Band Biography

Milbajac, a powerful, exciting and energetic band was formed in1996. Being a Rock/Pop band, their music is influenced by artists such as, “U2, Bon Jovi and Counting Crows”.

All four musicians are originally from Gibraltar have each in their own field acquired extensive experience and talent, which gives the group a good solid foundation and a platform to work from.

"Imagine a bowl full of razor blades
with sweet candy syrup poured over them. "

At any given moment, half of the world's population dwells in darkness, while
the other half are bathed in light. Metaphorically speaking, the band Half
the World counts themselves among the latter. At the crux of their huge
sound, Half the World conjures a magnetic alchemy of vision and promise:
crushingly heavy and sublimely melodic.

It's also the framework to support eloquent, cerebral Iyrics. "There's a real
strong sense of responsibility of writing music with this band, especially
from a Iyrical standpoint," they confirm. "We shoot for substance. We're not
on some kind of crusade, but you won't hear'Oh baby' or any love songs. We
don't need to add to that.'' Each musician in the band is also a songwriter.
"You may hear dark themes, but no promotion of darkness," they promise.
"What we're awake to, is a new vibe, a new revolution. "

Hailing from Holland, lead singer Mary Magill -- with her striking
Euro-goddess visual presence and commanding, world-class voice -- is the
band's on-stage focai point. The rhythm section is comprised of Mat Hansen
on bass and Pete Weaver on drums and backup vocals (these two also produce
and engineer for the band). Jim McCrostie and Brett Pedersen's incandescent,
razor-edged guitars generate the fire that electrifies this monumental wall
of sound.

Still, in the band's hometown of Boise, Idaho, there is no equivalent Sunset
Strip amidst the pines. "You struggle to play at Grandma's barbecue," they
confirm. But they've opened forThird Eye Blind and expanded their
affirmative sound into arena-size proportions. The band has also parlayed
their relative isolation into a winning card; it's no secret that the Pacific
Northwest is a center of emerging communication technologies. In that spirit,
Half the World has achieved digital visibility via mp3.com. They've been
tapped by the staff as alternative rock picks and turned those kudos into an
expanding global audience. Contact is key: anyone who e-mails the band
receives a complete CD in return.

While the band takes its next giant steps -- expanding their touring base,
achieving national airplay and divining a suitable label partner -- they
continue to generate a lasting momentum fueled by positivity, imagination and
a shared destiny. Half the World are determined to spread their sound over
all the world.

Pete Weaver 208-853-3686 • htwmusic@juno.com • www.halftheworld.cc

There is a buzz pulsating from the oaks and cornfields in the Southern Tier of Western New York...

Navar was founded in early 2002 by electric front man, Pat Barry. After a successful run as a solo artist, Pat began jamming with bass clef veteran and brother, Ben. The result was the self-titled debut, Navar. The album is an eclectic musical journey drenched with emotion, melodic poems with sharp guitar and rhythm. The artful Mike "Skippy" Yudichak and thunderous Tim Lindhorne joined the esemble during 2002 where they brought ambitions of awe-inspiring performance.

With a website breaking 36,000 hits, a solid touring base and a major opening for Third Eye Blind, Navar is gathering steam, writing new material, and continuing their assault on the rust belt and the world.

Mission Statement

Built upon a foundation of intergrity and accoutability, Navar is a hard working band with focus and impeccable resolve.
Navar is driven by the hunt for innocence lost, love that is pure, with the perpetual maturation of musical elation. All the while, Navar strives to create a venue for creativity and consciousness...a haven for free thought and expression airmed to educate and stimulate the senses.

Navar P.O Box 131, Fillmore NY 14735 (716) 378-7230

www.NAVAR.net

info@navar.net

Theresa Andersson Bio

Fresh on the heels of her Big Easy Award for Best Female Artist only the week before, Theresa Andersson slammed the 2003 New Orleans Jazz Festival's Louisiana Heritage Stage supplying proof-positive of just exactly why she is deserving of such an honor. With her category-proof concoction of soul-rock vocals, screaming Hendrix-style violin and compelling stage presence, Theresa led her top-notch band of Big Easy players through a repertoire of original material that was as daring as her stunning outfit of string bikini and psychedelic body paint. One moment found tender and plaintive vocal/violin duets seamlessly soaring into rock crescendos reminiscent of Dave Matthews. The next found her careening with abandon, lost in a fuzz of guitar and violin feedback that would satisfy any die-hard Sonic Youth fan. Bluegrass hoe-downs segued into driving rhythm and blues, and classical fugues dovetailed into ecstatic New Orleans second-line marching cadences that kept enthralled audience members up on their feet and dancing.


