SEVADA DJAVADGHAZARYANS (on drums): I met Sevada a few months ago when we started rehearsing together. He had recently moved from Germany where he spent years on the road as a professional drummer. His basement studio where we spent many rehearsals in is amazing. Here he plays instruments of all kinds, writes, records and even sings. A jack of all trades. I'm looking forward to rocking out with him on Wednesday!!
JUVENAL JUAREZ (on bass): Not only is Juve the producer of my EP, "Starting Over," he has also stepped in to play bass for the Cat Club show. As in his nature, Juve wears many hats: musician, producer, website designer, father, husband and many others. We both used to work at Univision. He left his job and I took it. Years later, I heard from a colleague that he was producing and that he might be a good fit for me. Boy were they right! Not only will Juve be playing bass on Wednesday, but he will also be featured on vocals in the song "Bend".
Tom Knowlton and I met a few years back when I was working at Warner Music Group. Shortly before I left, he started working there. Tom had recently moved from Philadelphia and was playing in various punk bands, teaching guitar and bass lessons, and touring.
A few years after, I decided to leave my previous band and go acoustic for a while. This is where I ran into Tom again. He had decided at that time to take a break from the punk scene and the Warped Tours. I was asking around for guitarist that may be interested in playing acoustic, no hassle shows. Acoustic is great because you can essentially practice anywhere and play anywhere with a PA. The equipment is light and so is the commitment. Plus, it's easier to get 2 people together at one time instead or 4 or 5.
Tom and I did various shows together such as House of Blues and the Libertine. We arranged songs together, wrote together and even recorded together. We reached a point where we missed the feel and sound of a band. It was time for us to take our musical project to the next level.
And here we are today with a newly formed band, playing our first full band show together at The Cat Club on March 30, 2011. Not only is Tom an amazing musician and one of the few left-handed guitarists I know, but he is also great friend. He makes me laugh and takes away the stress of the everyday. I'm looking forward to playing with him on stage next week with his electric guitar this time.
This month has really taken a new meaning to my song, "Starting Over". I realize more now than ever how this song can be related to in many ways. I have constantly found myself Starting Over.
Originally this song came from a break-up which is of course a new beginning and any loss in your life leads to an open door of change. My change this month, while leaving the old behind, has brought about a new apartment, new roommate, new friends, new band members, and my new EP releasing soon. While it's hard to let go of the past, I find excitement in the new and unknown that lies ahead. I hope everyone can find solace in "Starting Over" just as I have.
