Category: Profiles

A Taste of Daemon Chili

Daemon Chili – it’s an unrecognizable name with a more-than familiar taste. While it’s a new menu item on the bill that makes up the New England music scene, a simple rearrangement of its letters reveals that it’s a dish Upstate fans have sampled before. Michael Dion has escaped the Zoo and has created himself anew. He’s rising up out of the pit and bringing the heat with him.

Seasoned with attitude, aggression, electrics, and salty Pigpen-era blues, Dion’s got his latest musical concoction boiling in the cauldron. He’s hand-picked and sourced his ingredients locally, and wafting from the steam is a fresh, sophisticated, yet uncooked sound which spices up Dion’s sensible songwriting. With a new album set to release this month, this Massachusetts-based seven piece is breaking the winter dormancy. Daemon Chili is bubbling at the scene, offering up a saucy new sound Upstate fans will soon come to crave – even after the hottest of days.

There are no special orders with Daemon Chili – what you hear is what you get. And what you get stems from the true core of Dion’s songwriting. After making a difficult, yet self-respecting decision to part ways with his Hot Day at the Zoo brethren in August of 2013, Daemon Chili became Dion’s premier musical outlet. Yet it’s been stewing for some time now – originally formed as a solo-side project in March of 2012, Dion created Daemon Chili to feed his hunger for more diverse musical tastes. The burly, hoot-n-holler edge Dion brought to the Upstate roots/Americana scene was beginning to fade from Hot Day’s signature sound, and if Dion wished to stay true to himself as an artist, he needed to blaze new trails. “When I left the band [HDATZ], I was ready to turn the page and start the next chapter of my musical career,” notes Dion. “I knew that I would be going for a bigger, more aggressive sound, and as far as I’m concerned, this is the way my music was always meant to sound.”

Drawing on a select group of highly acclaimed and talented musicians, Dion unearthed his roots to get the full flavor profile he was seeking in the creation of Daemon Chili. “I went back to my college days at U-Mass Lowell where I was first exposed to great live music played by guys who had a lot of experience over me,” reflects Dion. “These guys were ripping up the Lowell music scene, and so, naturally, they became my mentors.” Specifically, there were two bands that had a profound impact on Dion in those days – the aggressive sound of rock n roll legends, Cotton Mouth and an instrumental jazz/funk quintet with, as Dion puts it, “a rhythm section straight from Hell” known as The Freelance Bishops. Together, members from these two groups make for the complex flavor that is Daemon Chili.

Cotton Mouth guitarists Jason Moretti (lead) and Tim Kochanski (rhythm) offer a taste of wild, unrestrained, nitty-gritty blues to what’s stewing in the pot, and balanced with that is the sophisticated, superior musicianship of The Freelance Bishops: Steve Benson (pedal steel/electric mandolin)/back-up bass), Jay Breen (drums), and Jeremy Parker (keys). According to Dion, the process of forming Daemon Chili happened quite naturally, yet securing a bass player proved to be a bit tricky.

The band’s latest recording showcases New Hampshire Seacoast legend Keith Foley holding it down on the low-end, but due to a recent band relocation, Matt Giannaros (Ryan Montbleau Band) has been recruited as Daemon Chili’s binding agent, effortlessly holding the band together as they compliment Dion’s songwriting in a new, murderous light. “I’m just happy to be in there somewhere, hanging on by a thread sometimes to keep up with these monsters,” attests Dion. “I am a blue collar, working-class musician who just learned how to play as I went. I hold no illusions that I would have any business on the same stage as any of these guys if I could not write music.”

And while the talent of these monsters certainly add spice, heat, and texture to the band’s sound, the heartiness is in Dion’s songwriting – old familiar tunes coupled with new tales of inspiration are the meat and taters absorbing it all. With Daemon Chili, the mixture’s just right, and it’s clear that Dion’s hit a sweet spot. In the short-time since the band’s inception, not only have they been nominated for “New Act of the Year” at the 2014 New England Music Awards, but their debut full-length album, Rise Up is set to release Saturday, March 22^nd at Johnny D’s in Boston, MA with an online pre-release date of March 17^th.

Only the 10-track EP is a Jackyl and Hyde of sorts. As Dion notes, “the collective band name of Daemon Chili plays on the binary opposites of good and evil, fully embracing them both” and the same can certainly be said of the tracks on Rise Up. The first five songs are Dion originals that feature members of Hot Day at the Zoo. Recorded at Wonka Studios in Lowell, MA, the tracks were originally intended to be released on South of the Storm, a HDATZ album that never saw the light of day. “Regardless of how people feel, what we [HDATZ] created during that time is something I still believe in,” expresses Dion – a sentiment that played a large role in the decision to include: “Boom Boom Boom,” “Lay Your Burden Down,” “Madman on the Loose,” “Country Girl,” and “My Song to You” on Rise Up’s final cut.

The album switches gears with the last five tunes, moving away from ironed collars and finely- tuned acoustics to electrics, aggression, and dirty-rotten blues. Recorded live at the Stone Church in Newmarket, NH on New Year’s Eve, these tracks feature the current Daemon Chili lineup (Giannaros excluded) and showcase new arrangements of old-favorites, “Gypsy Moon“ (Long Way Home) and “Boston Blues” (Zoograss), alongside fresh material. And despite the shift, if there is one thing to be said about Dion, it’s that he’s a poet. His English credentials aside, the lyrical content of his work offers a subtlety to his unapologetic nature – a spirit that is clearly emulated in the musical artistry of Daemon Chili.

