Care Bears on Fire

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What do you get when you cross three feisty teens with instruments? Four words: Care Bears on Fire! A trio of teen girls out of Brooklyn, Care Bears on Fire is a pop punk band that plays at the hottest spots in New York City and gets interviewed by the likes of Amy Poehler, David Letterman and New York Magazine. And, it's not just because they can share a stage with bands twice their age and experience -- Jena, 15, Sophie, 14 and Izzy, 14 -- are more than a kid-band phenom, they live a life anthem we'll all be pumping our fists to: "Don't want to be like everybody else!"

With their emphasis on individuality, creativity and general awesomeness, it's no wonder they're sparking interest among teens and adults alike. The band formed when classmates Sophie, Izzy and their previous bassist, Lucio, decided in 5th grade that they wanted to start a band. Jena joined the band when Lucio left due to "musical differences." "I started guitar when I was nine and that was when I realized that I wanted to be in a band," recalls Sophie. "Well actually, I didn't realize it, I thought that everyone who played guitar had to be in a band. I thought it was the 'guitar player's law' or something, but luckily it ended up working out."

After some media coverage in 2006 and the release of their first album, I Stole Your Animal, in 2007, and their most recent album, Get Over It, Care Bears on Fire has become more than a garage band -- they are breaking the mold of typical teen girl pop acts. Now while balancing school and performing to sold out shows, the band hopes to keep things rolling. And, like their pre-performance ritual, the band is not only having fun, they're centered.

"We like to get all be in the same room at least 15 minutes before the show to collect our wits," said Izzy. "We meditate and get in the zone. Then when we have five minutes before we go on, we get in a circle, hold hands and 'pass the squeeze' to get us all focused and mentally ready. Then we do a silent scream and and a secret CBOF move, and a big hug and lots of jumping around. After all of this, we can play the show."

The band's catchy melodies mixed with spunky vocals, combines a sweet, yet rebellious vibe that will surely ignite a blaze of super fandom on the music scene. With songs like "Barbie Eat a Sandwich" and "Gym Class Haze," the band landed a spot among top acts at Lollapalooza over the summer and were featured in CMJ's 2009 Music Marathon this fall. Yet, these musicians still manage to keep their lives relatively normal amidst their gigs and interviews with top mags like Spin and The Village Voice. In fact, they have many interests ranging from screen printing and fashion, to photography and Izzy's pet praying mantises, Michelle, Sid and Garth.

We can't wait to hear more music from these fiery rockers, whether it's about ruling the world, processed cheese or gym class. What's next for Care Bears on Fire? "PSATs, SATs, APs," said Jena. "Hopefully some really cool CBOF stuff will come up -- I would love to go to Europe or New Zealand (to be in the land of Flight of the Conchords and Lord of the Rings, of course). I'd also like to tour the moon. In space boots."

To listen to free streaming music, or find out more about Care Bears on Fire, check out their songs and videos below. And, if you look anything like Barbie, please go eat a sandwich. —Christa Fletcher

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