Hello, Seattle Album Review for 'Improper Greeting'

Hailing from Long Island and Oneonta, NY, Hello, Seattle just released their debut album, Improper Greeting. 

This female fronted group consisting of: Kimberly Berg (singer), Amy Maxwell (guitar), Frank Cicciarello (bass), Andrew Platt (drummer), and Jason Psanis (pianist), blew me away with some great alternative/awesomeness music.

The opening track, "Let Go," is a brief intro into the musical stylings of Hello, Seattle. The singer comes in about midway through and sings the name of the track over and over – powerful start.

"Camouflage" has a very familiar tone to it. I think the chords sound a bit like Cute Without the E by Taking Back Sunday, except this track adds piano and gives the song more of upbeat dance like feel to it before slowing down and changing tone. Berg's vocals are great on this.

"Broken Glass" is a bit heavier than the previous track and the singer is more aggressive to match. The song features killer piano that drives the song.

The next track, "The Divide" is an acoustic ballad. Her voice takes a lovely folky catchy tone to it. I love the harmonies and the airiness to the vocals. The subtle keys that come are wonderful, and then quickly followed with the rest of the band coming in. Almost as subtle as the piano is some really good bass work.

"Fire Eyes" prepares the listener for a quick tempo fun song right from the chattering hi-hats in the beginning of the track. The chorus is especially strong, and at times she sounds like a more indie rock version of Hayley Williams. The music over the bridge is great, the whole band comes together so well.

"Peter Pan" is another acoustic track featuring piano. I really dig the vocals and words in this song. It's a good concept, and simply puts the feelings of many people into something that is easy and relatable. 

A slick bass line and an even better drum beat open this song. "Ghost In a Common Place," instrumentally, is my favorite track. You really hear their talent on this track. The song features a much different bridge then the others. I really feel the creativity is at a max here. The layering of the vocals with the effects, the drop out, and then guitar solo. Just really a brilliant song.

"The Cure" has prominent bass playing by Cicciarello, and continues the overall feel of the album. In my opinion this song does not resonate with me as much as the others, but it is still solid.

This next track sort of opens up like "Fire Eyes" with quick hi-hats hits and rhythms, but the overall feel is totally different. "Horizon" makes you feel like you are on the run and as I'm writing Berg began singing, "I'm already moving," so maybe I got the point! This song could definitely be a single, and I can also hear it as part of a soundtrack for a movie.

"Strides" is up next, and follows a sort of bluesy tone to it in the beginning. It is probably the most different of the tracks on the album, and has differing parts. Perhaps my biggest gripe on the whole album is that this song is only about two minutes long! I want more!

Closing out the album in "Leaving." It sort of has a march to it in the chorus. It is super catchy and mixes a few different styles on it. I love the string work on this song, and Berg sings with such passion here. It is the perfect closing song for an album because it sounds like the closer of a set. Well done on this track.

Hello, Seattle is super tight! Everyone in the band is on point and they definitely play well together and are comfortable writing together. Piano, bass, guitars, drums all hit the nail on the head with consistency and pin point fluidness. Maxwell is a great lyric writer, and knows how to engross the listener. Berg has a bit of Hayley and a bit of Avril, but yet is able to find her own voice among the comparisons to really deliver on all the songs.

Improper Greeting is a wonderful first step into music for this band, and as I told the bass player, I had no sort of idea of what the band sounded like coming in, and boy was I impressed!

Check them out at - 

facebook.com/helloseattlemusic 

reverbnation.com/helloseattlemusic 

www.wix.com/helloseattlemusicny/home

Staten Island Band Photographer, Alexa DiMaio (Girls That Rock Quickie)

Hey all, here is a quick Q&A with a very talented and awesome friend I have, Alexa. She has done countless shoots at shows and for bands all over the Island. Also if you look at my blog, almost all the photos are by her (so I guess she works here too...) 


Check out the shoot she did for my band!


So here you go, check it out, and give her a hollar!

Q&A with Alexa DiMaio

Alexa by Alexa

Who are you, what do you do, why do you do it?
My name is Alexa DiMaio and I'm a freelance photographer. I do what I do because I simply love seeing moments with individuals and/or nature captured in one beautiful still shot. It makes me very excited and happy...as corny as that sounds.

