Benzos
Indie Rock / Alternative
BENZOS (left to right)
Christian(vox/guitar/synth), Steve(drums/programming), Eiko(bass), Brian(guitar/vox/programming), Mike(vox/guitar/programming/synth), and Matt(synth/programming/vox/)
Benzos: A band created in the minds of three people who were yearning for a difference not only in music, but also in their own lives. Christian Celaya (vox/guitar/synth/bass), his cousin, Michael Ortega (vox/guitar/synth/programming), and their friend, Brian Joyce (guitar/programming/vox) decided to get the recurring buzzing out of their heads and ears, and put it on tape.
As 2003 began, they secluded themselves in their Tribeca apartment for 6 months with the guidelines being to do what¹s best for the song and have no limitations as to how far out and deep this music could go. They recorded and co-produced this collection of songs with their friend and engineer, Eric Helmuth. They mixed the ambiance and rhythm of early underground dance and experimental electronic music with lush guitars and soaring vocals to create a vibrantly huge sound that is all their own.
With the music recorded, their next challenge was to find the right people to help pull off the songs in the live format. To do this, they called on the talents of their friends, Eiko Peck (bass) and Steve Bryant (drums), whose musical roots lie in Drum n¹ Bass, Breakbeat, Jazz and Trip-hop. Both of them have been bandmates for many years and so their seasoned chemistry has made for the perfect rhythm section. Michael then recruited his younger brother, Matt Ortega (synths/programming/guitar/vox) to join him in manning the electronics and live soundscaping. It was the final piece needed to recreate and build upon the foundation that was originally laid down on the recordings. With Benzos now evolving into a 6 member band, the composition, production and performance of their music and sound is now at it¹s strongest.
In their short period of existence, Benzos have gone on to pack some of New York City's premier venues (Sin-e, Pianos, Mercury Lounge) culminating with SOLD OUT performances at the Bowery Ballroom and Irving Plaza (check out this picture) .
They are also being played on various radio stations across the country (Q104.3/NY, 92.3 KROCK/NY, Q101/Chicago and WMFO/Boston) including a live interview and acoustic performance on 92.3 K-Rock¹s ³The Buzz with Matt Pinfield."
Benzos are always in the studio recording. In the fall (04), "All the King's Men" will be featured on a compilation album from Nettwerk America, "Public Display of Affection".
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