“Take Sounding,” Rise Up’s single and subsequently the latest tune Dion has written, is a prime example of this sentiment. Written as a gift to the godfather of his daughter and best friend (a sailor), “Take Sounding“ is splashing with oceanic terms and imagery; nautical and mythological elements move in waves throughout, and it sails along at a relaxed pace – yet the no-bullshit tone of the rest of the album is not washed away completely. Not only is it a track that reflects Dion’s passion for songwriting, but the freshness of the material has allowed the guys of Daemon Chili to take ownership of it as well.

Another note-worthy track, “Blood Burning Moon,” is a metaphor for the shit in life – for the heaviness that brings you down, yet it offers a way to push through and traverse. While listening, one can’t help but wonder if, in the third verse, Dion’s singing about the Hot Day fellas when he sings “I’ve come into the dark at the edge of the wood… and here and now must choose… between turning my back on my brothers for good… or leave the cross-roads singing the blues.”

The creation of Daemon Chili and the release of Rise Up certainly offers a resolution to the above mentioned dilemma. Had Dion decided to retire from music completely post-Hot Day, perhaps he would have been “Another Goodman Gone” before his time; yet he’s held his course and cast away all worries and pride. “Understand, I never got into music for the money, the fame, or the thrill of the rock star lifestyle,” expresses Dion. “I write and play music because it’s what keeps blood pumping through my veins. It’s what gives me purpose and keeps me focused and driven and sane. It is quite simply what defines me.” Michael Dion is Daemon Chili. Take it or leave it Upstate; with just one taste, plenty of folks will be left licking empty bowls.

For more information on Daemon Chili, including information on how to purchase Rise Up, please visit their website.

March 13, 2014
Showplace Theater set to Reopen in Buffalo, NY

Buffalo seems to be going through a revival as of late with new buildings going up downtown and old ones being restored all around the city. One in particular has made some big news this week and that is the reopening of one of Buffalo’s most beloved venues, Showplace Theater.

Showplace Theater was originally opened up in the early 20th century as a movie theater before becoming a concert venue in the mid 90’s. There’s a good amount of history in the movie theater alone, but as a concert venue, it was a hotbed for many popular touring bands before closing its doors in 2008. The venue saw such national acts as Gov’t Mule and New Found Glory while also playing host to local favorites Cannibal Corpse, Snapcase, and Every Time I Die.

A shot of the venue from 1997

The deeply historical building sat vacant for quite some time before the current owner, Joe Breidenstein, came along and decided to put his time, energy, and resources into this Buffalo landmark. The building has been completely renovated from fresh coats of paint and new light fixtures to the rebuilding of the stage and adding a screen to serve as a backdrop for upcoming shows.

The first event is slated for next Monday (March 17th) and will be a St Patrick’s Day party called IRISH FOR A DAY. Rather than jumping in without looking, Breidenstein purposely setup a lower-key opener to get his feet wet. The inaugural show pulls together various local acts in Breckenwood, Crashfuse, Cosmic Shakedown and Sleepy Hahas to kick things off.

It’s exciting to see the revival of a venue I’ve personally spent countless hours in. With the throw-away-what’s-broken attitude that is so prevalent nowadays, it’s refreshing to see someone working to bring back a piece of Buffalo’s history from both an architectural and musical standpoint.

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March 11, 2014
An Interview with Denise Parent of The Deadbeats

For years, Deadheads throughout the Capital District make the trip every Wednesday night to hear some good old Grateful Dead covers at Valentine’s on New Scotland Avenue in Albany, New York (and as of last week, at The Low Beat on Central Avenue). Any one who has attended a Deadbeats show can probably attest to the dedication and talent each member in the band brings to the table to keep the Grateful Dead alive in Albany. You may also likely know Denise Parent, drummer of The Deadbeats as well as many side projects throughout the Upstate music scene. had the opportunity to ask Denise some questions regarding her past within the music scene and her rise as one of the most well-known female drummers in Albany.

Jenni Rose Wilson: Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in the music scene.

Denise Parent: I guess I think about how I got started playing music. My mother has been singing since I was in the womb, so I think it really rubbed off on me. She used to be involved in local musical troupes and I used to go watch her shows and regular rehearsals. My mother is a fantastic singer; therefore I had a great musical mentor. I started singing as a young girl and performed at my first talent show at 9 years old. I went on singing in talent shows and the choirs for years.

One day in high school I was sitting in class tapping on the desk with my pencil erasers, and my teacher yelled out, “Join a band!” (Thanks Ms. Molloy). It was like a light bulb went off! I went home and told my parents I wanted to play the drums. That Christmas my brother got me a snare drum and cymbal and I smacked that for about a year before asking my parents for a drum set. For my 17th birthday I got a little Pearl kit. I taught myself how to play by watching MTV, back when they actually played music videos. I joined my first band after playing in my room a couple of months. By 19 I had joined my third band and we played some gigs in the bars in and around Levittown, Long Island. I did take a few drum lessons over those years and learned how to read drum music and play a few necessary rudiments.