What gear do you use?
I use a Nikon D40, along with a Nikon (Nikkor) VR Zoom 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G lens.

What are the perks of taking pictures of local bands?
The perks of taking pictures of local bands would have to be discovering new music and being able to fulfill their needs as upcoming indie bands.

Who is your favorite local band?
To be completely honest, I don't have a favorite local band. I enjoy all of them so much and I think any musician who has a strong passion for what they do is just amazing. Props to you all!

What was your favorite photo shoot?
I enjoy every photoshoot I do, but my favorite photos that I've taken would have to be the most recent Process of Fusion photoshoot on the CSI campus.

Worst or funniest experience shooting a band.
Oh gosh...the worst AND funniest experience shooting a band would have to be the photoshoot for Kick. I knew a rooftop wasn't a good idea. I remember climbing up the ladder to go up and shaking since I'm slightly afraid of heights. But I thought to myself, "I have to do the photos, this is the only way to take the photos...I can't back out." I ended up getting some decent shots before we all got in trouble, but it's something I probably wouldn't do ever again.

Alexa by Alexa

What else do you do photography for?
I take photos not only for bands, but for individuals who need headshots, any type of event, or anything else that anyone needs.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years? I hopefully see myself having my own studio and company in photography. *crosses fingers*

Why do you think a good band shoot is important?
I think a good band shoot is important because if the band is not patient or cooperative, that will reflect on the actual photos I take of them....and the photos won't look as good as they should.

How can someone reach you if they are interested?
If someone is interested, they could contact me via email at alexa.dimaiophotography@yahoo.com or bellajdad@aol.com

Where can we see your work online?
You can see my work online atwww.flickr.com/alexadimaio

Anything else you want to add?
If any of the bands I shot get famous, I hope you all don't forget about me! *laughing*

Alexa and Me by Alexa's Camera...

Girls that Rock Part 2, Spread the Rumor's Sabrina and WSIA's Jenna Lynn

(The following article will be in the next Broken Records Magazine Issue)

Sabrina Fracchiolla, 17, guitar/vocals for STR

Photo by Alexa DiMaio

Sabrina Fracchiolla of Staten Island band, Spread the Rumor, is already a veteran in her music scene at just 17 years old. Having been playing music since she was 11, Sabrina plays the guitar and belts out powerful perfectly pitched vocals for her all girl band.

She attributes Green Day as her first influence but has now branched out to other artists like Paramore and Katy Perry. Her biggest influence however, will always remain her mom who is a singer songwriter too.  


When asked about her main inspiration in music, she responded “There is only one thing in my life that makes me a confident person; that's the music that I create and show to the world. Playing music for people gives me a feeling I simply cannot explain in words, and it inspires me to be a better person…”


She describes her biggest rock star moment as: "First, playing in "The Break Contest" to get into Bamboozle. We played at The Stone Pony, [memorable] just because of how many amazing and influential people played the same stage as us that day. But I'd say my number one favorite rockstar moment would be November 8 2009. We were playing in a final round of a Battle of The Bands, in Sullivan Hall NYC. I was sick with pneumonia, and could hardly sing, but we pulled through and rocked out in front of so many people. We won the battle and won $1000!! It was one of the best feelings EVER."


Sabrina hopes to one day see STR gracing the stages of venues all over, and would love to make it her profession. “My ultimate goal as a musician is to be happy, and get better at my instrument, without stressing out so much. Music should be something to let your stresses run free, not cause stress.”


Sabrina’s advice to girls is, “If you don't play an instrument, just go for it… In some sense, it's fun to face your fear, and trust me. Once you get used to playing in front of people, it's the best feeling in the world. Never give up on music, because even if you feel it has given up on you, music is the medicine to cure anything.” 

(L to R)- Hilary, Valerie, Terri, Sabrina (top)- Katie
Photo by Georgine Beneventuo

Check out my previous post on the full band here

WSIA 88.9 Radio Personality, Jenna Lynn

Jenna Lynn

Jenna Lynn, a 21-year-old College of Staten Island student does a lot more than go to classes, she helps runs a radio station, 88.9 WSIA FM.

