Below is a release from one of our friends' bands.  XS Games has continued the trend of releasing music in the form of a video game with their latest release, "PopStar Guitar".  This website doesn't usually focus on "pop" bands, however, the game showcases a number of mainstream rock acts, in addition to popstars.  The best thing about this game is the treatment that the indy scene is getting.  A good number of independent acts are getting exposure on this game, which is cool in our book.  Please see the release below.

Videogame publisher XS Games announced that PopStar Guitar, the pop music-based rhythm videogame, is now available on retail shelves nationwide for the Wii and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. PopStar Guitar comes loaded with more than 50 songs from many of today's hottest pop artists, featuring master tracks performed by Maroon 5, All American Rejects, Miley Cyrus, Fall Out Boy, Paramore, and more. Also included are a select group of independent bands from across the nation including Delaware’s own, hyper maru. The band was one of hundreds that applied for inclusion in the video game. Not only were they selected, but their epic, “Wonder”, is a feature song at the final stage of the video game.

PopStar Guitar offers a unique air guitar game play experience exclusively for the Wii, with the introduction of the AirG peripheral that snaps easily onto the Wii Remote, allowing players to release their inner pop star. In the game, players assume the role of a lead guitarist in their very own band, on a mission to compete in the ultimate "Battle of the Bands" contest. Additionally, players will have the choice to perform solo in the Career Mode, taking the stage for more challenging and rewarding performances that in return deliver success, fame and fortune.

Hyper maru began in the spring of 2001 with guitarist Don Zabitka having a vision to create an original band in which crafting great songs was the chief focus. Being owner and engineer of The Hang Out recording studio, Don was well versed in the talent pool of musicians in the Delaware Valley. After hand-selecting various members, Don put the pieces of the puzzle together- creating hyper maru. "Chemistry of band members is of the utmost importance for a successful band. Great chemistry yields great songs," states Don. From the modern rock powerhouse "Thorns" to the radio friendly pop sounds of "Disappointed", hyper maru deliver their own unique and refreshing blend of music. The rhythm section of Steve Axt and Tommy Ross, bass and drums respectfully, provide the pulsating drive for the band, while guitarist Don Zabitka colors each song with a vibrant energy that he emotes in his playing. Rounding out the band is Jimmie Davis, singer/ guitarist for the Delaware based band. The former guitarist for Juliet’s Wishing Well, Jimmie spent close to two years touring with the alternative band from New York to North Carolina; from Texas to Canada, sharing the stage with various national acts such as Fuel, Cheap Trick, Sister Hazel, and 10,000 Maniacs.

The band hyper maru is estatic for the inclusion of their song “Wonder” in the game Pop Star Guitar. “This type of national exposure has already benefited the band in so many ways,” states Davis. “Our website, www.hypermaru.com, has been flooded with hits and orders are streaming in for merchandise. People are also taking advantage of the free ringtones offered on our site.” Insightful lyrics and musical integrity, combined with modern pop sense, catapult hyper maru into the higher tier of quality original music… and becoming pop stars.

For bookings and more information on hyper maru, please visit www.hypermaru.com
or contact Jimmie Davis at fenderjd@comcast.net or  call 410-398-7719

For information on the video game, please visit www.popstarguitar.com