What is "Being Independent"?
"Being Independent" hosted by Gregg Oliver (veteran musician and currently with WeAreJackStrong), is an audio series intended to reach fans of new music and describe what the local music scene of 2022 looks like from the inside - from the point of view of independent ("indie") band leaders. These bands are called indie because they are competing in the music business with "do-it-yourself" tools - no support from any record label. They can be viewed as small businesses struggling against "corporate music". This show is intended to expose the way their motives, their methods, their personalities, and the risks / rewards / and heartbreaks they encounter as they pursue their definition of success. Thanks to Alternative Twist Radio for being the catalyst for this audio series.
Who Are the Bands?
The five bands featured in this series are original music acts from the San Diego, CA. area. They are all active and have been together for varying lengths of time ranging from 1 to 6 years. Here is the list:
WeAreJackStrong
(Lyrical Alt Rock)
Led by Bassist and Lead Vocalist, Gregg Oliver ("GoGo"). Dan Scott on Guitar, Chas. Benedict on Drums
The Johnny Rock Band
(Beach Party Rock)
Led by Guitarist and Vocalist, Tate Sanderson ("Johnny Rock"). Michelle Naidenoff - percussion and backing vocals, William Fullwood - guitar and vocals, Doug McBain - drums harmonica and vocals, Tom Allen - Bass
Coastal Groove
(Groovy Jazz Rock)
Led by Sax, Flute, and Keyboard player Jay McGuerty. Mariano Valdovinos on Guitar, Laurie Chadwick on Drums, Laura Payne on Bass.
Puttin' on the Fritz
(Performance Oriented Rock)
Led by Singer Fritz Jensen. Mike Crabb on Guitar, James L. Farraro on Drums, Metal Mike Pauley on Sax (not pictured), Casey Harmono Van on Bass (not pictured)
Surf Farmer
(Surf Western Alt Rock)
Led by Singer / Guitarist Tom Schwend. Kevin White on Drums, Donna Daly on Bass, Beth Buller on Vocals
Kilian Duarte
Who Are the Special Guests?
Chris Holloway
Chris is a San Diego music scene veteran, best known for his work as a booking agent for Music Zirconia Talent and his powerhouse production company, Silver Sun Production.
Kilian is a great guy AND (my opinion) maybe the best bass player I know. He is a member of Scale the Summit, Abiotic, and Lattermath and is VERY active as a "go to" bass player in the metal world. He is a pro musician which means he plays in lots of side projects in many genres, and he gives lessons when his touring schedule allows via Zoom. Check him out here.
Tristan Faulk-Webster
Tristan is a huge advocate of the San Diego North County music scene and has done a lot to help expand it... he is a photographer, sound engineer, multi-instrumentalist, and the talent buyer for the Aztec Brewing Company in Vista, California. He has used all of the above talents to support scores of local musicians. Check him out here.
Gabe DaGrezio
Amplified Studios is delighted to have Gabe as their Studio Manager / Chief Recording Engineer and Producer and I know why. Gabe is a now a local musician (originally from Italy), a wonderful recordist, and embodies the principles of being a musical artist - everything he does is in service of the song. Check him out here.