By KAYLA ROYSTER
Staff Writer
Two bands straight from The College of Saint Rose, Standby and Bad Mothers, will be performing at Saint Rose’s first ever Glow Fest Check on Thursday, April 14.
Standby is a rock group composed of four talented musicians. Liam Davis, 18, is lead guitarist and vocalist, Tyler Schmidt, 18, also contributes to the vocals and plays rhythm guitar, Joe Benevento, 18, plays bass, and Tom Evans, 19, ties the music together on the drums.
The band considered naming themselves Space Station before they settled on Standby. Their influences include Led Zeppelin, James Brown, John Mayer, Herbie Hancock, Jimi Hendrix, Tower of Power, Eric Clapton, The Allman Brothers, and Dave Matthews.
These four composers have known each other since the beginning of their Saint Rose careers. They met their first week of their first semester at the College.
The band started with rhythm guitarist Tyler Schmidt’s determination to start a band. As he became friends with his now band mates, they decided to play together a bit at Jack’s Place, and Standby was formed.
Their similar musical interests, and their desire to write and perform original material helps the band to vibe well together. Their first gig was this past January at Pauly’s Hotel and since then they have performed at The Low Beat and Jack’s Place. They also have an upcoming performance at The Low Beat in Albany with the Bad Mothers on April 10.
Bad Mothers, once known as The Bonnie Masons, is a group of four humorous and talented composers. Matt Dalton, 22, plays the guitar and sings, Pat Flores, 22 also plays guitar, Kevin Bohen, 21, plays bass, and Brian Chiappinelli, 22 plays the drums. Their original name was based off of a female friend of theirs who wished to pursue her own dreams under her own name, so the band decided to keep their infamous “BM” initials and instead call themselves Bad Mothers.
The four friends have been a band for about six months, but have known each other for about a year and a half. When asked the genre of the band, Matt Dalton stated it to be in the category of “groovy grunge.” The band’s musical influences include Incubus, Queen of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, and Snoop Dog.
Their first show was in August as The Bonnie Masons at Parish Public House. The band has stretched itself farther than its roots here in Albany. They have performed at places such as Olives in Nyack, NY and Piano’s in New York City.
When asked what inspired them to make music together a variety of responses were given.
“We were friends before music, but the music was what bought us even closer together,” Flores said.
For Dalton, it was a necessity that convinced him to join the ranks.
“I needed a creative outlet, then I met Pat, and then needed the rest of the band,” he said.
The band’s creative process is unconventional, to say the least.
“Every song we’ve tracked has been in the dark with our pants off,” Dalton said.
Bad Mothers’ first record is expected to be released towards the end of April. A crowd favorite by this band is the song “Antics,” which “is a banger,” according to Brian Chiappinelli.
As with many things in life, this band does have its challenges, such as finding rehearsal time within their busy schedules. When they do meet to rehearse they normally practice for two hours at a time.
“I want to be successful with this because I believe we can be successful with it,” said Chiappinelli when asked his future hopes for the band.
Flores sees career opportunities. “Why not make something you loved doing into your source of income?”
The next level for Bad Mothers is to put out an EP as physical evidence of their music as well as to gain press and, of course, more fans.
As for advice for others out there who want to start a band, Chiappinelli jokingly said, “don’t do it.”
After a laugh Dalton had some serious wisdom to bestow.
“The people in your band need to be as passionate, and dedicated as you are, and you need to get along,” said Dalton.
Flores added to his band mate’s response, addressing the teamwork required.
“It’s a commitment, because if one band member lets you down, everyone goes down,” he said.
The band’s emotional support and motivation includes their fans, themselves, and their music.
According to Chiappinelli, “the music should speak for itself.”
Dalton warns others about the need to stay true to the music. “It’s important not to forget the passion,” said Dalton.
That passion, coupled with being friends with the others in the group, is a recipe for success, according to the musicians.
“I enjoy this and what I’m doing with this band, I wouldn’t want to do anything else. I’m making music with my best friends,” Flores said, adding his honest statement to those of his friends.
Standby is psyched for Glow Fest and expects to play music for a great crowd and listen to some great bands.
The event is sponsored by the Saint Rose Public Relations club. follow their instagram at SaintRosePRClub for further events and images.