This is exactly the type of musical amalgam one might expect from a Swedish-born, New Orleans-based, World Youth Choirgirl turned singer-songwriter who's musical sensibilities have been shaped by the influences of both her native and adoptive homes. Indeed, her upbringing on the small Swedish island of Gotland, where an almost Tokyo-style type of isolation lends itself to an off-handed, unselfconscious psyche, laid the foundation for Theresa's collage-like approach to music-making. And so it was that Theresa found herself completely at home in the eclectic world of New Orleans music.


It was roots rocker Anders Osborne who first introduced Theresa to Big Easy natives and national audiences as a back-up singer and violinist in his critically acclaimed band. Theresa wasn’t long on the scene before her astonishing vocal range and accomplished playing garnered her the respect of her peers. Soon she found herself continuously tapped for session and studio work by the cream of New Orleans’ musical society such as The Radiators, Cowboy Mouth and Galactic.


The year 1998 brought Ms. Andersson a new vision and a fresh determination to shape her own sound. Stints in Nashville and Austin allowed her to hone her songwriting skills and resulted in the critically acclaimed 2002 CD release, No Regrets (PoVolt Records). Nominated for Best Roots Rock Album of the Year by Offbeat Magazine, the independently released CD landed on JazzFest’s top 20 seller’s list for two consecutive years in 2002 and 2003 alongside the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Dr. John and Marcia Ball.


With a penchant for improvisational playing and eclectic musical stylings, today finds Theresa with the well-deserved reputation as a bold frontwoman who attracts an ever-changing roster of New Orleans’ finest musicians. Her unconventional mix of heartfelt soul and edgy rock has matured into a new-fangled roots pop that's showing audiences new directions while keeping them dancing. Take it from Galactic’s own Theryl “Houseman” deClouet who said in his Jambands.com interview, “Theresa’s somebody to watch in the future because she has many great original songs…. She’s a great singer and very proficient on violin and fiddle. She knows a lot about American music. And she's just very tasty and very sexy. Be on the lookout for her.”

For booking or other information please contact:

Marcie Blanchard
Hell or High Water Management
2606 Constance St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-891-8010 office
504-250-9078 cell
504-524-5768 fax

E-Mail:

blancham@bellsouth.net

The Mojo Gurus Bio

"The Mojo Gurus debut CD is a rough and rowdy traipse through some true Suthin 'music. Every track sounds like it was borne screaming from the Bible Belt. This band is soulful....Hotter than a double dipped crawfish, rawer than steak tartar. " - JAM Magazine

The Mojo Gurus were formed by singer Kevin Steele in 1999 in Tampa Bay, FL. The band cut their teeth in Florida's seedier rock and blues clubs and quickly earned a reputation based on their hot and nasty live performances. See, the Gurus play good ol' American hoodoo voodoo, born on the bayou style rock-n-roll with a classic taste that makes most of today's alternative flavor of the month bands sound downright silly.

The band features the songwriting of singer Kevin Steele (who's eclectic influences and sardonic wit have earned him comparisons to a young Bob Dylan) and the raunch and roll guitar playing of Jeff Vitolo. Drummer Tommy Weder and bassist Vinnie Granese lay down a rhythm thicker than mud from a Louisiana swamp. Together they mix all their favorite ingredients: blues, psychedelic, hillbilly, glam and gospel into one goats head soup of a sound served simmering!

The Mojo Gurus released their debut disc in 1999 to great critical acclaim. The bands video "Tiger Lily" received heavy rotation on Canadian music video channel Much Music and helped the band sell over 20,000 copies of their CD. This was quickly followed by "Drinkin' TNT and Smokin' Dynamite" which along with their powerhouse live performances have helped the band build an impressive following. Now the Gurus are back with their third release "Hot Damn! " A disc that has critics singing their praises on both sides of the Atlantic.