I had also been playing around with the guitar as a kid since my older sister played in the folk choir. I had fiddled around with it for years and before you know it I was playing some solo and duo guitar gigs at my brother’s café in Sayville. I kept all the gigs going until I moved up to New Paltz to finish college in 1993. It was there I met the Deadbeats. I started to play with them full-time in 1993 and we were going on the road and playing up and down the East Coast for a few years. We played in all size venues, from great little dive bars to colleges, festivals and music halls. Since then I have been playing gigs regularly. In late 1997, I left the Deadbeats and soon after joined Big Sister, an all female band from Woodstock, NY. Six months after I joined we got signed to Capricorn Records and then recorded a rockin’ CD called So Hi How Are You. We had a few years of playing great gigs like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and we were even in Rolling Stone Magazine! That was a really great experience for me and I did have a lot of fun! Unfortunately, Capricorn went bankrupt and we lost our good gigs and our monetary support.

I was a lead singer in most of the bands I was in prior to this, and being a backup singer in Big Sister always left me wanting to sing leads again. It was around this time that the Deadbeats called me and asked me if I wanted to come back and play in the band. When I had been given the opportunity to sing lead again it felt really wonderful. I came back to the Deadbeats on NYE 2000-2001 and have been in the band ever since.

JRW: You have your hand in a number of different musical projects, can you tell us a little bit about each project?

DP: Currently I play in three bands, The Deadbeats, Hemingway’s Cat and Wild Piper. The Deadbeats is a staple in the Albany area, playing a ton of Grateful Dead and classic rock. Since I sing lead, we do Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, and other assorted female-singer songs. I love to sing Bob Dylan and Bob Marley, so we do a handful of their songs. Of course I also love singing anything by Jerry Garcia, since I have a true soft spot for singing soulful Gospel and traditional songs. The Deadbeats also have a good amount of original music, of which I sing some of the songs I have written. We have never played the same set twice, and we don’t use a setlist. Mike, Alex, Brian and I have developed a band that has an awesome following, and we do have a special relationship with the crowd every time we play.

Hemingway’s Cat is an all-original band from Woodstock. The music is very eclectic, with songs that sound like jazz, blues, reggae and an almost Middle Eastern feel. I joined that band about three years ago. I was mostly drawn to them because the music has a lot of great rhythms with high energy. When I first met the band they already had recorded a CD, and then we recorded a five song CD called Next to You. When we play we really raise the roof! I also really enjoy playing all of our own music for people who dance and smile while we do it! Wild Piper is an exciting new band, made up of some of the current and former Deadbeats, in addition to members of Raisinhead and Ominous Seapods. It’s a great mix of strong lead vocals, screaming lead guitar, the warm Hammond organ, the funky rhythm guitar all on top of a bass and drums powerhouse duo! Even though this band is in its early stages, the talent and song choices have already wowed audiences. It’s has that “new relationship energy” and we all have an appreciation for each other’s talent. I look forward to where we will go together.

JRW: What is it like being a female in a male dominated craft such as musical production?

DP: I admit over the years I have had a few funny experiences while playing in a band. I have met a bunch of men who have been open minded and wonderful. Of course there are those who tell me I’m pretty good for a girl. I know those guys are trying to be nice, so I see the compliment they are striving for. One night in the mid-90s, I was setting up for a Deadbeats gig in Monticello alongside Mike Johnson, the guitarist. Some guy came over and started talking to Mike, asking him what time the band would be starting and what type of music we played. They talked a little bit while Mike set up his amp and pedals. Then the guy turned to me as I was setting up the drums and asked when the drummer would be getting there. I thought it was a bit funny because I was actually setting up the drum kit when he asked me. I admit it wasn’t the first time I had been asked a question like that. This time I decided to have a little fun with it. Mike and I told him that the drummer was my boyfriend and would be getting there soon. I continued setting up my kit and did a little bit of a soundcheck. He came back over to the stage and said that I sounded pretty good. I laughed a bit with Mike and told the guy I was going to have to start with the band because my boyfriend would be late. I also told him that he taught me a lot, so I could probably be OK for a few songs. After playing a bit I felt guilty for pulling his leg and I came clean. He was very surprised at first, but then he was my biggest fan. Of course there are those other times that aren’t as funny, but I like to focus on the positive.

JRW: What instruments do you play and at what age were you introduced to them?

DP: I sing lead vocals and play drums at the same time. People always tell me they think it’s hard, but I guess I have been doing it for so long I really don’t even notice. Lucky me, I do feel blessed for being given such a great gift. I started playing drums when I was 16. I always tapped on everything as a kid. I used to take all the pots and pans in the house and put them all over my bed and then I would play them like a drum set with my chopsticks or pens, whatever I had handy. I had a lot of fun doing this until one time I was jamming out hard and broke the ball point off the pen. The ink went flying all over the pot and pans and my bed and the carpet and my mom was pissed! I can still remember her face! Fortunately we laugh about that now! Soon after it was clear that I had rhythm I got my first drum set. My parents would let me play anytime 10am-10pm. I would crank up my stereo and the fun would begin. My mom used to clean the house and dance around while I played. My dad would always compliment my improvements. I remember my mom being surprised that I liked reggae and gospel music. My parents were (and still are) very proud of me and were very supportive to my playing drums. When I was 17 I had a party at my sister’s house and asked my friends from school to play. I remember them playing the Beastie Boys and I just got so incredibly charged I knew I had to join a band!

