DIF
Welcome to the wonderful world of DIF! Grab the tracks and let us know what ya think! YOU CAN DO IT!
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Cedar Rapids, Iowa based band DIF, formed in 1997 began with two objectives in mind. The first objective was to introduce people to an Alternative Funk style of music that had yet to be seen locally. The second was to get the people into that new style by putting on a live show that they would want to experience again and again. DIF has repeatedly accomplished both objectives over the past few years.
The original band consisted of 4 members, Rock Cory (Cory Pierce) on Drums and Lead Vocals, Stevie Pink (Mark Allen) on Guitar, Stuart Garanimal (Mark Horn) on Bass and DeeJay SA (Scott Allen) was in charge of Turntables and Samples. This lineup played numerous shows in ‘97 to growing crowds consisting of mostly college students. In the fall of ‘97 the band took a break to hit the studio and returned with their first CD rightfully named “Happy Hour”.
In the fall of ‘98 the band decided that Cory should do what he does best, play drums. The band held a few tryouts for a new lead vocalist and in early ‘99 Jason Wells (J. Bone) was given the position. After about a month of working with Jason the band hit the road again playing both locally and playing gigs in Chicago and Kansas City.
In March of ‘99 DIF’s single “Stop The Lies” was re-mixed with Jason’s vocals and selected by www.MusicBuilder.com to be included on their compilation CD “Artists For Peace The Columbine High Benefit CD”. All six singles from the band’s first release are in the top of their charts on MP3.com, Musicbuilder.com, RollingStone.com and Riffage.com. The band has had fans actually approach them at shows in Chicago and Kansas City saying “Hey, I downloaded your music from the internet”.
In July of ’99 the band decided to expand it’s lineup again and find somebody to play rhythm guitar. They filled this spot with a local musician known only as Uniluster who will not only handle rhythm guitar but will add keyboards and killer backup vocals as well.
Currently DIF is working new originals into almost every show they perform and plan on hitting the studio again early next spring to record their second CD which will contain re-mixed versions of the 6 “Happy Hour” tracks along with many new originals.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Yes, we average about 50 shows a year locally and have just started playing other major midwest venues. We love it, there's nothing like being onstage while friends and fans alike cheer you on.
Your musical influences
Incubus, Faith No More, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pantera, Sevendust, Limp Bizkit, Van Halen,
What equipment do you use?
Fender Guitars, Guild Bass Guitars, Tama Drums, Korg Keyboards, Technics Turntables, Alesis Drum Machines, Sonic/Behringer PA
