍👍👍
Lol, I absolutely love that song! I heard it first in 99 when a friend had the single. I still love it today. Brings me back to nights playing Quake 2 on dial up and downloading, slowly, songs from Limewire... The download manager being essential and hunting for winamp skins.
For years it was hard to find the actual lyrics for the song. I dunno, just something dreamy and trippy about the song.
Managed to find the album on CD by luck. Such a wicked package - lyrics that appear on the album that aren't in the booklet, and vice versa. Still sounds fresh and original over 20 years later.
Yes!!!
dont always like the bands but always like their stories
Definitely one of my all-time favorite albums (Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too)… Not a bad track on it, as far as I’m concerned.
Oh god the story i could tell, the things that happened to me.. im 51 this year. This song isn't just a song...its probably saved my life a few time's. Just hearing it after a while, silent tears..reflective...i cant believe this song was half my life ago. I never knew the story behind it, and im very appreciative of this video... i grew up at the north Carolina school of the arts in orchestra and ballet.. music is what stuck..like him i grew up on prince..funk soul dance music..i loved hard melodic bass lines...not just thudding hiding behind the drummer..
In short despite it all..i still have the music in me...i just had a tuna sandwich (yuk) and im about to go put some practice time in...gotta stay in shape and keep my chops up. Im in Cleveland ohio..and the kind of music that moves me isnt here...not jnto 5 finger death punch or jellyroll..not against them but not my thing
D
One big hit and you can retire. It's a great song.
Get what you give, I realized its chord is similar to Huey Lewis "Heart and Soul" , at the verse mainly.
Great Story indeed! I remember buying the album and loved it! I always wanted to know what happened to them as I have heard a few different versions - the main one being the lead singer ended up in a psych ward after disbanding - which clearly wasn't true!
"Really?" Lol.😂 Still love Greggs' songs, it's cool that he got to meet Prince and George Michael. I always wondered what happened to Danielle, she showed singing talent on All In The Family as a kid. Thanks for telling the story of The New Radicals, great job🌞
Awesome, glad there was more to his story
My children love this song... we listen to it weekly still!
Love this song
Bring me back good memories
You get what you give is a fucking masterpiece.
Alexander is a cool guy, not a fan of the music but he actually does what he says and follows through with it.
First thing I thought, when I first saw the video, was "this guy is a Todd Rundgren fan".
Thank you for making all these kinds of videos they are so informative and enlightening and very much appreciated. Always short sweet and straight to the point.
Gregg is a genius. His songs are just incredible.
RobotChicken's "TRL-Girl" Sketch is Hilarious.
*WHOOOO-HOOO!!!!!*
Gross point is not just a suburb it is more like the hamptons. The Ford mansion is there if that gives you an idea. Anyone that grows up there can be a one hit wonder. ANYONE
Rich silver spoon kid
I see your point.
Prince’ Purple Rain is the reason why I made my album. Sounds nothing like Prince but there’s no way around it.
Prince and Tupac were why I wrote poetry.. now it is Billy Corgan and Gregg Alexander
The songs he wrote for the film BEGIN AGAIN are fantastic. Good film, great music!
Begin Again is one of my favorite movies. The soundtrack is amazing. It was robbed of the Oscar that year.
I would love to listened to all unreleased albums of Gregg Alexander.
Hate to be everything Gregg dislikes in this timeline, but I'm actually the image credit at 12:57. Small thing in life where we crossed paths but his single put me there and saved my life one day, This is the only credit I've ever claimed, but I digress. Please put me in the script. Danka.
I just learned about this song and when I first heard it "WOW " it's actually an upbeat inspiring song!!❤😊
Much respect to this dude!
Love, The Darkness. Damn, good on you Greg.
one of my favorite albums.
Good one.
Loved this album
I bought the album because of that song and the entire album is pretty damn good
I grew up in Grosse Pointe and although I don't know Greg I was (am) friends with his brother. I knew some of this backstory but not at this depth. Not my kind of music but I have a renewed respect for Gregg.
You Get What You Give came on MTV back in 1999 after my high school years good old days!
Wow. What a good dude. Nice dive!
Great video.
Very interesting, so happy that he’s still a positive influence in life.
Loved this band from day 1 until I saw in this video that he played for Corn Pop Joe.
I will say that the song Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too, the title track of the album and bside of the YOGWYG single is still on my playlist... Its really interesting and I've loved it since it came out. Just something about it.
Love The New Radicals!
You get what you give was a relief for me somehow😊
Wow! I had no idea. This guy is really cool. I was thinking, “Really? That one band? I liked the song enough but what’s there to tell?” I had no idea he had written for begin again, which is one of my favorite movies in the past decade. I listen to that soundtrack often and watch the movie more than any other John Carney’s films. . Thanks for the video.
The song Mother We Just Can't Get Enough is the best song on the album imo.
yeees i LOVE that song so much 😭
Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too is a highly underrated album. 👍
One of the most respected LA songwriters he has been co-authoring hits for 25+ years.
great story, great coverage....now I know his name....
This song ❤ ALL DAY LONG .
It's quite remarkable that I'm planning to use a cover of You Get What You Give for my funeral...
12:50 the shark's happen CZcams video channel theme tune lol 😂 😁
OMG what an ending to the story, what an incredible story arc. Finding a meaning greater then himself leads to his dreams coming true, but by the end he's used by the most infamous crime family as a novelty act. So sad.
Aahh, I hate the Bidens too but #1 all artists are idiots about politics, you can't keep that from enjoying their work and #2 a presidential inauguration is like the biggest high school prom held at Disney World (I've been to one) so I might even have accepted that invitation lol.
You are so right! Like!
I never knew Greg Alexander was such an interesting person.
His voice always hit me.
Me too!!! I love his voice!
The best band that never was
Yes! Wish they would’ve made another album or B sides from their only album
The entire label music industry is about selling, not about talent. Most artists you hear have no real talent, are just nice to look at. But then again sometimes that same terrible industry ends up actually signing talented people, Alexander being one of them. New Radicals had an amazing unique sound with a very distinguishable voice pitch.
Interesting fella
The whole album was awesome.
13:10 That is Danielle Brisebois, not Sophie Ellis Bextor.
This is a good video, both you and Todd In The Shadows did great presentations on Gregg Alexander, who is one of my top 5 favorite songwriters and influences.
That guy seems so full of himself
🔥👍
Solid album as a whole
a true genius
We miss you though.. Id love to see you at some coffeeshop tours
Gregg was awesome solo when he started out .. then he attempted with his band to mimic The Smashing Pumpkins with Gregg looking like Billy Corgan and Danielle mirroring Darcy
I wish there was a way I could talk to Gregg
Let's go Brandon
Damn... what a cool dude.
Thy radicals of a new were high regard stemming so much more than that was pretty favorable in terms of what you want. However I think it would be imperative to get some fate of an old farmer from you get what you give lol.
❤❤❤