I have been playing the guitar since I was a young girl. My sister gave me her classical acoustic guitar and I would play over all the songs on the radio. I didn’t really know many chords in the beginning, so I would play leads and sing a bit while I plucked around. I started to learn more chords and rhythms when I was around 15. I wrote my first song, on the guitar, “I Hate Goodbyes”, at 17. There is something so nice about being able to pick up my acoustic guitar and sing a song. Even to this day I love to do it. No setup required. No amplification necessary. I have played a few acoustic guitar gigs over my years Upstate, but these days I play the drums at my gigs.

JRW: What are your biggest musical and non-musical influences?

DP: My mother taught me how to sing. My father taught me how to work hard and be responsible for myself. My high school teacher told me to join a band. My religious upbringing has taught me to love people. Both my parents have taught me to thank God and to love and respect others. I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve, probably because I like to connect to other hearts around me. When I think about all my influences they are widespread. My first concert was Rush at Nassau Coliseum, and that blew my mind. Neil Peart was one of the most intricate drummers I had ever seen. I always loved watching Mick Fleetwood play, and felt like I could really understand his playing. I did notice that we both made some pretty funny faces when we got into it. I love both of the drummers in the Grateful Dead. Mickey Hart has taught me to lead with the toms and to stray from the form and see where it takes me. Billy Kreutzmann showed me how I can add beautiful color to the most basic beats, while holding a whole band together. I have always loved to sing Indigo Girls, Bonnie Raitt and Joni Mitchell songs. Over the years I have followed them and their music and really appreciate the effort they take in crafting a song, and how they sing it. I often get goosebumps when I listen to any one of their songs.

My last few years living on Long Island, my friend Dino Perrucci took me to see this great band called The Volunteers (who later became the Zen Tricksters). They really taught me the music of the Grateful Dead. I did used to go see a lot of Dead shows, but I got an intense 101 from seeing the Tricksters four nights a week for a few years. To this day I credit Jeff Mattson (who now plays with Dark Star Orchestra) and Dino for much of my musical influences. Jeff even gave me guitar lessons back in the day. Just last weekend I went to see him and Rob Barraco play in the DSO and remember how much I learned from both of them. I give them and the Zen Tricksters a lot of credit for helping me learn so much of what I still do today.

JRW: How do you handle mistakes during performances?

DP: If you had asked me that question 15 years ago I would have answered very differently. I remember a time when I would get very upset with myself and have a hard time remaining present to ease and grace after I had made a mistake. I would spend so much time focusing on the mistake that I would be kicking myself during the next few sections of the song. I would not be present to the beauty of anything, and really missed out on so much good. I got hung up on mistakes others would make too. I think I lost sight of all the good and got stuck in insignificance. After doing some helpful introspection and years of different sorts of self-help work, I’ve come to get a huge lesson that has impacted me in every aspect of my life. Nothing is wrong. Its all how I deal with it that really matters. Of course I am not perfect at anything, so accepting that I make mistakes has become easier and easier. And having compassion for me or anyone else that may make a mistake around me comes with that as well. Falling off the beaten path has led me to some incredible moments on and offstage. Of course I love it when I hit the notes well and play the drums spot on, but I welcome whatever I am presented with now, while looking to see what I can learn from it. It really is all good.

JRW: What are the biggest obstacles for a band and what is the hardest part about working in the music industry?

DP: I would love to be able to support myself by writing, recording and playing music. I think most artists I know struggle with being able to play music and travel to reach wider audiences, because it costs money. Therefore they need to have a side job to help them pay rent and eat, and whatever’s left may go towards a little tour. In most cases artists need to find a way to promote their music, and even though the Internet is very helpful for that, we still have to travel to different places to play for them.

JRW: How do you balance music with your life’s other obligations?

DP: Well fortunately my day job at Family Services does accommodate me playing music on a regular basis. I do appreciate having that job, because I recognize all the good that FS does. It also helps that I have a great crew of people that I work with. I also really love just being at home with Anne and all the animals! It does my soul a world of good.

JRW: What advice would you give to other artists who have less experience than you?

DP: I’m not sure I know all the right advice to give. I will say that keeping the joy alive is great for the soul in any regard. Remember the joy that making music brings you, and do it for that reason. I think it is incredible to connect with my band mates and make something special happen. It’s even more wonderful when others can appreciate it as well. Oh yeah, and learn how to harmonize. It works in life as well as in music!

February 19, 2014
Local Limelight: The Garcia Project – Creating The Jerry Garcia Band Experience

The Garcia Project, based in Saratoga Springs, is a faithful conduit for the music of Jerry Garcia Band, conveying emotional resonance through the music that Jerry Garcia fans have known for decades. The Garcia Project includes Mik Bondy on guitar and vocals, and Kat Walkerson on vocals. A cavalcade of musicians join them in various lineups,including Greg Marshall, Jordan Giangreco (The Breakfast, Viral Sound) and Scott Guberman rotating in on keys, Dan Crea, David Alderman and Fred Wilkes on bass and Bob McKeon, Aaron Martin and Brian Sayers on drums on any given night. While the lineup can change from show to show, it’s always The Garcia Project!

Additionally, Mik and Kat perform the songs of the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band tunes in their our own arrangements, as Acoustically Speaking.

Kat Walkerson has a truly soulful voice, displaying great energy with her passion pouring out from her vocals. A kind soul that brings a warmth to any room she performs in, her voice is a perfect compliment to Mik’s, who is The Garcia Project’s “Jerry”, a part he plays with humility and focus on the music to channel the spirit of the Fat Man. In paying tribute to Jerry, Mik has made two guitars and replica speakers and equipment to bring about the true Garcia sound. Previously, Mik was in the band Tapestry for over 20 years. Recently, Mik and Kat have performed with Melvin Seals and the guys from JGB Band.