Just think of her as a jack-of-all trades doing everything from production director, program director, and on air DJ, as well as studio mixing and production.

Jenna is also one of the co-founders of Drive Time radio, which are special blocks of music, weather, and traffic from the hours of 7am-10am and 4pm-7pm. Most importantly however, is the later Drive Time where WSIA plays unsigned and local talent. She takes great pride in being able to expose bands music to the world for the first time. “A few years back, even before me, an unknown band named Paramore came in the studio to record some demos. Now look at them.”

That's one of the cool features about WSIA that she is most proud of. They are not a top 40 station, they play music you can't hear anywhere else. 

Being a part of the station definitely has its perks, this summer she described being able to interview bands on the “Scream it Like You Mean it Tour” as one of her favorite moments. Her favorite times though, are when she has a band in the station for an interview, “You never really know what’s going to happen,” she says. She also attributes a trip to Florida as a memorable one, after spending a week talking to record execs and new artists.

Jenna says her favorite local bands are: It's Not Over, Step Aside, Process of Fusion, and Legend of the Fall. She credits these bands as having the "it" factor, and expects great things in their future.

"Music is so diverse, growing up I listened to everything. I started by getting big into house music. From there I became interested in production in general, which turned me to rock," she said. "Music has saved me from a desk job. It's getting paid for something I love rather than getting paid in order to get something I love."

Overall Jenna Lynn has greatly enjoyed her time at WSIA, but she is on to bigger and better things. Jenna was recently scouted out by the Art Institute of Philadelphia where she can graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Audio Production. “My ultimate goal is to be tour manager for a successful band, traveling and living out my dream.”

Jenna Lynn

The Girls of Process of Fusion

(The following article will be in Broken Records Magazine in a special feature entitled "Girls that Rock".)

L to R- Rose and Terri
Photo Cred: Alexa DiMaio

Terri Caputo and Rose Couchon are making headway not because they are in up and coming band rock/rap Process of Fusion, but because they are two girls who simply rock!

Couchon is the crafty lefty guitar player in the band whose influences range from classical Bach to Between the Buried and Me. At just 18 years old, she is also an aspiring mezzo-soprano opera singer and has recently been performing in churches across Staten Island.

Rose attributes her time in POF as, “…a genre of music that I would have never seen myself playing... I love that I'm challenged to make music that blends so many elements together, and above all I love that I'm forced to be creative.”

When asked what it’s like to be a girl in a band she said, “It's pretty awesome, but it's got its negatives. I feel like girls are judged much quicker than guys are, especially if they're playing anything other than pop music. There is a little bit of pressure, but I set high standards for myself because I don't want to be another girl who just strums open chords… I want to inspire people, especially other females.”

Caputo is a multi talented musician, playing guitar, bass, and drums, but in POF her claim to fame is the tempo.

Having been in bands ranging from metal to indie pop, Terri’s experience is as vast as her influences, which include the punky sounds of Relient K to soaring guitars and aggressive vocals of Thrice.

Terri names POF as “The best thing that ever happened to me,” and her favorite moment occurred when Process of Fusion won their first Battle of the Bands.

“Life experiences, my friends and family, and emotion, lots of emotions,” are what inspires her to make music. And speaking of inspiration, she wants to spread this to other girls saying

“There's no pressure, but most people expect you to suck if you're a girl. I love proving them wrong. It gives me satisfaction.”

So the message here, prove the boys wrong and be a girl that rocks! You can hear Rose and Terri in action by going to Myspace.com/processoffusion


(This is the original Q&A the article was based on)

Terri Caputo, 19, drummer of Process of Fusion.

Photo Cred: Alexa DiMaio

What instruments do you play, and how long?
I play guitar, bass, and drums. Drums for about three and a half years.

When did you start playing/making music?
I started making my own music when I was thirteen, but nothing too serious. I've been making songs ever since.

How many bands have you been in? What kind were they?
I've been in seven bands all together, including POF. I've been in two metal bands, two pop-punk bands, an experimental band and am currently in a indie band.