Always experimenting with many different musical styles the Mojo Gurus have refused to paint themselves into a corner. They are unique in today's music scene with intelligence behind their unbridled raw power, prolific songwriting and a mastery ofthe live performance that makes them one of America's greatest rock bands.

www.mojogurus.com

Tracing its musical tree back to late 2000, Juniper Row's seeds were planted by founding members, bassist, Bill Feaheny and vocalist, Julie McTaggart. A chance meeting on her first day in "The Big Easy" produced an instant collaboration that led to the band's debut self-titled CD in September 2001. The New Orleans based band quickly gained recognition and praise for its unique sound. Whether described as pop, rock or alternative, Juniper Row delivers songs with substance, which capture the mind, body and soul. Currently in the studio and under the watchful eye of producer, "Buzzy" Langford, Juniper Row is poised to make its mark nationally. The forthcoming CD, "Lost Verses" will be released in early 2003.

Juniper Row's current lineup includes Julie McTaggart, Bill Feaheny, Don Williams, and Louis Carrillo.

Julie McTaggart's voice can be summed up as, "the sweetest of fruit that falls onto the wanting ears of all." This red-hot diva from Oregon has quickly "spiced up" the stages of New Orleans with her sizzling vocals and captivating presence.

Bassist, Bill Feaheny, not only sows melodic beats but also provides the band's musical canvas with a unique lyrical perspective. His words blend emotional breath and mental depth into songs that hit a common chord and penetrate the psyche.

Don Williams, a well-seasoned and versatile guitarist who hails from The Revealers, provides a balance of melodies that creates an unforgettable musical ambiance.

Drummer, Louis Carrillo, provides the band with a landscape of rhythm. This talented "stickman" who also comes by way of The Revealers projects a contagious energy that seamlessly moves from behind the drums to the front of any stage.

As Juniper Row continues to make a concerted effort, which focuses upon original music with substance. The band is committed to nothing else but success. Juniper has no intention to be "just another band" resigned to playing local clubs and cutting demos. The band's success so far echoes and validates that mantra. Juniper Row's objective can be summed up simply as, "creating timeless music that carves a lasting niche, not only upon New Orleans, but on points beyond."

ZEBRA IV IN STORES 7/8/03
11 NEW SONGS

ZEBRA GALLOPED OUT OF NEW ORLEANS IN THE EARLY 80'S. THE TRIO CONCOCTED THEIR MONIKER FROM A VOGUE MAGAZINE COVER AND SOON WON OVER THE EAST COAST WITH EXPERT ZEP-LIKE POP METAL. IT HAS BEEN SAID BY MANY THAT SINGER-SONGWRITER-GUITARIST RANDY JACKSON EMBODIES BOTH PAIGE AND PLANT IN HIS ON-STAGE PERSONA.

ZEBRA'S CONFIDENT SELF-ENTITLED DEBUT ALBUM WENT GOLD AND WAS THE FASTEST SELLING DEBUT ALBUM IN ATLANTIC RECORD'S HISTORY THANKS TO THE AIRPLAY OF THE EXCELLENT SINGLES “TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT” AND “WHO'S BEHIND THE DOOR.” VET PRODUCER JACK DOUGLAS (JOHN LENNON, AEROSMITH, CHEAP TRICK) ALSO HELMED THE FOLLOW-UP, NO TELLiNG LIES. THEN 3.V WAS RELEASED ON ATLANTIC. AS JACKSON'S FIRST SELF-PRODUCED ENDEAVOR, IT TOOK A POP APPROACH, BUT HAYING RECEIVED NO PROMOTION, 3.V WENT YIRTUALLY UNNOTICED EXCEPT BY STAUNCH ZEBRA FANS. JACKSON'S SOARING FALSETTO VOiCE WAS TRAMPLED UNDERFOOT BY A SUDDEN ONSLAUGHT OF THE ALTERNATIVE AVALANCHE ALTHOUGH ZEBRA CONTINUED TO ENJOY SOLD OUT SHOWS IN NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, ILLINOIS, VIRGINIA, FLORIDA'TEXAS, MISSISSIPPI AND LOUISIANA

.ALWAYS A STRONG PRESENCE ON-STAGE, ZEBRA RELEASED A LIVE RECORDING ON ATLANTIC IN 1990 WITH TWO GREAT UNRELEASED GEMS AND COVERED THE OCEAN BY ZEPPELIN. LATER, JACKSON'S CONTRIBUTION WAS THE ONLY HIGH POtNT OF THE ANONYMOUS SUPER GROUP “THE SIGN”.