Pete Mason: How does The Garcia Project channel the sound and spirit of Jerry Garcia Band?

Mik Bondy: Everyone in The Garcia Project loves the music that the Jerry Garcia Band created. We are all huge fans of Jerry. And much like us, the folks that come out to share in the experience are huge Jerry fans too. This makes the synergy between the musicians and the audience very strong, right from the start. Couple that synergy with professional, seasoned musicians that really want to provide and recreate a Jerry Garcia Band experience and really care about the music and the performance of it – and you have the recipe. We also study the music and the various eras, we build instruments and rigs that mimic the sound and styles. We always do a group huddle before we perform a show and thank Jerry for the music and ask his blessing on what we are about to create with the people. We fell very blessed and are thrilled that folks keep coming out and enjoy it as much as we do. Its really all about the love of the music.

PM: What sets The Garcia Project apart from the other well know Jerry Garcia Band act, Melvin Seals and JGB?

MB: Melvin Seals and JGB are great friends of ours. Kat performed with Melvin and JGB a few times back in 2010-2011. Both Kat and I recently performed with Melvin and members of JGB up in Saranac Lake, NY and Melvin Seals performed as keyboard player for The Garcia Project last year (and will again this year) at Jerry Jam, the best Jerry festival in the Northeast. We really love and respect Melvin and the JGB band.

Melvin Seals has his own new arrangements of songs and writes his own custom set lists. The Garcia Project has been recreating classic Jerry Garcia Band shows and sets and attempts to perform in the same style and tempo as each show and era. Each era has it’s own flavor. We recently did a 77 show at Mexicali Live that there was no recording of the original JGB show, so we pieced together the show from other recordings from the year for reference and then performed it in that style. Both bands have very unique sound and we love what we both add to the scene.

Listen to the whole Mexicali Blues show where we recreated JGB Nov 16, 1977

PM: Why the music of Jerry Garcia Band? Why not Grateful Dead songs?

Kat Walkerson: Our love for the Grateful Dead is equal to our love of Jerry Garcia Band. If not for attending Grateful Dead shows, we wouldn’t have known about Jerry Band. Even back when Jerry was around, JGB was much lesser known and attended. It was something special that you were lucky to stumble upon. We feel that the Jerry Garcia Band catalog is an extraordinary collection of wonderful songs. Many of them are songs not original to the Jerry Garcia Band. They were songs that Jerry picked out because they were special. Adding to that, he mixed them all up, rearranging them and making them the style of music that is Jerry Band. We all agreed and loved them too. And we loved what happened to us as a community when we gathered for this music. This music creates a special space, a fertile ground where positive things grow. Love, friendship, community, healing, forgiveness, progress in general. Jerry Band is a love and connection fest of the purest nature. We always say “The Grateful Dead is like Saturday night, and Jerry Garcia Band is like Sunday morning”. What is created and experienced when we all gather and enjoy this music together is something that should continue. So, as we love the grateful dead, and play some whenever we can fit it in, we focus on the Jerry Band catalog. Like the Grateful Dead, there is also decades worth of this music, so many great musicians rolled through the band in (30?+) years. There is so much to hear and enjoy. We want to do our part to make sure this music gets and stays out there.

PM:Is there a certain year or era of Jerry Garcia Band that you particularity enjoy the most? Why?

MB: I really love all of the eras, really. But the 1977-78 Jerry Garcia Band shows have been firing me up recently. I love the tempos and the arrangements.

KW: All equally

Bob McKeon: Late 1970s and late 1980s.

Dan Crea: 1978 with Donna and Maria.1977 counts too but there was no Maria, and I’m a big fan of hers. I like the open space that Keith left between his notes and how his sound kept the mix nice and open. Great “Lonesome’s” in this era!

PM: Where do you think you’ll be in five years?

MB: We would love to travel and take the music of Jerry Garcia to many more people around the world. With the right team, I could see us touring and playing venues all around the world.

The Garcia Project Tour Dates:
February 15 – Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY
February 22 – WSG String Band and Blessed and Gifted, Spaceland Ballroom, Hamden CT
March 22 – The Cannery Music Hall, Southbridge, MA
April 5 – Arch Street Tavern, Hartford, CT
April 19 – 420 Celebration at The Oneonta Theatre, Oneonta, NY
July 25 – Jerry Jam Music Festival, Bath, NH, with Melvin Seals on Keys. The festival runs July 25-27.

Acoustically Speaking Tour Dates:
February 1 and 22 – Opening for The Garcia Project
February 21 – Franklin’s Tower, Albany, NY
February 28 – West Mountain Ski Resort, Queensbury, NY
March 28 – Franklin’s Tower, Albany, NY

Keep up on everything The Garcia Project on their Website, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages.

February 11, 2014
Featured Band: Cry To the Blind

Walt Disney did it. William Shakespeare did too. It’s taking the metal of another one’s work, and spinning it into your own gold. It’s the alchemy of the creative mind. It’s declaring the statement, “I can take your idea, and make it better.” Cry to the Blind, a five-piece heavy rock band out of Rochester, NY, declared such a statement last month after walking into Oblivion Studios to record an already established hit. One month and more than 90,000 YouTube views later, the band has itself, what a growing contingent of fans and followers think, is gold.

