Music & Arts Battle Of The Bands

Have you heard about this radical battle of the bands that Music & Arts happens to be putting on? In case you haven’t, you can check out some information on it here. It plans to be fabulous. It plans to be fun. It plans to be … a battle. In anticipation of the extravaganza, we reached out to all seven finalists and asked them all the same five questions. What shall we do with the five answers we received to the five questions? Well, we shall share them with you. That’s what we shall do. We began with Israel Creek, Nasim Siddeeq, Will Wood And The Tapeworms, Chill Russell, CYRENIC, Mistar Anderson, and now, last but not least is Patrick Heath of Magnetic North, who will be representin’ Middletown, Delaware. They’ll be competing tonight (tonight!). The fun begins at 5 p.m. The venue is Champions. Go rock. Go roll.

First, tell us a little about the band. How did it come to be, how long have you been together and how would you describe your music?

Funny enough, I joined the band later. I was working at the Music & Arts in Middletown, Delaware, when they came in to get some equipment. We ended up talking for a little and a few days later, they shot me a message asking me if I wanted to join. We have gone through a little bit of a lineup change, but we are still going strong! We have been together now for about two years now. We describe ourselves as kind of a heavy indie rock.

Have you ever competed in a battle of the bands before? If so, how did you do? If not, do you have a strategy going into this competition?

We actually competed in this last year, too. We have not won one yet. But the strategy for us is to just go up and have fun. It is high energy music so we just leave it all up on stage.

What do you think is the most perfect song ever written and why?

That is a really tough question. But I would have to say that “Spanish Key” by Miles Davis is a song that changed the way I perceive musical structure.

What’s the best part about working for Music & Arts?

I love seeing students flourish into excellent musicians. That’s whats so amazing about our company – it’s empowering the next generation of musicians!

And finally, how would you spend the $1,000 gift card, should you take home first place?

We need to purchase some new PA equipment!

Have you heard about this radical battle of the bands that Music & Arts happens to be putting on? In case you haven’t, you can check out some information on it here. It plans to be fabulous. It plans to be fun. It plans to be … a battle. In anticipation of the extravaganza, we reached out to all seven finalists and asked them all the same five questions. What shall we do with the five answers we received to the five questions? Well, we shall share them with you. That’s what we shall do. We began with Israel Creek, Nasim Siddeeq, Will Wood And The Tapeworms, Chill Russell, CYRENIC, and now, next up is Elaine Mylius of Mistar Anderson, who will be representin’ Reynoldsburg, Ohio. They’ll be competing tonight (tonight!). The fun begins at 5 p.m. The venue is Champions. Go rock. Go roll.

First, tell us a little about the band. How did it come to be, how long have you been together and how would you describe your music?

Mistar Anderson was formed in 2012. The Columbus, Ohio-based homegrown hip-hop band released their new self-titled album online on June 25. This amazing funk-n-soul, jazz, hip-hop fusion band comes complete with drums, keys, bass, guitar, emcee and horns. The new album coming out was recorded live in the studio together as one unit with hints of improvisation, which is quite obvious when you see it live. The chemistry is undeniable on the record itself and at live performances all over their hometown. They will be touring very soon after the record drops and aspire to head overseas to share with the world a taste of what they have made. 

Have you ever competed in a battle of the bands before? If so, how did you do? If not, do you have a strategy going into this competition?

We recently won the New Belgium Tour deFat Battle of the Bands in Columbus, Ohio, on July 1. Our reward was  opening for a national act called Small Pools at Express Live! (in Columbus, Ohio). Our strategy is to trust our instincts and have as much fun playing the music as possible.

What do you think is the most perfect song ever written and why?

Good question. Every song is perfect in its own way, but “The Rite of Spring” is just one that I find truly epic.

What’s the best part about working for Music & Arts?

I think my favorite part of working for Music & Arts is seeing my students improve. I also love the friends I’ve made since working there!

And finally, how would you spend the $1,000 gift card, should you take home first place?

If we win, we will probably use the prize money to upgrade our equipment.

Have you heard about this radical battle of the bands that Music & Arts happens to be putting on? In case you haven’t, you can check out some information on it here. It plans to be fabulous. It plans to be fun. It plans to be … a battle. In anticipation of the extravaganza, we reached out to all seven finalists and asked them all the same five questions. What shall we do with the five answers we received to the five questions? Well, we shall share them with you. That’s what we shall do. We began with Israel Creek, Nasim Siddeeq, Will Wood And The Tapeworms, Chill Russell, and now, next up is Keith Pereira of CYRENIC, who will be representin’ North Potomac, Maryland. They’ll be competing Thursday night. The fun begins at 5 p.m. The venue is Champions. Go rock. Go roll.

