As artists like Aqua ("Barbie Girl") and slacker songsmith Afroman

("Because I Got High") can attest, making it in the music industry

takes more than just talent. Timing and a fresh sound also play a big

part.

The Lostprophets, one of only a handful of U.K. bands that more closely resemble their

American rock counterparts than their British brethren's melancholy

outpourings and electronic flare-ups, also know that a kiss from

Lady Luck never hurt an aspiring rock star.

"We were one of the first bands of our generation doing what we're

doing," frontman Ian Watkins said. He cited fellow Wales group Funeral

for a Friend as another group in line with the Lostprophets' melodic,

emotionally fraught rock. "Until we came along, there was a lot of old

rock and metal but not many of our generation doing this.

"But luck is definitely an aspect," he added. "Even some of the coolest

bands in the world never make it because they have bad luck or are in

the wrong place at the wrong time. And then some totally poo-poo bands

make it."

Possessing male-model good looks is rarely a detriment, either, unless

it's used against you. The British music press has a longstanding

reputation for hyping bands up just to take them down, and the

Lostprophets have felt their share of backlash. The group has been

unfairly labeled a boy band that can't write its own songs. The band's

members learned to develop a thick skin against these unjust innuendos.

In fact, they're entertained by some of the more far-fetched rumors,

like the one about them being in rehab, despite four of the six guys

being straightedge.

"I love reading rumors," Watkins said. "It happens. A band sells a

certain amount of records and gets in the spotlight, and then it's time

to talk crap about them. It's just the way it happens. It's the nature

of the beast."

With a hit single, "Last Train Home," already under their belts, the

Lostprophets aren't worried about justifying their skills or disproving

rumors while on the road with pals Hoobastank and Ima Robot. Having fun

is all that's on the agenda from the tour's start Friday in

Chattanooga, Tennessee, through its finale a month later (see [article id="1485256"]"Hoobastank, Lostprophets To Invade College Campuses"[/article]).

"Touring with your friends is always cool," Watkins said. "It's going

to be a laugh. It's going to be awesome because we're just going to

mess around and have a lot of fun."

The Lostprophets hope "Make a Move," the next single from their

sophomore album, Start Something, will share the success of "Last

Train Home." On Wednesday, the band filmed a video in Los Angeles for the

track, which blends fluttering drum beats with heavy guitars and a

determined call-to-arms chorus. As with most things pertaining to their

career, the bandmembers took an active role in the creation of the

clip, which was directed by Steven Murashige (Incubus, the Ataris).

"We do our own artwork, our own merch," Watkins said. "If you want

something done properly, you should do it yourself. And I don't want

anybody else trying to tell us what we should be or have an image or a

vision for us. We write the music and we're not going to give

everything else away to other people."

"Unless it's our stylists," programmer Jamie Oliver joked.

"Or our songwriters," added guitarist Lee Gaze.

"And don't forget our choreographers," Watkins followed. "And makeup

artists, personal trainers and yoga instructors."