IN ALL, ZEBRA FANS ENJOYED A TOTAL OF 5 VIDEOS AIRED ON MTV AND HAVE GIVEN THE BAND COMBINED ALBUM SALES OF NEARLY 2 MILLION WORLDWIDE. ZEBRA HAS RECENTLY BEEN INDUCTED INTO THE LOUISIANA ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME, ACKNOWLEDGED AS LOUISIANA'S #1 ROCK AND ROLL BAND BY THE LOUISIANA MUSIC COMMISSION, RADIO STATIONS THROUGHOUt THE STATE AND ATLANTIC RECORDS.

TODAY AS THE ALTERNATIVE AVALANCHE STARTS TO MELT AWAY, ZEBRA WITH ALL THREE ORIGINAL MEMBERS, FELIX HANEMANN, RANDY JACKSON AND GUY GELSO, HAS EMERGED FROM THE STUDiO AGAIN WITH THE LONG AWAITED ZEBRA IV, ON MAYHEM RECORDS. THIS COULD BE THE BEST EFFORT BY ZEBRA TO DATE AND IS ALREADY GETTING ATTENTION AT MANY RADIO STATIONS THROUGHOUT THE U.S WiTH POWERFUL CUTS WHICH INCLUDE “ARABIAN NIGHTS”, “LIGHT OF MY LOVE” AND THE ESOTERIC “WAITING TO DIE”.

ZEBRA'S LIVE PERFORMANCES OFTEN EXTEND UP TO TWO HOURS IN LENGTH SHOWCASING THEIR NEW MATERIAL ALONG WITH ALL THE CLASSIC ZEBRA TUNES: “WHO'S BEHIND THE DOOR”, “TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT”, “WAIT UNTIL THE SUMMER'S GONE”, “BEARS”, “ONE MORE CHANCE”, AND OTHER ALL-TIME ZEBRA FAVORITES PLUS A SPECIAL ENCORE TRIBUTE TO ONE OF THEIR BIGGEST INFLUENCE OF ALL, LED ZEPPELIN.

CONTACT INFO
JIM MCGINNIS
BIG J PRODUCTIONS INC.
P.O. BOX 24455
NEW ORLEANS, LA. 70184-4455
(504) 488-8821 PH
(504) 482-1432 FAX
BIGJPROD@AOL.COM

Judge Drain

The hard-driving, passionate sound of JUDGE DRAIN began long ago in a suicidal teenager's bedroom.

The group was officially formed in 1997 when lead singer/guitarist Peti and bass player Dave Lewis combined their musical vision with elements of Metallica, Korn Megadeth, Disturbed, and Rage Against the Machine. Peti's Iyrics dealt with the challenges of surviving in the face of death, depression, and betrayal.

JUDGE DRAIN is best known for its incendiary live performances featuring Peti's blistering guitar wizardry and intense stage persona. Dave Lewis and drummer Matty G, provide a thundering, rock-solid foundation, while talented rhythm guitarist Shotwell rounds out the powerfill foursome's signature sound.

The band's reputation for inciting an audience into the mosh pit precedes them. They have opened for many national acts including Overkill, Savatage, Down, and Anthrax. The band has also performed on the New Jersey and New York stops of Vans Warped tour.

JUDGE DRAIN has finished a new three-song demo and plans on releasing a six-song EP in the summer of 2003.

JUDGE DRAIN is managed by Lioness Management of Princeton, NJ. For more information contact Erica Gennarini at 609-924-7191.

shadowWax Bio

In late July, singer, Eric Christopher and guitarist, Brad James met up with drummer, Josh Buchanan in search of band members to start up an all-original rock group. The band, in need of a bass player, called on Christopher's childhood friend, Chris Hamlet. Hamlet, traditionally a guitarist, quickly adapted to bass and ShadowWax was formed.

During the beginning stages of ShadowWax's development many songs were written and disposed. However, shortly after the birth of the band a particular sound was found that pleased its members. A set of songs were written and the band knew it had found something special.

After writing many songs and practicing religiously ShadowWax played their first show October 6th, 2001 in their hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee. The band was rebooked after the show and began to play out on a regular basis. Shortly after their entrance into the Knoxville music scene the band developed relationships with several bands and rapidly formed a fan base.

The band's first demo was recorded at a local Knoxville studio in late October. The demo featured 4 songs from ShadowWax's set. The "quickly-made" demo was used for promotional purposes only. In the meantime the band continued to write new songs and play shows.