First, tell us a little about the band. How did it come to be, how long have you been together and how would you describe your music?

CYRENIC is a Frederick-based modern-rock band that was never supposed to be. Despite having no musical training, the band’s frontman, Brian Zuckerman, began writing and recording in college and eventually had so much material that it produced two albums – “The Whites of Our Lies” (2008) and “A New Meaning” (2009). Due to their exclusive online release, the albums received quick acceptance and he got amazing feedback from people all over the world. Even with the incredible reception, there was never any real intention of attempting a full band to perform the music live. Fans persisted, however, and not long after the release of “A New Meaning” in 2009, Brian decided to assemble a live band to perform the music of CYRENIC.  

Several lineup changes ensued until the right mix of individuals came along – Brian Zuckerman (rhythm guitar), Kevin Holmes (lead guitar), Chris Grimes (bass guitar), and Keith Pereira (drums). Since 2011, CYRENIC has produced another four full-length albums – “Dying To Live” (2011), “Selective Memory” (2013), “Metaphor” (2014), and “Medusa” (2016) – and they are currently composing new material for their next release.

CYRENIC’s music can be described as modern rock for the whole family. Given their extensive catalog of songs, there is something for everyone to enjoy, ranging from heavy tracks like “Crash/Kill” and “Die Another Day” to more radio friendly songs like “The Path,” “Built of Sand” and “The Whites of Your Lies.” With ballads like “Ever After” and “Metaphor,” there is also a core of CYRENIC’s music that is deep in melody, simplicity and emotion.  

Have you ever competed in a battle of the bands before? If so, how did you do? If not, do you have a strategy going into this competition?

We’ve done a few other band battles before and have made it to the finals each time, including last year’s Music & Arts Battle of the Bands. We’ve never taken home the grand prize, though, so we are hoping to change our luck this year!

What do you think is the most perfect song ever written and why?

For me, it’s Simon and Garfunkle’s “The Sound of Silence.” No matter if I’m listening to the original song from 1964, the recent cover by Disturbed, or even a rendition sung in another language, this is a song that has certainly held up over time, sounds beautiful, and really means something to people all over the world.   

What’s the best part about working for Music & Arts?

Music has always been a huge part of my life personally. I love that I get to work with a company that values music and is focused on helping to create and cultivate the next generation of musicians.

And finally, how would you spend the $1,000 gift card, should you take home first place?

Given how much we love to create our own music, we would most likely spend the prize money on upgrading some of our recording gear.

Have you heard about this radical battle of the bands that Music & Arts happens to be putting on? In case you haven’t, you can check out some information on it here. It plans to be fabulous. It plans to be fun. It plans to be … a battle. In anticipation of the extravaganza, we reached out to all seven finalists and asked them all the same five questions. What shall we do with the five answers we received to the five questions? Well, we shall share them with you. That’s what we shall do. We began with Israel Creek, Nasim Siddeeq, Will Wood And The Tapeworms, and now, next up is Chase Matkin of Chill Russell, who will be representin’ South Austin, Texas. They’ll be competing Thursday night. The fun begins at 5 p.m. The venue is Champions. Go rock. Go roll.

First, tell us a little about the band. How did it come to be, how long have you been together and how would you describe your music?

Chill Russell started in the summer of 2015 as a recording project among friends. These recordings would become our debut self-titled EP, and we began playing live shows as a band in February of 2016. Our sound is a unique combination of each of our unique musical tastes, ranging from the pop harmonies of the Beatles and Beach Boys, to the post-grunge alternative rock of the ’90s. 

Have you ever competed in a battle of the bands before? If so, how did you do? If not, do you have a strategy going into this competition?

This will be our first battle of the bands. Our strategy is to do what we do best: Put on a great show and get the audience moving with our grooviest songs and show them how we do things in Austin, Texas. 

What do you think is the most perfect song ever written and why?

“Bohemian Rhapsody” is the most perfect song ever written. It encapsulates every genre of the modern era in one song – in many parts – and highlights the genius of Freddy Mercury’s songwriting. From the subtlety of the intro, to the four-part harmonies with a touch of opera, culminating in the single best rock groove of all time, all while lyrically taking you on the melancholy, existential journey of the protagonist. 

What’s the best part about working for Music & Arts?

The best part of working for Music & Arts is the shared musical bond that I experience everyday with people that walk in the door. Ranging from beginners getting their first instrument to veterans that have played for 50 years, it feels like we are all part of an exclusive club ignited by the passion and joy that music brings us. 

