|
DUKE |
|
|
Friday, 05 October 2007 |
 Duke is focused on one thing and that is to write great songs. Ryan Larochelle, Kliff Scott, Andrew Larochelle, and Brad Wallace put their experience and love of great music together to create a new and refreshing sound that is smooth and melody driven. Their energetic and passionate performances captivate audiences young and old. Fusing rock guitar with pop melodies, and with Scott's heart-throb country-pop voice and Wallace's Rock-n-Roll pipes, Duke has everything they need to put a smile on your face! Christian Henderson; Bodog Entertainment S.A. "A young quartet that knew how to write an excellent melody and lyrics; these guys will one day make big waves in the music world, they brought a cool pop-rock vibe to the room. Their songs explode with great melodies and hooks."
Brad's vocals have always been the central point of the hooks, in the music of Duke. With a great range, love for music and an energetic crowd, Brad brings a lot to the table. It's been said on more than one occasion that no one can work a crowd like Brad Wallace. After seeing the band live once or twice, you can easily learn that to be true. His mere presence ties the band together, creating a sonic avalanche of emotion which pours from the stage, yet draws its strength from Duke's reliable fan base.
Andrew Larochelle, Lead Guitar, has been in playing with the band since the beginning. Starting to play at the age of 14, Larochelle has spent the past six years crafting his style and sound into guitar backbone that is Duke. Dipping into styles like country, classic rock, and pop to form a solid foundation for a guitar driven sound that is mellow and inviting. A New Hampshire native who thrives on performing and pleasing a crowd.
Ryan Larochelle, one of the founding members of Duke, has been involved in music most of his life. He started like a lot of young kids, in his school band. Through the years he played at numerous concerts, festivals, and events; every one of them making him a better musician. While still in high school, Ryan, along with his brother Andrew, and Brad Wallace formed a little band they called Duke. Since then, Ryan has been working everyday to hone his skills. Being the head songwriter for Duke, Ryan works at trying to craft songs that anyone can relate to. From piano ballads to up beat pop songs, Larochelle likes to write from the heart. "I like to write song about experiences that are going on in my life, when someone hears one of our songs on the radio; I want them to feel it." While playing drums is his passion, Larochelle has also picked up the guitar and piano. He has only one goal in his life, and that's to be with his friends, playing the songs they write.
In the early spring of 2006 Kliff Scott traveled to Nashville TN, to attend a master vocal session hosted by Renee Grant Williams (Celebrity Vocal Coach) not knowing that upon return to his hometown he would be approached by two of the founding members of Duke. The guys offered Scott something he couldn't refuse. The chance to play music with a group that he knew was right up his alley. Scott willingly took the proposal and picked up a bass guitar for the group. Grew up dreaming of being a professional singer, Scott then decided to take his talent on a different route. Scott attended several state wide vocal performances, and has performed at the United Nations in New York City. A true performer at heart, who has become a well known face, voice, and presence of Duke.
FULL BAND HISTORY AND BIO:
Duke started out in the summer of 2001 in Berlin NH, when founding members Andrew Larochelle, Brad Wallace, and Ryan Larochelle were trying to find a way to entertain themselves the small town of Berlin, NH. As high school went on the group became more serious and respected as their sound started to evolve into their own. After winning Battle of the Bands in Berlin and Manchester, NH, and playing concerts in Vermont and Maine, Duke's name started to become ever more popular. In 2006 differences in the band over touring and recording lead to split from the original lead guitarist and bass player.
Shortly after the break-up, Kliff Scott whom was in a rival band in Berlin strapped on bass and the group became a four piece. With a new outlook and a line-up that had one thing on it's mind, to play music. With a relentless work ethic, and rehearsal seven days a week, Duke developed a polished sound that is appealing to a large audience. After being together for one month, Duke was offered a trial show for TnA Productions. After putting on a solid hour set, the owner of the company stated, "You guys are the best band I have ever heard play here." The company quickly picked them up to play a few more shows and even booked them for the owner's birthday party held at a local Manchester club. Manchester quickly became like a second home to Duke as the venue owners welcomed them back each time and asked them to return for another performance. After a show at Milly's Tavern in Manchester the owner came up to the group and asked them "How long they had been playing together?" as they quickly replied "Only a few months." With a puzzled look on his face he exclaimed "You are welcome at my club anytime you want!"
