The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Band on the run
Chelsea teenagers take on rock stardom with passion
By Terry Jacoby, The Chelsea Standard
PUBLISHED: June 26, 2008
The wind started to blow and the skies darkened. As Phonetic Sound ripped through its set last month at Relay For Life, the heavens appeared to be tapping its feet. The teenagers belted out an original song and the wind howled its approval.
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Problem was Mother Nature was enjoying the music too much as the fans who gathered to hear the high-energy Chelsea band eventually had to run for cover. Welcome to the world of rock 'n roll where the unusual is usually part of the show.
While Phonetic Sound appeared unfazed by the unfortunate turn of events, they eventually had to pull the plug and cut short their show. But this band is in this for the long haul. They have a long "tour" ahead of them.
"Our goal is to be known well enough so that people steal our music," said David Stratman, who treats the neck of his guitar like his personal playground while never losing the feel of the song. "Our style is a combination of fierce energy and finesse. We have an innate sense of when to play with unbridled energy and when to lay back."
Covers? Sure.
Originals? Of course.
Rock 'n roll? Oh, yeah.
Whatever song Phonetic Sound pulls out of its repertoire fans will be sure to feel the beat and experience the energy of one of Chelsea's young and up-and-coming bands. Their always expanding set list consists of original songs and covers by bands such as Artic Monkeys, Bloc Party, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Three Doors Down."Every member of the band knows how they fit in," said William Dark, who keeps the songs together from behind the drums. "Noah (Hermann) locks right into the groove and David moves from solid rhythm to energetic riffs whenever the music demands it. And Michael (Francis Palluzzi Jr.) is our new singer who has already added his own style to our sound."
This isn't your typical high school band that tries to play as loud as it can - although the dishes upstairs do rattle when they practice. All four members have had formal music training.
"We all agree that no amount of image and posing could ever replace talent and hard work," Hermann said. "We practice once a week, maybe twice. We are all pretty serious about it."
It's because of this work ethic, training and stage presence that the band has already come a long way. Even though the band has only been around for a year they have played at Clutch Cargo's and also won "Puttin' On The Hits" at Chelsea High School.
Since the band members have known each other for years, their chemistry is evident when they take the stage. Their familiarity with one another may explain how this group of high school juniors sound like seasoned veterans.
"We are in sync together from the first note until the last one and play with great energy," Stratman said.
Phonetic Sound formed the day before Chelsea Sounds and Sights auditions in March 2007. They called themselves Thrown Together and were impressive enough to earn a spot in the summer event lineup. Since then they have played South Haven's Harborfest and Blueberry Festival, graduation open houses, Chelsea Summer Festival, the Chelsea District Library and the Clocktower's 100th Birthday Celebration.
Upcoming gigs include the Grassroots Stage at Top of the Park (June 23); Sounds and Sights (June 26 and Aug. 21) and in Kalamazoo on Aug. 28.
"Although we are committed to composing and performing our own music, we are continuing to play cover songs that are favorites of our fans," Hermann said. "We realize that being a cover band gives us the opportunity to perform at many new venues."
While all four members have college on their future set lists, they plan on continuing to play together even after their high school days. If things go well, the boys hope the band can be their summer job next year. They also would like to record a CD of their own material in the near future.
The question is, how do we become rock stars. The answer appears to be blowing in the wind.
For more information on the band or to hire them for shows,call 1-734-475-8095.
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