No matter how badly a band may want to make it, often the little things hold them back. In the case of Common Curtis, a lack of management, a signed contract or even free time for touring, has not kept the group from striving to reach their goals.
The pop-punk foursome from Baton Rouge made a name for themselves in October when they won the opportunity to play at Groovin’ on the Grounds on March 11 by winning first place in the Battle of the Bands, sponsored by Students on Target.
Since then, they have developed and refined their music and become more savvy to the inner workings of the industry where they want to make their living.
Common Curtis was formed in May 2003 by lead vocalist and bassist Ryan Guidry. He and guitarist Chris McConnell started the band in Guidry’s garage.
Guitarist Austin Baillie joined the band after his and Guidry’s mothers introduced them for what they called a “play-date.” Paul “Buck” Langston, drums and backing vocals, finally joined the band after a long search by the other three members.
In October 2003, McConnell left the band and Common Curtis was faced with the challenge of replacing its guitarist.
Guidry said even when they found someone with the level of talent they wanted, something was always missing.
Guitarist Andrew “Tang” Martin finally stepped up to fill the void left by McConnell and the current Common Curtis was born.           
By October 2004, the band came into their own after the brief absence of Baillie.
With influences drawn from bands such as Fallout Boy to Stone Temple Pilots and Led Zeppelin, they find it hard to pin down one source of inspiration on which they all agree.
“We really don’t agree on anything,” Guidry said. “When we go on the road, there are like three or four CDs we can put in and not have anyone complain.”
The band does acknowledge a group effort in writing songs.
Martin said he and Langston both write the music for the songs and Guidry fills in the basslines after they are through.
“Most of our stuff is basically a compilation,” Langston said.
The band stresses that the type of music they play is basically happy, energetic music.
A lot of the energy in the music may come from the overall youth of the band. With two members still in high school and ages ranging from 16 to 20, Common Curtis are anything but seasoned veterans.
Martin, a student at Parkview Baptist, said it is difficult to devote yourself to a band and to school at the same time. He said this puts them at a bigger disadvantage than other local bands.
The group, though youthful, also manages and markets the band.
Guidry, who is interested in the business aspect of the music industry as well, said Common Curtis also has advantage over other local bands because they know every aspect of what is going on.
“If the opportunity comes to get picked up by some label, we have an idea of the inside workings of the business,” Guidry said.
Jim Odom produced and recorded Common Curtis’ first CD, an independent EP, that is set to release within the next month. The CD was recorded in Odom’s garage.
According to Guidry, one of the biggest problems Common Curtis face is the lack of a “loyal fan base.”
“Anytime we try to get fans to participate, to go to our website and vote for us for contests, we can’t get any response,” Guidry said.
Martin said after winning Battle of the Bands, he expected things to immediately to pick up for them, but it did not happen.
“It definitely opened us up to the 18 and up crowd,” Langston said. “It gave us more of an approval of people. The name recognition helped out a lot.”
But that does not stop them from attacking every show with vigor.
“To see even one person smiling, having a good time, is probably the best feeling in the world to me,” Langston said.
And the crowds at their shows reciprocate that energy.
At Click’s Billiards on Feb.18, Common Curtis played a headlining show, to a less-than-full crowd. But, the fans that were there, sang along, danced and clearly enjoyed every minute of the performance.
In addition to Baton Rouge, the band have also tried touring in cities in Mississippi and Shreveport, La.     
Langston said usually they end up losing money on tours from getting speeding tickets, so for now they hope to develop a stronger fan base in Baton Rouge itself.
All the members of Common Curtis acknowledge the fact that they want to make it big, and perform for the rest of their lives. They also know that at some point they will have to leave Baton Rouge. This is one of the things they think separates them from other local bands. 
Baillie said the hardest part and the biggest obstacle is getting the right people to hear and put money into their music, but the band hopes that at Groovin’ on the Grounds they will be able to make some contacts that can help them gain more publicity. 
“Since [Ashlee Simpson’s] dad might be at the Ryan Cabrera performance at Groovin’ on the Grounds, we were planning on giving him a demo,” Langston said.