70's and 80's influenced music informed by 90's alt. Often compared to Elton John, Toad the Wet Sprocket, David Silvan, Kevin Gilbert, Toy Matinee, Tonic, Coldplay, Radiohead, Blind Melon.
From the Bio:
Dean Madonia has been playing since age 6 and performing for crowds since age 8. Dean has been in over 40 bands and opened for diverse acts such as Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai, Dottie West, New Grass Revival, Company B, and Dee Dee Ramone.
He has performed with artists: Jeff Cook (of Alabama), Nicole, Stevie B, Billy Currington, Julie Roberts, Jay Demarcus (from Rascal Flatts), and Bret Michaels (from Poison).
Dean's newest CDs, "The Light Of Reason," and "Madness And Desire, One Night In America, (Dean Madonia Sings Scott Avery Songs)" is available at shows, CD Baby, and at many digital distributors like iTunes and Napster.
I play all over the country as a solo act. The Dean Madonia Band has mostly performed between Miami and Nashvile. I relocated to Nashville in 2002 to write for a living. I still perform as a solo or with my band and at writers nights. I play covers for a living right now.
Here are a couple videos from my recent gig at the Bluebird:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQyrYirf_KA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY5XdvXGwwU
I was first influenced by Folk - Simon and Garfunkle, Cat Stevens, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, (even Peter Paul and Mary)etc. In college, I had two room-mates who were active music fans. One of them, Dan Luytjes, was a DJ on the college radio station. I was introduced then to what is now considered clasic rock (especially the Beatles) and English Prog-rock (Genesis, Yes, UK, King Crimson). My most recent influences are Coldplay, Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, and Tori Amos. I also love songwriters like Carole King, Jimmy Webb, Randy Newman, Tom Waites, John Prine.
Some of my favorite voices in rock are: Sting, Elton John, Felix Cavaliere (of the Rascals), Burton Cummings (of the Guess Who), Steve Perry (of Journey), Lou Gramm (of Foreigner), Paul Rodgers (of Bad Company), Chris Robinson (The Black Crows), Peter Ham (of Badfinger) and Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket).
I have about 15 keyboards, some vintage (like my poly six and yamaha cs-10), some new (I love my emu orbit), some virtual (sample tank and Meta synth) and a Yamaha grand pianoI have a guitar and bass collection, a violin, an accordion, a drum set and a small amp collection as well as a Pod pro. I record with Pro-tools...
I am trying to concentrate mostly on my songwriting. I am living in Music City USA, where many of the best writers live. It is a pleasure to be able to drive 10 minutes and see them perform at the Bluebird. I am focusing on writing country music, but I still write and record Rock. I am interested in having other people record my pop/rock and country material. I feel fortunate to have met many graet performers and song-writers here who have inspired or out-right help my career.