And finally, how would you spend the $1,000 gift card, should you take home first place?

If we won first place, I would spoil my bandmates with the $1,000 gift card on whatever gear that their hearts desire. It’s only fair since I would get a new guitar and amp. 

Have you heard about this radical battle of the bands that Music & Arts happens to be putting on? In case you haven’t, you can check out some information on it here. It plans to be fabulous. It plans to be fun. It plans to be … a battle. In anticipation of the extravaganza, we reached out to all seven finalists and asked them all the same five questions. What shall we do with the five answers we received to the five questions? Well, we shall share them with you. That’s what we shall do. We began with Israel Creek and Nasim Siddeeq and now, next up is Will Wood of Will Wood and the Tapeworms, who will be representin’ Paramus, New Jersey. They’ll be competing Thursday night. The fun begins at 5 p.m. The venue is Champions. Go rock. Go roll.

First, tell us a little about the band. How did it come to be, how long have you been together and how would you describe your music?

I could start semi-automatic rapid-firing adjectives into your head but it wouldn’t do much good. You’re not gonna get any impression of this sound from text or speech. Strap on your headphones and stream it on maximum volume ’till it hurts and you’ll maybe start to get close to what we do onstage. This project has been growing and tangling around itself for a couple years now, with over three dozen Tapeworms shoved on and off the stage with instruments down their throats and me screaming “attitude comes before talent,” and each song is different each time we play them. You have not heard anything like Will Wood And The Tapeworms before. You can call us boastful for now, but you’ll be calling us your new favorite after the show. 

Have you ever competed in a battle of the bands before? If so, how did you do? If not, do you have a strategy going into this competition?

We don’t compete. Because we play a different game. We win by setting an example that changes the rules of engagement, and the judges are gonna need to draw up a second rubric. I’ll show you what I mean on the 13th.

What do you think is the most perfect song ever written and why?

In order for something to be perfect, there has to be a set of standards for it to meet, and I don’t believe there’s anything that can inherently define a song as being what it is. Anything can be catchy, anything can be interesting, anything can be fun and there’s an infinite amount of new ways to write and perform that nobody has ever explored yet. No song can ever be perfect, and that’s the fun of writing them.

What’s the best part about working for Music & Arts?

(From Matthew Berger, saxophone, flute, sound effects, synths): Music & Arts gives me and other M&A employees the opportunity to work alongside other people personally and professionally involved in music production and performance. We can learn from one another, expand our network of fellow musicians, and grow as individuals both in and out of the workplace.

And finally, how would you spend the $1,000 gift card, should you take home first place?

Noisemakers, oddball percussion, new toys, anything to help create the newest, strangest sounds we’ve ever created. This is all about expression, exploration, creativity, and bringing about a new way of thinking about music. To really think outside the box, first you need to understand there is no box. 

Have you heard about this radical battle of the bands that Music & Arts happens to be putting on? In case you haven’t, you can check out some information on it here. It plans to be fabulous. It plans to be fun. It plans to be … a battle. In anticipation of the extravaganza, we reached out to all seven finalists and asked them all the same five questions. What shall we do with the five answers we received to the five questions? Well, we shall share them with you. That’s what we shall do. We began with Israel Creek yesterday and now, next up is Andrew Fallenz of Nasim Siddeeq, who will be representin’ Alexandria, Virginia. They’ll be competing a week from today (that’s next Thursday for those keeping score). The fun begins at 5 p.m. The venue is Champions. Go rock. Go roll.

First, tell us a little about the band. How did it come to be, how long have you been together and how would you describe your music?

We first formed around this time last year. Nasim and I (the band’s bass player) met at a party held by another one of my Music & Arts coworkers who is no longer with the company. The party had a sort of open mic towards the middle of it, so we both played acoustic guitar and sang individually. We were both really impressed with each other, so I ended up contacting him a couple months later and asking him to come over and jam. We immediately decided to start playing together and shortly after we started writing original music. Nasim had already been playing as a solo artist for quite awhile, and had a few gigs lined up. The band kind of took a hiatus from about August to October and when we reformed, we brought on Chris as the new drummer. 

Have you ever competed in a battle of the bands before? If so, how did you do? If not, do you have a strategy going into this competition?

We have never competed in a battle of the bands before. We are really grateful to have been selected for the competition and our strategy is to just stay true to ourselves and give the best performance we possibly can.

What do you think is the most perfect song ever written and why?

