Name:Michael Sepello, Rob Leahy
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Partially because club owners are apprehensive about of original bands and genres can be so varying, fans need to really shop around for talented original bands to go see. I recently spoke with three members of the band Lithium Zero, one of CNY’s most promising new original acts. Last month the owner of the Country Rock Cafe in Oneonta was bold enough to take a chance on some original bands. Lithium Zero played with the Dustin Dwyer Band, Chrome Ghost and Boneslaw. Attendance was bustling and enthusiastic, paying off for club owners, bands and fans alike. Brothers, Michael (guitar, backing vocals) and Dan Sepello (bass, backing vocals), Mark Loewenstein (drums) and Rob Leahy (vocals, guitar) formed Lithium Zero in December of last year. The group is a convergence of several members that had worked together, in some form, in the past. Influences collectively include bands from Foo Fighters, Third Eye Blind, Goo Goo Dolls, to Eve6. Everyone knew each other and since Dan and Michael had played together all their lives, it seemed a logical step to work with someone you know, trust and respect. Guitarist and vocalist Rob says their music has not really changed since they started, but instead, has evolved. The songwriting has gotten easier as the group has matured. When songwriting Michael or Rob will individually (or sometimes together) write the guitar parts and then work on lyrics, timing, and melody then go to everyone else in the band. Mark and Dan then work out percussion. Usually it comes together, if no one is feeling into it by then, they move on to the next one later. The current single, "Start Again," is a lyrical stand out track recorded in June of this year. So far, Lithium Zero has eight originals completed and more are in the works. The goal is to have enough material for a full length CD by early next year. "Start Again" is getting local play from Syracuse’s Silent Bob Staffa and Lithium Zero is diligently working on getting college and other local airplay. From press kit to the internet these four talented musicians are poised for success. Lithium Zero recently won third place in CNY Music’s "Best Local Music Web Site Contest" and recent local buzz has them primed for a large following. For September ’02 the band is playing the annual Labor Day Festival in Greene with Fully Loaded and SB Sneetches. After that they are taking a three week hiatus as Michael will be on a trip to Africa. In the following months Lithium Zero will be pursuing an aggressive schedule throughout New York state. If they come to your area (or you are in the mode for a road trip) go see them. Its a chance to catch a great professional act, promote local original music, and of course, support your local scene. |