dredg
- comprised of Dino C. (drums), Mark E. (guitar), Gavin
H. (voice) and Drew - vividly paints a cultural picture
within the music they create. Their musical abilities,
desires, and many influences allow them to cover all
ends of the musical spectrum; everything from rock to
jazz to ambient drum and bass. It is only fitting that
the band members grew up in the Bay Area, where computers
and the sun have their capital while providing a birthplace
for the dredg sound and its many dimensions.
dredg
has covered a lot of territory since their conception.
The band began playing clubs while they were still
in high school. They have made a new album each year
since 1996 while gaining valuable analog recording
experience. Playing in the state of California over
the years, they have created an extensive fanbase.
In addition, dredg was voted one of the top five 'Most
Requested Band of the Year' with deftones, Korn, Powerman
5000, and Rage Against the Machine in 1997 by Boston's
W.E.R.S. Radio. They were a featured band on KSJO's
Lamont and Tonelli program, have attracted three clothing
sponsors and were voted 'Local Rock Band' of the year
by their hometown newspaper. The latest release, Leitmotif,
was voted 'Most Impressive Release of 1999' by the
Pimp Rock Palace music web site (http://theprp.com)
who also granted dredg 'Band of the Month' for February
2000.
"Our
first two recordings were written to be rhythmically
aggressive" Dino says. "We did the third
one, Orph E.P., because we wanted to grow up the right
way, from our roots with harmony and melody."
And now, with the release of Leitmotif, the band offers
a tasteful view of the musical forces that make them
so unique in a 45-minute recording of continuous music.
The band members openly admit that their home in the
Bay Area has become an important factor in the dredg
identity. "We have every culture in the world
surrounding us everyday plus the technology revolution,"
says vocalist Gavin, an extensive European traveler.
With
their new album Leitmotif, dredg seems to bring their
eclectic mix of rock and world music to a new level.
dredg blends cello, piano, xylophone, and various
percussion instruments from around the planet with
driving rhythms. Soothing melodies follow the story
line concept of the album with songs like "Symbol
Song," "Traversing Through the Artic Cold
We Search for the Spirit of Yuta" with guest
vocalist Shannon Harris from Spike 1000, "Penguins
in the Desert," and "Movement II: Crosswind
Minuet."
dredg
has taken a precise musical path and maintained a
positive outlook. "We are not an angry band,"
says Mark. "Our shows are emotionally intense,
but it's a benign intensity." The attitude has
been a positive force for everyone since growing up
in their hometown of Los Gatos, California. Attending
different colleges and being seperated for weeks at
a time is not a barrier for their musical collaborations.
"There was never a question that our band would
ever seperate due to geographics," says Drew.
"This is what we love to do and there is no reason
we would ever stop making music together. However,
we also believe in the importance of our education."
With
this attitude in mind, dredg intends to tour relentlessly,
opening more doors for their musical ideas. As they
continue to fulfill their goals, momentum continues
while passion grows deeper, and their interpretation
of the future seems to have no boundaries.
Biography from Shoutweb.
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