“The past month or so has been pretty weird,” said Jon Lamanna, the band’s lead singer. Back in December, the band loaded up a studio video of their recording of Miley Cyrus’ mega-hit, Wrecking Ball. The reception to their hard rock version has been nothing short of exceptional, first leading to play time on local radio stations, and precipitating to national attention on Nikki Sixx’s syndicated show, and now satellite radio. It wasn’t long before they obtained mechanical rights from the copyright owner to allow them to perform and sell their version of the song.

“The energy and the excitement level at our shows, and online, are at a level I’ve never seen before. People just seem like they really believe in us now.”

It’s really inspiring to see.”

Rochester’s Cry to the Blind is basking in the glow of newly found attention. (Photo Credit: CTTB/Facebook)

The band has released three CDs independently since 2009. They are a heavy, modern rock band, who market themselves as a “therapeutic release” for their fans. They like to promote a “positive spin on the negative energy that surrounds us every day,” as stated on their Facebook page.

Jon explained that the inspiration to record the song came from a simple turn of his car’s radio dial, as he started his commute to work one November morning.

“The first time I heard the song, I thought it would make a great rock song. We’ve never done a cover. [This was] just a random idea. I texted Jesse (Maty), our guitar player, and said, ‘hey, have you heard that Miley Cyrus song “Wrecking Ball? I think it would be awesome as a rock song.’ He was like, ‘yeah, why not? Let’s give it a shot.’ He wasn’t into it as much as I was. But, when I polled the other guys in the band, they were really excited about it. .. As soon as we started rehearsing it, it sounded phenomenal.”

They changed up the second verse to make it rhythmic and heavy, which was (the band’s drummer), Jay Talarico’s idea. Together with Ryan Mcfaul on guitars and Kory Maclauchlan on bass, Jon said, “I think that’s what makes the song stand out.”

Since Cyrus released the song last August, Wrecking Ball has topped the pop charts in 13 different countries, including the United States. There have been a number of different cover versions released, including that from Rumer Willis, the 25-year-old daughter of actors Demi Moore and Bruce Willis.

Today, up to 40 radio stations, including Sirius Octane, is playing their song, and the positive feedback just keeps building. Jon said that the band has yet to be signed by a label; however, he says people who they’ve spoken to in the past, are coming back to talk.

“[We’re] pretty confident that things are going to continue to snowball in a good direction for us.”

Cry to the Blind play next at The Montage Music Hall in Rochester, NY on Saturday, February 15.

You can view their breakthrough video here: http://youtu.be/diL0I17RlCk

For more information, visit them on their Facebook or their website at www.Crytotheblind.com.

January 31, 2014
Bogies Starts Crowdfunding Campaign

Bogies executive, and Albany scene heavyweight, Mike Valente recently put out a call for donations to the renowned club for what he calls a “facelift.” The proprieter is seeking help in the tune of $10,000 to cover overdue upkeep costs and miscellaneous upgrades.

Specifically, Valente noted that the money would cover a leaking roof, bad floors, and general “rejuvenation.” And as any band who has played there knows, new mic stands would be great.

An account was established at gofundme.com to administer donations.

The 30-year old-club has gone into decline, and as Valente wrote, “there are some costs and expenses that go beyond our reach.” He further explained that he has never seen a profit off of the shows put on at the club — even those that have featured renowned talents as Black Flag and Born of Osiris. All money goes into expenses such as staffing — who have donated time before because of their love of the music over the tight finances, add Valente.

As such, the financial woes have clipped advertising for shows.

Located on Albany’s Ontario Street, Bogies is one of the most important venues in the scene, especially for up – and – coming bands. To keep it running, is a necessity.

Within the first 24 hours, $890 was raised by 29 donors. Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can do so here, either publicly or anonymously:

January 30, 2014
Local Limelight: Buffalo’s Aqueous

Buffalo’s Aqueous is:

Mike Gantzer: Guitar, Vocals
Dave Loss: Guitar, Keys, Vocals
Evan McPhaden: Bass
Nick Sonricker: Drums, Vocals

Mike, Dave, Evan, and Nick make up Aqueous, the four piece prog machine out of Buffalo, NY that is rapidly becoming known up and down the East coast. The band played over 125 shows in 2013 resulting in a tighter bond evident throughout their playing. It’s difficult to sum up their sound concisely though as they can quickly shift from one genre to the next effortlessly. To give you an idea, the guys have covered everyone from Elton John to Notorious B.I.G. and The Beatles to Metallica. Even still, there’s something very distinct about their sound mixing rock, prog phrasing, and a heavy focus on groove. Their attention to both structure and free-form improv leaves their shows wrapped in intrigue. If you really want to know what they’re all about, as cliché as it may be, you have to catch their live show.

The band recently released Live Nugs Volume 4 at the beginning of the year. Consisting of five live cuts of original songs from their fall tour, the album puts their current chops on display and is a perfect marker for growth through the Live Nug series. gave a glowing review of the album, claiming the tracks to be the “headiest to date.” Additionally, the band is set to do their first ever residency at Buffalo’s Nietzsche’s in February. On each of the four Wednesday’s of the month, Aqueous will be joined by a special guest and feature a different theme. The four bands playing in support are Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, The Mantras, Broccoli Samurai, and Big Something. Aqueous is even offering a pass for the whole month allowing you entry into each of the four shows for only $20. If you’re unable to make one of their hometown shows, don’t fret. Their spring 2014 schedule was just announced, and it looks as though it’ll be relatively easy to catch these guys if you’re anywhere in the Northeast.

