We checked in with Science! asking guitarist and vocalist Justin Stang how he and bandmate Jim Elenteny help keep the music scene alive, why fans play an important role and how Olympia (which Stang calls home, and where Science!'s next show is) measures up in keeping their name on the Northwest music map.

"Science! keeps the South Sound alive by being ourselves and staying true to our roots," says Stang. "We try to continuously write, put out and perform new music that we really love despite industry pressure for conformity. This has always been really important for the Northwest music identity, and in particular, the South Sound; to be ahead of trends, and do what we do best: be ourselves and rock."

The duo has managed to stay true to that spirit, and reap the benefits of hard work and staying grounded. The band was featured in High Times as January's unsigned band of the month, has a SXSW tour planned for March, and its clever and catchy tune, "Seattle Song," has received airplay on Jet City Stream and the Bob Rivers Show. Olympia readers knew what they were doing when they voted Science! "Best New Band" in this rag's 2012 Best of Olympia issue.

Read Nikki McCoy's full feature on Science! in the Weekly Volcano's Music section.

OLYMPIA BALLROOM, W/KENDL WINTER AND THE SUMMER GOLD, FRIDAY, JAN 18, 9 P.M. ALL AGES, BOOZE 21+, $10, 116 LEGION WAY, OLYMPIA