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Southern California is keeping the
best kept secret in the music industry
Unstable. Through the craziness of today's music world, among the money
hungry musicians seeking fame and fortune, Blue Jay's local band,
Unstable,
stands out among the rest for one solid reason: it's all about the music.
The three musicians that make up Unstable have a true passion for
music,
probably because they've grown up around it. Lead singer and guitarist,
Joey
Chrisman's main influence came from his father, also a guitarist. Although
Chrisman played drums when he was younger, he found his true passion with
the guitar. When he was in 5th grade, he became even more inspired to play
the guitar after watching performances of Green Day and wanted to have as
much fun with it as they were. That was also when he first began writing
songs and learning more about chords. He continued to write and play, and
in
1998, he met future band mate Josh Newman.
Newman picked up the drums at an early age and when he was in the
3rd
grade, he began to take drum lessons. He was always picking up instruments
around the house, but found a love for the drums. He grew up learning
different styles of drumming through different teachers, each one
emphasizing a certain style. Around the time he was in 8th grade, he
realized how much he enjoyed playing drums. "I knew it was what I
wanted to
do," Newman stated.
Around their sophomore year, Chrisman and Newman began playing
music
together, but knew that if they wanted to start a band, they'd need a bass
player.
James Bellis never played bass before Unstable. In fact, his first
instrument was the saxophone, but found that he had a stronger interest in
playing the guitar. When he found out that two other musicians were
starting
a band and needed a bass player to finish the equation, a mutual friend
mentioned that Bellis was a great bass player, and recommended him.
Although
Bellis had never played bass, he figured that he probably could since he
knew the guitar so well and told them, "Yeah, I'll give it a
whirl." After
that, he officially became the bass player and back-up vocals. The band
was
ready to go.
They began collaborating on music together and performed various
times at
their high school. In 2001, they released their first album, titled
"The
Struggle." They quickly became a hit with their peers and community,
and
before they knew it, their songs were being played on the radio throughout
the Inland Empire and San Diego areas. "It's weird to have someone
say your
band's name...and it's weird hearing someone play your song on the
radio..."
Chrisman pointed out. They began to perform at various college campuses
and
other high schools, besides their own. In April, 2002, Unstable was asked
to
perform at the Local Palooza 2002 at Pharaoh's Lost Kingdom in Redlands.
In
May, they played in the Battle of the Bands at Crafton Hills College and
won, beating out many other local bands. They were the only three piece
band
at each performance. Just this July, the band was asked back at Pharaoh's
to
play at Club U. Their shows have been a complete success; at Club U, many
fans were even asking the guys to sign body parts!
Record labels are anxiously awaiting a copy of Unstable's next
album,
titled, "No More Lies." This album features 12 songs, all
composed by
Chrisman. It is difficult to categorize Unstable because their music is
very
diverse; each song is different than the one before it. They cannot be
described as being an "alternative" band because they're much
more than
that; they truly have their own sound that stands out. Hits, "The
Struggle"
and "Mistakes," from their first album are also included on
"No More Lies."
Other new songs include, "Slam the Door," "Drowned,"
"To Keep," and an
acoustic song sung by Chrisman, "Anger, Lies, and Promises."
They are each a
mix of soft and hard rock ballads that will appeal to music lovers of any
genre. It's hard to distinguish what makes each song so special;
Chrisman's
heartfelt lyrics or the unique instrumental sound behind the words.
It's almost unbelievable that Chrisman, Bellis and Newman just
recently
graduated from high school; their music suggests that they are already
accomplished, talented musicians. When a management company told Unstable
they thought they could have a hit song with "Turnaround" but
they'd need to
change their style, Unstable backed out. Although the company told them
that
they had a record label waiting in the wings, Unstable knew they would
never
change their sound and become sellouts. Are they worried about finding a
record label? No way. "Once you get one (record deal offer) more will
follow
and even the first one will come back with a different contract. If you
give
it time, it'll happen" Bellis commented.
With their positive attitudes and self-assurance, it's obvious
Unstable is
going to be successful with whatever life brings them. They are not just a
band, but a group of musicians that write and play music that comes from
their heart. Any music lover needs to check out this up and coming band;
not
only because they're going to be huge, but because listening to their
album
is like listening to Chrisman, Bellis and Newman tell a story.
What makes
Unstable different from all of the other local bands out there? It's
simple
really; they're real.
Wanna hear some songs by Unstable?
Check out Unstable's website at www.unstableband.com.
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