What's your musical style?
I have a weird style, it depends on what instrument I'm playing. With drums I'm a bit funky at times, but mostly I'm rock/hardcore influenced.

Describe your experiences in POF in a sentence?
The best thing that has ever happened to me.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself on a tour bus with four of my band-mates and our street team. I think we have the ability to get there.

What do you enjoy most about drumming? Drumming in POF?
I enjoy putting the final layer onto the music, bringing it to life. What can sound one way with guitars can sound so much more powerful with the right drumming. I love drumming in POF, it challenges me in so many ways and I love the music we play.

Biggest rockstar moment? Biggest failure moment?
My biggest rockstar moment was when we won a Battle of the Bands at Edgewater Hall. A giant crowd of our fans and friends were there and screamed so loudly for us after each song. It was an incredible feeling to have that much support. I've never really had a huge failure moment, but I've had moments where I've said "I could've played so much better at this show" or "I screwed that part up so much." I'm sure I'll have some in the future!

Photo Cred: Alexa DiMaio

Top 5 fav bands.
Relient K, Underoath, The Rescues, Thrice, and Rise Against.

What/who inspires you to make music?
Life experiences, my friends and family, and emotions. Lots of emotions.


What's it liking being a girl who rocks? Any pressure, expectations, is it better?
There's no pressure, but most people expect you to suck if you're a girl. I love proving them wrong, it gives me satisfaction.


Anything else you want to add?
Check Process of Fusion out on Facebook, Myspace, and follow us on Twitter. And come join us at Starland Ballroom in March when we play with Apocalyptica.

Q&A With Rose Couchon, 18, guitarist

Photo Cred: Alexa DiMaio

What instruments do you play, and how long?

I play guitar and sing. I've been playing guitar for about 5 years and I have been singing classically for about 4.

When did you start playing/making music?

I started playing guitar when I was about 13, but I didn't start writing anything on my own until I was about 16. I would just write bits and pieces here & there for fun.

What musical things do you do on the side?
Guitar is my passion, but on the side I am a mezzo-soprano opera singer. I have years of choral experience and am now professionally performing at churches throughout Staten Island. I play keyboard/piano and am studying music at Brooklyn College's Conservatory of Music.

What's your musical style?

My musical style kind of doesn't exist...If it does then it's a mix of literally everything. I love everything from Bach to Between the Buried and Me. I like to try to incorporate a little bit of everything in what I write. When I'm writing for guitar my style usually stays on the heavier side, but when I'm writing on the keyboard I tend to go for dissonance.

Describe your experiences in POF in a sentence?
Serious shows, fun band practices, and better friends than anyone could ask for; everything I ever hoped for in a band.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I have absolutely no idea were I'll be in 5 years. That's A LOT of time. I could see myself being married and teaching music at a high school level while working towards my masters or I could see myself doing even greater things like performing on stage at the Met or touring world wide with Process of Fusion. I still have a lot of doors to open, but hey, things happen.

What do you enjoy most about playing guitar? Guitaring in POF?

I like that it's a genre of music that I would have never seen myself playing before I joined the band. I love that I'm challenged to make music that blends so many elements together, and above all I love that I'm forced to be creative.

Biggest rockstar moment? Biggest failure moment?

Biggest rock star moment: Stage diving/crowd surfing at the last show at The Cup. It was glorious. My biggest failure moment was during another show that we played at the cup prior to that one. We covered a Linkin Park song and lets just say it didn't go very well.

Photo Cred: Alexa DiMaio

Top 5 fav bands.
No specific order:

Between the Buried and Me
Steve Vai
Iron Maiden
Led Zeppelin
Coheed and Cambria

What/who inspires you to make music?
Happiness, sadness, love, hate, birds, trees, hope, the subway station, ferry rides, life. Anything & everything.

What's it liking being a girl who rocks? Any pressure, expectations, is it better?
It's pretty awesome, but it's got its negatives. I feel like girls are judged much quicker than guys are, especially if they're playing anything other than pop music. There is a little bit of pressure, but I set high standards for myself because I don't want to be another girl who just strums open chords and sings pop songs. I want to inspire people, especially other females.