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drakken98
- Guitar
20 ampsdrakken98
- Guitar
» genre:
Rock >
Rock General
» location:
Diego
» label: unsigned
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20 Amps
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Emerging from the New York/New Jersey rock scene comes the musical powerhouse known As 20 amps. Debuting publicly in March 2003 to the tune of a sold out, self-promoted CD Release party in northern New Jersey, 20 Amps quickly generated a buzz as loud as their music. As musicians stemming from various talented local regional acts, they finally found their true voices in a small rehearsal studio in Union City, NJ.
A 20 Amps performance loaded with the infectious drumming of Felix “The Cat”, the pounding bass of "J", the blistering leads of Diego, the raging rhythms of Danny, capped off with the haunting vocals of Rey, is one not soon to be forgotten. Their seemingly endless hours of practice, composition, and conditioning are prominently displayed on stage day in and day out.
With less than two years in the public eye, they’ve already attracted product sponsorships and coveted spots as opening support for national and international performers. In recent history the band has played some legendary venues as CBGB’s in New York’s East Village and The Birch Hill in Old Bridge, NJ and along side headlining acts including Ill Niño, Motograter and Spineshank to name a few.
In early 2004, 20 Amps became involved with Columbia Records’ international scouting vehicle, Emergenza. And in 2005, 20 Amps became the first band on the Emergenza festival to achieve an American television audience when the band performed live in front of several million viewers from the studios of Telemundo NY Channel 47. Having successfully opened the doors to a wider audience, and achieved larger than normal recognition for the festival, 20 Amps will return this year for another run in support of their latest second self-produced album. Tour dates include, but are not limited to, many performances along the East Coast.
A 20 Amps performance loaded with the infectious drumming of Felix “The Cat”, the pounding bass of "J", the blistering leads of Diego, the raging rhythms of Danny, capped off with the haunting vocals of Rey, is one not soon to be forgotten. Their seemingly endless hours of practice, composition, and conditioning are prominently displayed on stage day in and day out.
With less than two years in the public eye, they’ve already attracted product sponsorships and coveted spots as opening support for national and international performers. In recent history the band has played some legendary venues as CBGB’s in New York’s East Village and The Birch Hill in Old Bridge, NJ and along side headlining acts including Ill Niño, Motograter and Spineshank to name a few.
In early 2004, 20 Amps became involved with Columbia Records’ international scouting vehicle, Emergenza. And in 2005, 20 Amps became the first band on the Emergenza festival to achieve an American television audience when the band performed live in front of several million viewers from the studios of Telemundo NY Channel 47. Having successfully opened the doors to a wider audience, and achieved larger than normal recognition for the festival, 20 Amps will return this year for another run in support of their latest second self-produced album. Tour dates include, but are not limited to, many performances along the East Coast.
Why this name?
The name 20 Amps came about just months before we released our first demo. The circuit breaker in our rehearsal room kept blowing and always leaving us in the dark. We brought this up many times to the studio management until finally they decided to check the beaker itself. When they got back to us they noted that perhaps the problem stood on the fact that we had a 15 amp breaker intalled and maybe we needed a 20 amp breaker. Once it was switched, we never had a problem since. Nuff said, we needed 20 Amps to continue playing.
Do you play live?
We love playing live, our fans certaily recognize that our live show has and always will be our strongest selling point. Probably the most memorable moments occurred during the Emergenza leg of our 2003 tour. Traveling to Either Philladelphia and Boston were kicked ass for us because you cannot expect how the crowd will react to you, and when they do react in a positive manner, the band's confidence in the music just multiplies greatly.
How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?
If anything, it broadens it in our perspective. There are many artist who are getting a chance to get exposed because people are able to get their music without having to initially shell out $20 in advance for it. The music industry has to understand, just like anything, the rules have to change with the time and certains norms become outdated. The mp3 and file swapping revolution should not be seen as an industry killer but instead it should be incorporated into a new marketing strategy plan in order to turn it around in favor of them. You will certaily lose if you try to go against technological progress. It happened in the 80's to records with cassettes and soon something else will come along that will change the game completely once again.
Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
Of course, it would be very nice to do everything ourselves, but it really is nearly imposible. Record companies aren't as much enemy as they are posed to be. They are a business which should be treated as such. We crave nothing more than to reach out mass audiences, and record companies help you do that. We definately welcome the chance to be signed by a label.
Band History:
20 Amps can be accredited to the dismemberment of several bands. It all started back sometime in 2001 when then members of the band Endekott, Kenny and Rey, approached Diego in his small recording studio to check out his music. At that point Diego had just broken up with his band Bruise Wish which he was a member of since 1997, and was given a chance to audition.
A few months, a drummer, and couple of names changes later, Felix "the cat" came in the picture when Rey, as an attempt to replace a recently departed drummer, payed him a call to audition.
We spent a about a year as a quartet and soon realized that a second guitar would be an excellent choice. And again.... after several auditions and one guitar player who lasted about 3 months or so and left due to personal reasons, Danny stepped in to give it a shot. Danny at the time was the executive producer($$$)of the first album and since there was a great friendship between Felix and him, we didn't hesitate to give him a shot of what he had years ago from his old band "Legion Extrangera."
Now, 20 Amps can safely say it's complete. we learn a little bit of each other everyday but strongly believe that this is the line-up we were looking for all along.
In our last touring season (2003-04) in support of the first demo, we reached major goals that set us up on the map well for our freshmen year. Now having reached out audiences in three major East Coast cities thanks to the support from touring with Emergenza, we plan to go out and create a stronger and bigger buzz than before.
A few months, a drummer, and couple of names changes later, Felix "the cat" came in the picture when Rey, as an attempt to replace a recently departed drummer, payed him a call to audition.
We spent a about a year as a quartet and soon realized that a second guitar would be an excellent choice. And again.... after several auditions and one guitar player who lasted about 3 months or so and left due to personal reasons, Danny stepped in to give it a shot. Danny at the time was the executive producer($$$)of the first album and since there was a great friendship between Felix and him, we didn't hesitate to give him a shot of what he had years ago from his old band "Legion Extrangera."
Now, 20 Amps can safely say it's complete. we learn a little bit of each other everyday but strongly believe that this is the line-up we were looking for all along.
In our last touring season (2003-04) in support of the first demo, we reached major goals that set us up on the map well for our freshmen year. Now having reached out audiences in three major East Coast cities thanks to the support from touring with Emergenza, we plan to go out and create a stronger and bigger buzz than before.
Your influences?
Musical influences in this band range all over the place. We have Rey and Kenny who are big into 80's glam rock, punk and alternative, Felix and Danny who's roots were set on the Spanish Rock scene and 90's alternative/grunge movement, and Diego, who's taste of more obscure type music, gothic, hard rock, and hardcore metal really show on his guitar work.
Favorite spot?
New York City, of course! since it was the city who gave us birth, but Philadelphia and Boston hold a special place in us as well.