What type of fan is Aqueous for?

Dave Loss: Honestly, Aqueous is for fans of music. Yes we do a lot of improv when we play live and are influenced by many of the major jam bands like Umphrey’s and Phish, but beyond that we all like many different types and styles of music and are always determined to keep things interesting and avoid being too repetitive. Oh and we always focus on keeping the groove. We are big on groove!

Mike Gantzer: I agree with Dave here. We try to put into one of our shows the things that move us most when we see shows; energy, interaction, occasional theatrics, and general fun. We certainly have a sound, but we believe that music should push and pull, and contrast is a beautiful thing. Mixing rock with reggae, funk with hip hop, metal with bluegrass etc. It’s wonderful as musicians to delve into different sounds and styles, and even better to see people react to that contrast.

Where do you think you’ll be in five years?

Dave Loss: Popular enough to where I don’t need a Facebook anymore and can strictly use Twitter……but seriously I would love to be at a point where I could play venues like the Town Ballroom here in Buffalo all over the country. Maybe even on a European tour! But really if I could make a living off playing and recording music, that would be a dream come true.

Mike Gantzer: Personally, my goal for the band is to play in Japan and do a European tour within the next five years, and make it to the West coast. We’re all grateful for the level of support we’ve been shown, and I think our priority is to keep building on that momentum and write and tour as much as possible.

Evan McPhaden: In the next five years I’d like to be able to tour more extensively, reaching the West coast would be amazing. Playing some of my favorite venues where I’ve seen bands that I love like the Town Ballroom. Ideally, if I could survive from playing music that would be all I need. Lastly, in the next five years I’d like to find a golden ticket and meet Willy Wonka.

Keep up on everything Aqueous via their Website, Facebook, Twitter, and SoundCloud pages.

January 28, 2014
An Upstate look at Rochester’s AFR

There’s a rumbling coming from Western New York as of late; or so it seems from the perspective of the editor’s desk here at Upstate Metal, as we’ve had our eyes forcibly opened ala Clockwork Orange to the music scene out of Rochester, New York.

The epicenter is discernablly originated from underneath whichever stage AFR plays. The heavy metal group phones out from the 585 Area Code, and in the short time since they formed in April of 2012, they’ve fostered a following with an enormous fan base – geographically speaking.

AFR comes off as an eclectic sounding band, listing a broad focus of infuences that range from Dream Theatre to Lamb of God. Signed by Buffalo’s Dead Trash Mob records, the boys like to describe their sound as, “if Pantera and Lamb Of God had a baby.”

Upstate Metal recently had the opportunity of communicating with the band’s bassist, Todd Church. Church is the neophyte of the band, stepping on board with AFR last October. As with many local rockers, Church has a day job to pay the bills. Only, as you’ll quickly learn, his day job is almost as interesting as his nighttime persona. We talk to him about that, and more, plus what fans should expect from the band in the next few months.

Hallisey: You joined the band in October of last year, right? Tell me a little bit about how you joined the crew, and what kind of struggles do you have being with a band that’s already struck out on its own before you came along?

Church: Actually the band was advertising on Craig’s list back in the summer of 2013 and during that time I went to see one of their shows to check them out and was really impressed with the show and the music. After the show, I met up with the guys and hit it off pretty good. The transition from me learning the songs and doing my first show was literally two weeks when the lead singer Alan called me up and asked me to play that coming weekend show at the Montage Music Hall in Rochester, NY. Sometime in September. Surprisingly it went really well with the short time I had to learn their set list.

Hallisey: You’re a chemist, scientist? Is being a musician your alter ego?

Church: Definitely, I’m an Environmental Scientist these days; listening to a little Lamb of God or Pantera while working away! It’s always been kind of a joke in just about all the bands I’ve been in over the years. I would tell people I’m a scientist and everyone would be like, yeah right!

Hallisey: I don’t assume you’re cooking meth in an RV out in the New Mexico desert, am I right?

Church: Laughs. No! I’m pretty much tied to a computer these days. I currently work as a consultant providing chemistry/biology technical support to project teams and field sampling teams globally.

Hallisey: Is rock and roll a dream or a pastime for you? Do you see professional aspirations conflicting with your music?

Church: I never did or will quit the dream! I’ve been a musician most of my life starting in my elementary band playing the trombone. I’ve played in metal bands for long time. At one point in my life toured with my metal band throughout Michigan whom is still together but under different name now. Fortunately my job is pretty demanding but also flexible as well so seems to work out good. It would definitely be an easy decision on which way to go if the opportunity and money was right!

Hallisey: Speaking of music, how involved are you in the song writing?

Church: I’m at a point now with AFR that I am contributing to the music writing process with our upcoming EP that we have been working on. Each of us encourage each other to help with the writing process so it’s actually a fun and rewarding process.

Hallisey: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Church: As with most musicians and artists alike, inspiration comes from the soul. We all have a history whether good or bad, and being able to convey it to the music is incredibly fulfilling.

Hallisey: Who are your idols, and what characteristics do you try to take from them into your own play?

Church: I have been a huge fan of music in general as long as I can remember listening to my parents old Motown and classic rock records growing up. After being introduced to Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath, I knew that is what I wanted to do! Throughout the years, I would have to say Steve Harris from Iron Maiden as well as Cliff Burton, Jason Newsted and Robert Trujillo were also huge influences on me as well. Robert is a madman to watch play!