While everyone in the band has their own tastes, I think one artist we undoubtedly agree is unbelievably talented is Stevie Wonder. It’s really difficult to pick a best Stevie Wonder song (so many of them could be considered perfect), but I think out of the ones that our band performs, “Hey Love” is one of our favorites. We think it’s perfect, because it has a nice groove, every instrument stands out on its own while also fitting perfectly in the mix, and it has a way of sounding like it’s being sung to the listener.

What’s the best part about working for Music & Arts?

I’m a practical person, so ultimately it comes down to practical things for me. I work for the company part-time, currently. My manager and district manager have been extremely flexible with my schedule, which allows me to gig more or less whenever I want. I get to be surrounded by other musicians at all times. The discount coupled with the higher-than-average wages allow me to purchase top-quality gear at a rate that I would otherwise be unable to. Even when I’m working hard, I’m actually just talking about the things that I love most.

And finally, how would you spend the $1,000 gift card, should you take home first place?

Probably effects. Our band has most everything that we need to function at a high level for the moment. I think what we need most (and have the most trouble justifying) at the moment is that little bit of extra bit of sauce. I would personally love a sub-octaver and a bass reverb. I think Nasim could use a high-quality delay and chorus as well for his guitar. I’m generally the biggest gear-head in the band. Chris is always talking about upgrades to his kit as well. I think he wants some new cymbals, so that’s definitely a possibility as well.

Have you heard about this radical battle of the bands that Music & Arts happens to be putting on? In case you haven’t, you can check out some information on it here. It plans to be fabulous. It plans to be fun. It plans to be … a battle. In anticipation of the extravaganza, we reached out to all seven finalists and asked them all the same five questions. What shall we do with the five answers we received to the five questions? Well, we shall share them with you. That’s what we shall do. First up is JB Dunn of Israel Creek, who will be representin’ Frederick. They’ll be competing a week from tomorrow (that’s next Thursday for those keeping score). The fun begins at 5 p.m. The venue is Champions. Go rock. Go roll.

First, tell us a little about the band. How did it come to be, how long have you been together and how would you describe your music?

Israel Creek really started with Kimbrey (Havens) and I. We met at Cafe Nola’s open mic and had a similar interest in folk-driven singer-songwriters with a more vintage sound (ie: Civil Wars, Steeldrivers, The Lone Bellow, etc.). After about six months of farting around at various open mics, we brought in my good friend (and bandmate in Secondhand Ramblers), Scott Blecman, on upright bass. After that, Kimbrey started seeing Brian Murray (formally of The Field Hands), an amazing fiddle player, and it just made sense to us to round out the sound that way. We wrote one song, “Red Clay Dirt,” together, and incorporated a song of Kim’s and one of Scott’s into our sets. Beyond that, while we do play a lot of covers, we have a rule about only covering stuff we listen to and that means something to us. As for a description, I’d say it’s definitely bluegrass-driven folk music.  I’m hesitant to call it true, traditional bluegrass out of respect for the guys and gals out there that really do play straight up bluegrass, but that’s definitely one of the defining characteristics. 

Have you ever competed in a battle of the bands before? If so, how did you do? If not, do you have a strategy going into this competition?

I’ve never personally competed in one before, and to my knowledge, no one else in the band has either. As for strategy, I don’t think we have one besides just having fun and doing the best we can. We’re not super competitively minded, so there haven’t been a lot of planning sessions. We just really love playing with each other, and as long as we get the chance to do that, I think we’re pretty happy. 

What do you think is the most perfect song ever written and why?

Oh, man. This is such a tough question. I definitely think that there is a lot that goes into making a song good, and there are so many variables. I’ve always thought that “God Only Knows” by the Beach Boys is just the best written piece of music ever. But then there’s Paul Simon’s entire career, writing songs on a guitar that modulate the way you would on a piano. And then there’s guys like Tom Waits and Ryan Adams who turn the whole concept of songwriting on its head with grit and angst packaged in a pop format. If I have to choose one song for right now in this moment, I’d say “If I Am A Stranger” by Ryan Adams (the acoustic “Follow the Lights” EP version). It’s just so friggin’ honest, to the point where the protagonist in the song is absolutely awful, but you can’t help but relate to him. I think that’s Ryan Adams’s real gift as a songwriter. 

What’s the best part about working for Music & Arts?

The discounts on gear (laughs). No, I can say with 100 percent honesty that what keeps me coming to work every day is knowing that in some way I’m helping people that I may never meet make something that matters to them. Even if my effect is entirely anonymous and peripheral, I know that I’m a part of that. 

And finally, how would you spend the $1,000 gift card, should you take home first place?

I think our first order of business is to get each of us personal monogrammed eye patches. We’re toying with the idea of transitioning into a pirate themed thing, so clearly, that’s the best option.