Music was unavoidable in my house. Early on, my mom got me into classical music and Billy Joel. When I was 14, my sister sat me down and told me all about Nirvana and Pearl Jam. I think it was an attempt on her part to help me let go of my nerdish, anal-retentive ways. Thankfully, it worked (for the most part). I am a much happier person because of it, and I HEART GRUNGE.
I started writing songs when I was 15. Later on, I went to Berklee where I studied Music Production and Engineering and Film Scoring. Aaaaand... what else? I'm currently living in LA, dividing my time between writing songs and composing music scores for indie films and other visual media.
myspace.com/jackdeboe
Jack began playing violin when he was in 1st grade. He switched to harp and then piano before realizing that he didn't want to be bothered with carrying an instrument around. So, he decided to become a drummer. After all, drummers only have to carry a pair of drumsticks, right? hahaha! That cracks me up.
Today, Jack lives in Boston and carries more stuff than anybody else. He graduated from Berklee with a degreen in Professional Music and is an amazing drummer because he listens; his response to music is extremely unique and always evident in his playing. He's currently performing with several artists in NY and Boston.
Electric Guitar
Stanghelle, Norway
myspace.com/alexanderknutsen
Alex decided to become a rock star when he was 4. His father took him to a rehearsal for a music show and he was very impressed. He began practicing his moves with a tennis racket. In 7th grade, he joined a metal band with some older guys. He had an actual guitar by that point, thankfully.
Alex graduated from Berklee in May of 2004 with a major in Guitar Performance. He is one of the most sought-out guitarrists in Boston. The best part about working with Alex is his thoroughness. He knows his craft so well that he is always able to come up with the perfect sound. When I met Alex, I was struck by his humbleness. That is something that still surprises me every time I talk to him.
Violin
Long Island, New York
myspace.com/burningdownrome
I think Matt and I were destined to meet because a long, long time ago, he was born in Long, Long Island, the land of Billy Joel. His father is a violin player and Matt was quick to follow in his footsteps. He picked up the viola as well, at some point in high school. And the guitar. And the bass. And he's good. Veeeery good.
Matt decided to attend Berklee College of Music, where he developed the most uncanny ability to sing like Scott Stapp and Bob Dylan. He majored in Film Scoring and moved to New York after graduating in May of 2005. He is currently the lead vocalist of the the band, Burning Down Rome. I love working with Matt because without exception, he makes the music he plays on sound a trillion times better. And even that is an understatement.
Cumberland, Maryland
myspace.com/tristateband
Ian started music on piano in the 3rd grade, switching to violin a few years later. By the time high school rolled around, he decided to form a band with his friends and left the violin behind for guitar and bass.
Ian graduated from Berklee with a degree is Music Production and Engineering. When he is not recording you'll find him playing bass with the Boston based rock band Tri-State and with songwriter Larissa Maestro. Among Ian's endless talents are a mean Liverpool accent and the most hilarious Chewbacca impression. Grrrrrffhhh!! (that was mine)