Hallisey: I often hear musicians today speak of being involved in a battle to revitalize rock and roll. How do you feel being a part of such a scene where pop culture seems to have left it behind?

Church: I definitely have witnessed that over the years. Not only with music but even dealing with venues/clubs who have completely changed their lineup due to low attendance with the Rock culture and changing over to country music in hopes to draw more crowds. I’m not sure if that has changed today, but believe the metal/rock scene is just as strong today. I’ve always been involved with original bands and finding venues and getting large crowds to come see you has always been challenging.

We have been blessed with great venues and fans across upstate New York and don’t really feel that there is a battle at all and that there is always a place for metal.

Hallisey: What do you bring to the table for the band, that makes this band shine?

Church: When I first saw AFR play live, I felt a connection with the music and vibe instantly. I’d like to think I bring a prominent and heavy but unique sound quality that I believe will compliment what is already a powerful sound.

Hallisey: What does the band bring to the table for metal, to help metal make a comeback?

Church: Since I’ve been in upstate NY I have seen a lot of great cover and original bands. I think AFR stands out from the crowd with the some familiarity of the their sound but yet uniqueness which I see draws listeners interested from the first note until the last. Its been a great experience this far and looking forward to the future of this band.

Hallisey: You guys are working on a new EP, how far along are you with that?

Church: Yeah, we have been working really hard on our new upcoming EP since late November early December and pretty excited about. We have a few songs that are completed now but we wanted to spend the time to give our fans more than just a single release or two. It’s definitely going to have a new heavy feel but keep true to our roots.

Hallisey: When can we expect a release?

Church: Our first EP, A Hero to Villains, which was released in 2012 under the Buffalo, NY record label Dead Trash Mob Records, has had a really good response and we’re expecting to release our new upcoming EP late spring/early summer 2014.

Hallisey: A radio show in Germany knows about you guys. How does that happen, and does that obligate you guys to cover a David Hasselhoff tune or two?

Church: Well, if we end up touring Germany, we will be sure to call our ride “K.I.T.T.”! Laughs.

Today, it’s almost endless on how or where to advertise at a touch of a button. You can find out music on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Facebook, Reverbnation and more. One of the best ways is always by word of mouth and the social networking apps like Facebook but of course, you still have to have a descent product so people do pass along. Its been great how our fan base has been growing and spreading to new fans worldwide, including Germany, in such a short amount of time.

For more band info, you can find us here:

www.facebook.com/AFRmetalrochester

www.reverbnation.com/artist/afrmetalrochester

AFR comprises of Alan Rohr (Vocals), Ledwing Hernandez (Guitars), Zach Sweedler (Guitars), Todd Church (Bass), and Brandon Lewis (Drums). (Photo Credit: Courtesy of AFR)

January 27, 2014
Dollar Diplomacy is rockin’ the Falls

A local band from Buffalo, New York that goes by the name of Dollar Diplomacy is making quite a name for themselves.

Dollar Diplomacy is Brad Martynowicz (lead vocals), Tyler Wright (lead guitar, rhythm guitar), John Harrington (percussions) and their newest member, Zenon Maciejewski (bass and back up vocals).

Dollar Diplomacy self-describes itself as a heavy-blues rock band with vocalist Martynowicz adding that they are “very jamming”. Their biggest influence is the immortal powerhouse band, Led Zeppelin.

The band’s first time performing was in 2011 when theyopened up for Davy Zee And The Renegades in Ellicottville, New York for Oktoberfest. The band had a different identity at the time, playing under the name Cut Short with a different bassist. The post-concert rush ended however and a few months later, Cut Short broke up. Wright and Harrington tried forming a new band and had multiple different members but nothing was working until they asked Martynowicz to help form a band. They had a solid line up for a year with all the remaining original members of Cut Short until the band changed the name to Dollar Diplomacy. Maciejewski later joined the band after their original bassist left the band a few months later.

The band’s unique name actually came from a history lecture when Harrington was sitting in class and his professor mentioned President William Taft’s “Dollar Diplomacy” and the name stuck ever since.

When asked how the band works for song writing and composing, the band described that they start with a rough draft of an idea and keep revising the idea over and over until they are kind of content with the end product, figuring out ways to make new songs work for them rather than them working for the new songs. Collectively, the entire band collaborates on a new works, however, the band is in consensus that Wright and Harrington are the main songwriters. As a band they compose and write lyrics together but they all agreed Wright and Harrington are the main songwriters.

Wright explained how at their last practice they wrote a song that they were definitely eager to perform. Wright said that he had a riff that he has been excited to play, at practice he said he just started the new riff and rest of the band joined in and, spontaneously, they formed a new song. Martynowicz added that he recorded the song on his phone and he started writing corresponding lyrics for it. Afterwards, they performed it as a band to see what works and what doesn’t.

The band finds it boring to play the same old songs over and over again and they often eventually reach a point where change is needed. At this point, they re-enter the song writing process.

The band was set to record an album last December. They have yet to be signed to a record label but they have been putting songs on their Facebook page and have been going to local Hot Topic’s and giving out demo CDs. There is currently no set release date on the album but their album will be available both on CDs and on ITunes.

Dollar Diplomacy performed with, Reloaded at Niagara Falls Hard Rock Café on January 10th.

January 23, 2014