VIDEO: They're Not Just Another Boy Band

Editor's Note: Check out a behind-the-scenes look video of local boy band, Radio for the People, in the image carousel attached to this article.

For musician and dancer Rochone Anderson, growing up in Cerritos and being a part of Stowers Elementary School’s choir program kindled a lifelong passion for performance and artistic expression.

Anderson's career led him to performing the role of Tumblebrutas in the Broadway tour for Cats. He also played the lead role of Mr. Mistoffelees in the Tuacahn production, and performed at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts as part of the Showtime at the Apollo tour.

During his journey, Anderson also recorded a couple solo albums and dedicated one of them to Anne Davis, his 4th grade teacher and choir director at Stowers.

“She made me work really hard, and she gave me my first solo,” he recalls fondly.

For Anderson, school and music always went hand-in-hand.

“Everything I did in music complemented my learning skills for school," he said. "I was really good at math because of the beat and the repetition I learned in music lessons. Also, doing creative writing assignments helped me to become a songwriter.”

Earlier this year, Anderson performed an acapella version of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at the City of Cerritos' Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration. But his most recent project is writing songs for and being a part of an all-male vocal group called Radio for the People along with members Eric Alavez, Brandon Jay, Kevin Clausen and Matt Iya.

“I love having that feeling of being on stage with other people," Anderson said. "To share the experience instead of being a solo artist really appealed to me. You can talk about the show afterwards with the other performers, and they know what you’re talking about because they were on the stage with you.”

The group members, whose ages range from 19 -22, found each other on Craigslist (while Anderson was working with another producer). And since then, the five have worked together as friends and collaborators sharing a passion for music.

For more than a year and a half now, the five young men have been living in Anaheim under one roof. And though being roommates may sound like a recipe for disaster, somehow these guys have found a way to make it work.

Though they all come from different cities and ethnic backgrounds, and call themselves a “melting pot," their love for music and performance keeps their relationships in perfect harmony. In fact, their cultural diversity is a huge factor that influences their music by keeping it fresh and unique.

And when creative differences do arise, this group of five makes it a point to communicate with each other sooner rather than later by talking it out until everyone feels that they’ve been heard.

"At first we didn't want to step on each other's toes, but as time goes on when someone gets heated we've learned to step up to the plate right away and try not to take things personally," says Anderson. 

To keep that peace at home, these five friends also split up the chores, as seen in the way they all try their hand in cooking. When asked what Anderson’s specialty dish is, the rest of the group members answered, “Anything covered in bacon!”  

In a world of groups and bands that often don't cater to the youth but rather go where the money takes them, Radio for the People makes it a point to be good role models for young audiences with hopes that their music helps spread a positive message.

“I know that it was a gift to have the role models I had as a kid because they prepared me for my future. I want to make sure that I use my voice in a positive way,” says Anderson.

On top of making music, this group also focuses on staying healthy by eating right, exercising and staying drug-free so that they can work effectively toward achieving their goals. Continuous self-improvement is at the center of what drives these young men. And part of that stream of upward mobility entails being prepared to sing on a moment’s notice especially when they are asked to perform live during industry functions.

"We recently met (comedian) Chris Tucker backstage at an event and we gave him a live demo," says Anderson. It was a thrilling moment in their young careers that they instantly shared with fans on their Facebook page, where they've gained quite a following.

Radio For the People also recently performed at Downton Long Beach's 4th Annual Pink Party, and they are set to perform at on June 15. 

And while this young band has enjoyed a successful journey together thus far, they credit their strong support system of close friends and family for helping them stay grounded as they work hard to reach their dreams.

"We are so inspired by Boyz II Men and want to have the success of 'N Sync," says Anderson.

After they come home from their respective day jobs (Anderson is a dance instructor at Maple Conservatory of Dance), the members get together and often rehearse until late night hours - a minimum of eight hours a day! And don’t be surprised if you see them performing someday in Cerritos because it's a goal they've got on their to-do list.

“We’d love to perform at the Center for the Performing Arts, the big 4th of July celebrations, and at schools," Anderson said. "We want to be a part of the community.”

Their first single, Broken Record, is currently available for download on iTunes. To get more information on performances, news and events for Radio for the People, follow them on Facebook and Twitter. You can also follow this group by checking out their videos, samples of their music and video blogs on their YouTube page.