In late April, 2002 ShadowWax entered the studio to begin work on their first 6 song EP "Stories..." An article on ShadowWax was written for the Weekend section of the Knoxville News Sentinel discussing the new EP and the band's current situation. "Nina" was the first song finished from the EP and was released as a single with a demo version of "Paint me Down." "Nina" was played on the air for the first time during the last week of April, 2002. "Nina" can be found on the "Southeast Exports 4" CD sold at various locations.

ShadowWax is currently writing new material and playing shows throughout the region.

Thank You,

SHADOWWAX

Like the smoldering four-lane blacktop their name evokes, Motorway's music seems to stretch in two seemingly opposite directions. On the one side, their music harkens back to such guitar-driven, emotionally honest bands as the KINKS and REPLACEMENTS. Yet, the band infuses sturdy pop craftsmanship and structure into their clean, rootsy style. The end result is thrilling, as each song progresses in a way that seems as inevitable and inescapable as a memory. It's quite a ride.

Motorway formed in the fall of 1999 and began hitting the club circuit in New Orleans, polishing their sound and trying to settle on a name. and early choice, TIN STAR, had to be discarded after a U.K. band with the same name threatened litigation (an early brush with irony, given that the band wears it Britpop influences like a badge of honor). By the time the current name was chosen, in the spring of the following year, the group had begun to build a solid fan base and also the respect and admiration of their musical peers, with TOM DRUMMOND of BETTER THAN EZRA offering to produce their first demo, five dollars. That summer the group toured with legendary tour monsters Cowboy Mouth, an experience that first seemed daunting because of the band's almost fanatical following. "If Fred (LeBlanc, Cowboy Mouth's front man) said 'go loot the city," they'd go," guitarist Mike Blum remembers. But despite their apprehension, "the crowd liked us...and we got a great lesson in working the crowd." More tours with James Hall, Mary Lou Lord, and Better Than EZRA followed, as well as many gigs with national acts playing within New Orleans. Everything culminated in the spring of 2000 as the band was invited to play SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST in Austin, and MTV licensed the band's timeless ballad "EVERAFTER" for use on it's REAL WORLD series.

MOTORWAY'S music continued to develop and grow, with Britpop influences becoming more prevalent in the songwriting while the songs' catchy, anthemic choruses hardened during live performances. Lead Vocalist Peter Winkler calls the sound "POWER POP," and likens it to "RADIOHEAD meets the REPLACEMENTS with a little bit of CHEAP TRICK." In the fall of 2000 the band recorded their debut full-length album, UNDERWATER DEMOLITION. The ten tracks encompass the band's range of styles, from the progressive sound of "SATELLITE" to the trippier electronic arrangement of "LITTLE PILLS"

The album garnered the band a warm and enthusiastic reception from critics. Offbeat, New Orleans's leading music magazine, described motorway's pop as a "compass that points toward the kinks and sundry Britpop....but like the better guitar pop bands, MOTORWAY effectively blends the influences so that the songs all eventually sound like they're more than the sum of they're influences." While the Times-Picayune noted the album's "smart arrangements and solid musicianship."

More touring followed, and the band continued to play with such national acts as the CONTINENTAL DRIFTERS, LIT, THE JOSH JOPLIN BAND, AND CRACKER. In the spring of 2002 MOTORWAY made a second trip to SXSW while working on a follow-up EP, CRESCENT BOX. The disc marks a new level of songwriting for the group, as tracks such as "SHE" continue in the Britpop vein of TRavis or vintage HOUSEMARTINS while " MEANS TO AN END" has the Countryish, breezy jangle of wilco or UNCLE TUPELO.

"This album's definitely a new level for us, " says guitarist COLIN BROWN. "You get to the point where you say, 'Where do you go from here?' and you have to try to take what you've done and build on it. so that what you have is better than what you've done before, but at the same time true to everything you're about."

Moving in two directions, at the same time

"Imagine a bowl full of razor blades
with sweet candy syrup poured over them. "

At any given moment, half of the world's population dwells in darkness, while
the other half are bathed in light. Metaphorically speaking, the band Half
the World counts themselves among the latter. At the crux of their huge
sound, Half the World conjures a magnetic alchemy of vision and promise:
crushingly heavy and sublimely melodic.

