August 24, 2009

Through My Passion – Ollie’s Point

by Amanda Gerani

Merrick-based band Through My Passion rocked out at its last show of the summer Saturday night as the headlining act at Ollie’s Point Bar and Grill in Amityville.  With a mix of new material and fan-favorites from the band’s self-titled EP on the set list, the members of Through My Passion had the crowd clapping, singing, dancing, and even got one rowdy fan to take off his shirt.

Through My Passion consists of vocalists Joe Villafane, 17, and Jay Figueredo, 18; guitarists Rob Mueller, 20, and Chris Mackin, 16; drummer Jake Masters, 17; and bassist Luke DeSarbo, 16.

The band’s hour-long show was filled with power and exhilaration; and also a gold masquerade mask, a fuzzy purple hat, and even one of those floating pool noodles.  These quirky details were just one of the ways the band played to the crowd; and, with band members constantly jumping up on the platform in front of the stage and vocalists Joe and Jay holding the microphone out for fans to sing along, it was not only clear that they were confident, but also that they really appreciate their fans and want them to have a good time.  There was even a dedication – bassist Luke dedicated the popular song “Jane Doe” to his sister who will be going away to college in just a few weeks.

 What truly makes TMP so unique is the fact that its members are all so different – both in musical and fashion styles.  After the show, guitarist Chris joked about the members’ differences and went down the line pointing at each of them saying sarcastically, “We’ve got the gangster, the preppy, the construction worker, the emo kid, and the guy wearing a big fuzzy hat! (The latter being himself)” However, these diverse styles mold together to form one interesting show.

During the show, some may have noticed that Rob was not wearing any shoes.  He said that being barefoot allows him to feel more grounded, and that shoes can be too clunky when he is using his foot pedals.  Also, he aspires for this little piece of information to someday be a “fun fact” in the videogame Guitar Hero if TMP makes it big.  The other band members joked that “50% of Rob’s musical talents come from his feet.”  Then, on a more serious note, added that they view Rob as “the potential one” with regards to his role in the band.

As far as musical styles go, the band could only agree on one band that they collectively like, which is Envy on the Coast.  After further discussion, they realized that they all like the Red Hot Chili Peppers as well.  Joe brings in a grungy hard rock feel, while Jay’s vocals blend a more pop-rock, alternative sound.  Guitarist Rob is influenced by a wide range of genres, and one of his favorite bands is Brand New.  Chris has a rock and roll style, influenced by Jimi Hendrix, and bassist Luke brings a more funky style to the band.  Jake combines hard rock with metal for an original drumming style.  

Drummer Jake explained how this meshing together of so many different musical styles truly gives the band the potential it needs to get its name out there, and also plays a big part in the recording of TMP’s new record, which they hope to have finished before the end of the year.  Although Jay and Joe write most of the band’s songs, each of the members is involved in the writing process. 

TMP is currently in the studio working hard to create another EP, which, like their first, will comprise of six distinctive songs.  However, all the band members agree that this new EP is much more complex and advanced than their first.  It really exemplifies their musical abilities, Joe said; and rather than just having the simple verse, chorus, verse format, they added in extended bridges and other advanced techniques, Chris added.  Also, the two guitarists are working together more to create something the band likes to call “guitarmonies.”

The band’s hard work has definitely paid off.  The crowd really got into new songs like “Crutches” and “Walk on Water,” which had the crowd singing along by the end of it.

Right now, TMP is putting the majority of its focus into getting their record done and promoting it as much as possible.  They have a website, a Facebook page, and a mailing list. (See below)  Jay will be going to Hofstra in the fall, so the band hopes to spread their name a lot around there, and they may even gain some out-of-state recognition with Rob going to college in Maryland.  The other members are still in high school, which is almost hard to believe when listening to the intricacies of their music.  Joe, Chris, and Jake go to Sanford H. Calhoun High School in Merrick, and Luke goes to Oyster Bay High School.  The band members messed around with Luke, saying he was the one who lived “really far away,” despite the fact that Rob is going all the way to Maryland.

Future goals of TMP include expanding its fan base extensively, and getting signed by a record label.  “We would really love to hop on a label,” Jake said, “I really think we have the potential, we just need help getting our name out.”

For more information about Through My Passion, look for them at:

-www.throughmypassion.com

-www.myspace.com/tmp516

-www.twitter.com/thrumypassion

-become a fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Through-My-Passion/32064444211

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