After being together for only three months, Duke was selected to play at Bodog Entertainment Battle of the Bands, a national battle with the grand prize of a million dollar record contract. The group made their way to Boston, MA to play for a sold out crowd at the Middle East. Placing second in a crowd voted event, the band moved on to round two, also held at The Middle East. The band again placed second and moved on to the third and final round held at the Roxy in Boston. The band competed against the top 12 bands in New England with over 1000 people in attendance at the sold out event. Duke placed 3rd out of over 700 bands that competed in the Boston region.
"Duke, a young quartet that knew how to write an excellent melody and lyrics; these guys will one day make big waves in the music world and with support from the fans may prove they deserve to advance to the trenches."
"Duke brought a cool pop-rock vibe to the room. Their songs explode with great melodies and hooks." Christian Henderson- Bodog Ent.
"Before the show, Duke was telling me how hard they've been working lately and by the look and sound of their stage show, I knew they were telling the truth. They really pushed the envelope at The Roxy with their smooth pop rock and roll tunes." Nick Roberts- Bodog Ent.
Duke spent the winter of 2007 playing ski resorts, and in the studio recording their first professional album. "Breaking Hearts and Burning Bridges" was released March 31, 2007. The 10 song album features music written by the new line-up within the last year. While recording the album at Wellspring Sounds Studio in Acton, MA, engineer and producer Rob Ignazio approached the band to record some of his own personal music and to hire Wallace and Scott to sing studio vocals for the studio. He also stated, "If I had a record label, I would give you a million dollars right now!"
After a show at Black Mountain Ski Resort, the band was approached by the manager of Magic 104.5 WMVJ in New Hampshire and demanded a CD. The group is now on a regular rotation at the station due to frequent request and the popularity of the young quartet.
|
Press
Release:
Duke
Pop rock act Duke hammers the listener with rich melodies, unstoppable grooves and unshakable songwriting energy. Duke dishes out the best of instrumental performance and vocal prowess, using this talent to share compositional skills that ride at the top of the curve. This is the kind of music that fills arenas.
A Way of Life
Duke is successful at music because it’s not just a job or a hobby. “Music is a way of life.” The members of Duke also see music as a way to step back from the trials of everyday life for a little while and find peace and a little entertainment. Or, in the case of Duke, a lot of entertainment. “It is our escape from the reality around us and allows us to be ourselves.” In addition, it enables each person, artist and listener, to search themselves and find the “real you” deep inside. “Music brings out the natural individual in each one of us.”
Air
Music is such a way of life for Duke that it’s very nearly a necessity, something without which its members could not go on living. “I believe music is the air I breathe,” says Cliff Scott, bassist and vocalist. According to Andrew Larochelle, lead guitarist, it is catharsis manifested. “Music is my release. There isn’t any better way to get feelings across than in a song.” For Ryan Larochelle, percussionist, music is the source of life’s joy. “Writing songs is my biggest passion. I love watching people react to a song I put my heart and soul into.” And for Brad Wallace, lead vocalist, it’s all about dreams. “Ever since I was little, I have dreamed of being in a band and now I have everything I need to chase my dreams.”
The Artist at Work
Duke acquitted itself well in the Bodog battle of the bands, making it high into the proceedings for a group of such youthfulness. The band grabbed the number two slot in the first round and went on to the semi-finals, nabbing second place again. Duke landed in the top five in the finals. The group did a benefit show for New Hampshire Care and did an outdoor gig for Wal-Mart to bring in funds for a children’s hospital. The group is about to kick off its first national tour and has recently released a full-length album. More recording is being planned. Duke is currently working with A&R Select, the leading A&R firm in Hollywood, CA.
Review
“This group’s passion is the fire of youth but the incredible talent on tap is beyond these fine musicians’ precocious years.” A&R Select
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
| Webpage: http://www.myspace.com/duketheband |
| Location: Berlin, NH, USA |
| Description: Energetic and passionate performances captivate audiences young and old. Fusing rock guitar with pop melodies, and with Scott's heart-throb country-pop voice and Wallace's Rock-n-Roll pipes, Duke has everything they need to put a smile on your face! |
| |
|
|
|
Last Updated ( Monday, 10 August 2009 )
|
|
|