It's also the framework to support eloquent, cerebral Iyrics. "There's a real
strong sense of responsibility of writing music with this band, especially
from a Iyrical standpoint," they confirm. "We shoot for substance. We're not
on some kind of crusade, but you won't hear'Oh baby' or any love songs. We
don't need to add to that.'' Each musician in the band is also a songwriter.
"You may hear dark themes, but no promotion of darkness," they promise.
"What we're awake to, is a new vibe, a new revolution. "

Hailing from Holland, lead singer Mary Magill -- with her striking
Euro-goddess visual presence and commanding, world-class voice -- is the
band's on-stage focai point. The rhythm section is comprised of Mat Hansen
on bass and Pete Weaver on drums and backup vocals (these two also produce
and engineer for the band). Jim McCrostie and Brett Pedersen's incandescent,
razor-edged guitars generate the fire that electrifies this monumental wall
of sound.

Still, in the band's hometown of Boise, Idaho, there is no equivalent Sunset
Strip amidst the pines. "You struggle to play at Grandma's barbecue," they
confirm. But they've opened forThird Eye Blind and expanded their
affirmative sound into arena-size proportions. The band has also parlayed
their relative isolation into a winning card; it's no secret that the Pacific
Northwest is a center of emerging communication technologies. In that spirit,
Half the World has achieved digital visibility via mp3.com. They've been
tapped by the staff as alternative rock picks and turned those kudos into an
expanding global audience. Contact is key: anyone who e-mails the band
receives a complete CD in return.

While the band takes its next giant steps -- expanding their touring base,
achieving national airplay and divining a suitable label partner -- they
continue to generate a lasting momentum fueled by positivity, imagination and
a shared destiny. Half the World are determined to spread their sound over
all the world.

Pete Weaver 208-853-3686 • htwmusic@juno.com • www.halftheworld.cc

Tracing its musical tree back to 1994, Juniper Row's seeds were planted by three former members of Tng;ger Happy. Bill Feaheny, Mike Marchese and Mark Barcia wished to recapture and expand upon the unique sound of the local band that shined briefly but could not be forgotten. With this vision, the original trio brought vocalist, Julie McTaggart, and keyboard player Walter Baumy, into the fold. Now the five have put down roots as Juniper Row.

Mark Barcia's drums provide the band with a rich landscape of rhythm. However, this multitalented "stickman" also provides Juniper Row with vocals that seamlessly move from behind the kit to the front of any stage.

Juniper's newest member, Walter Baumy gives the band's original scores a new dimension. This piano man adds an essence that reinforces Juniper Row's distinctive flare and soul.

Bassist Bill Feaheny not only sows melodic beats but also provides the band's musical canvas with a unique lyrical perspective. His words blend emotional breath and mental depth into songs that hit a common chord and penetrate the psyche.

Mike Marchese, a seasoned musician and guitarist, provides a balance of melodies and mesmerizing licks that create an unforgettable musical ambiance. This veteran rocker is not only one of the band's cornerstones but also provides uncompromising musical impetus.

Julie McTaggart's voice can be summed up as, "the sweetest of fruit that falls onto the wanting ears of all." This red-hot diva, who hails from Oregon, has quickly spiced up the stages of New Orleans with her sizzling vocals and captivating presence.

As Juniper Row continues to make a concerted effort which focuses upon original music that stimulates both body and soul, the band is committed to nothing else but success. The quintet has no intention to be "just another band" resigned to playing local clubs and cutting demos. Juniper Row's objective can be summed up simply as, "creating timeless music that carves a

lasting niche not only upon New Orleans but to all points beyond."

For Info Contact:

Juniper Row 504-734-3386 juniperrow@hotmail.com PO Box 641503 www.juniperrow.com Kenner, LA 70064-1503

Music

For The Want Deep Into Blue   (Must have Real Player to Listen)

There never have been and never will be any strict guidelines as to what the make-up of a successful band should be.

It is safe to say however, that along with a unique musical vision and a high degree of craftsmanship, most groups with any lasting impact in the world of pop and rock music, also have camaraderie and commitment playing defining roles in their evolution.

There were no "make it or break it" deadlines determining when or why Staggered Crossing would make their music, When lead singer lulian Taylor (J.T.), says, "I just want to keep playing in a band with my friends," and keyboardist Darrell O'Dea follows up by relating 'basement rehearsal space' anecdotes, you get the idea that the members of this quintet have been on the same page in every way that matters.

One could detail how Taylor, Dan Black on bass, drummer Jeremy Elliott, guitarist Bruce Adamson and O'Dea eventually came together, but why bother when they can all narrow it down to one pivotal night in Toronto?

It was at Lee's Palace four-and-a-half years ago. It was a night when the band played for the first hme in a non-open stage setting. Something happened and they all recognized it. That something has rolled along to the point where Staggered Crossing has finally seen the release of it's debut self-htled album, a rare example of originality fuelled by tEied and true rock 'n' roll influences.

"We've always sort of seen ourselves coming from that Rolling Stones ~ Gratefiul Dead school of let's learn how to play our instruments well enough to be loose and then see what happens," says bassist Dan Black.

Edgy and in the listener's face one minute, yet free of any angst ridden attitUdes, and followed by strong melodies that feel like a wann embrace the next, Staggered Crossing songs have a couple of consistent common denominators. One is certainly the razor-sharp Iyrics, the kind that finds an effechve balance between emohons and images.

Sample Their Music Must have Real Player   Further Again Drastic Copyright by Warner Music Canada

Taylor calls communication his driving force. In rapid-fire succession he will rattle off names like Sonny Boy Williamson, Mississippi John Hurt, the early Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Neil Young and Radiohead, as individuals or groups he feels set high standards as communicators, and of course artists

That Staggered Crossing has attracted and kept a loyal audience without a recording (until now), other than a limited edition four song e.p., speaks to their ability to communicate and has not gone unnoticed by club owners and record labels.

"We've cultivated a decent following just doing what we do. Sometimes we'll look out at an audience and see all these people singing along. I know that I sometimes wonder what all the fuss is about," says O'Dea who should maybe take a walk into the audience sometime and experience his band mates from the other side of the footlights.

Spinning out of the impressive and rather large Staggered Crossing repertoire, is constantly percolating stage energy that's found its way onto the band's debut disc for Warner Music Canada.

With 34 songs to choose from when they went into the studio, the members narrowed it down to thirteen. What you hear was done primarily live off the floor with the exception of a few overdubs.

Gerry Mosby, who had worked on demos with the band since '97, produced, and then Steven Drake, of The Odds fame, mixed the tracks.

One of the album's highlights is also one of the group's oldest songs. The raucous FurtherAgain features a driving Hammond B3 and an unforgettable baffle cry chorus. Other notable tracks include Drastic with a pop chorus that belies the song's actual darkness, while A Million Works of Art tips its hat to the music of The Band.

"People kept asking us for an album," states O'Dea matter of factly. Well here's the response to that request, and until further notice, Staggered Crossing plan on making music the way they see fit.

"I really just want to keep making music with my friends," reiterates Taylor. 12/00

Old But New	Feel	Decide Inside

 

Return to Artists

Know for his side kick humor on W3Z Wired!, Eric is also a very talented musician.

Eric Wicks, born in Minnesota and toured the nation. Started playing guitar at 12. Influences were METALLICA and Joe Satriani! Did a stint in the USA NAVY, was a jet mechanic, cruise ship personnel, worked for The Hard Rock Atlanta, Ketchum Pubic Relations and currently at EARTHLINK! I am a slappy kinda fellow with a nice bitch, german shepherd that is. Now residing in the Atlanta area and being overcome by smog and morons. I have a Gibson SG guitar that I LOVE. I also do my own professional recording

Artist description: SOLO ARTIST

Music style: GUITAR BASED

Musical influences: PUNK/NEW WAVE

Similar Artists: FLOCK OF SEAGULLS

Artist history: BEEN AROUND A WHILE,SOLO NOW AFTER BEING

IN A NUMBER OF BANDS,IN THE RED, PLAY THE GAME,THE

VOID AND THE LEGION TO NAME A FEW.

Group members: M.AITKEN

Instruments: GUITAR BASS DRUMS

Albums: THE WORLD ACCORDING TO MICK

Location: Glasgow, STRATHCLYDE United Kingdom

Wes Dando offers a brand of indie guitar-rock that is rooted in dynamics and melody, while at the same time displaying emotional sensibility and thought provoking lyrics.

The band was formed in September 1998 when 3 former band mates got together with their friend who played drums and something clicked. Since then they have enjoyed playing around Seattle and its outlying areas, sharing the stage with such acts as Pedro the Lion, Peter Parker, Dolour, Tales from the Birdbath, and Aaron Sprinkle just to name a few.

The band recently completed their first record, an EP entitled "The Tired Hours". They plan on a year 2000 release, on a yet to be determined label.