Chapter 1:
Born in a small town in Southeastern Pennsylvania called Latrobe (1978). I grew up there and started playing music with friends in high school. I was the last band member to join, and got stuck with learning to play the drums. This turned out to be a very beneficial starting point. We all learned to play together and eventually formed a band called Noon Tide Sun (Ryan Toohey, Jon Balko, Dan Pryjmack, 1995). We played numerous live shows in the area, even though we were very young and inexperienced. Before college we went into the studio and recorded a full length cassette (yes, i said cassette) entitled, "Nuthin' a little tape can't fix."
Chapter 2:
Transitioning to college seemed to be the end of Noon Tide Sun, and I thought my short-lived music career had ended. Halfway through college I transfered to a school in West Virginia where a former bandmate encouraged a few jam sessions with some new friends. This weekly jam session eventually became a band called Whiskeyslug (Tony Sears, Pat Kavanaugh, Jon Balko, 1998). At this point I was still playing drums, and Whiskeyslug became one of the most popular bands in the Fairmont/Morgantown area. We booked shows on campuses, at local clubs, and at various college parties. We eventually recorded a full length CD entitled, "Wasted".
Chapter 3:
After one year of small success, our vocalist decided to call it quits to pursue academics. Again, I assumed the band was finished along with my music career. One night at a college party a friend of mine came up to me and boldly stated that I should switch to vocals and he could step in and handle playing the drums. At the time I didn't pay any attention, but he persisted even though the other band members also thought it wasn't a possible solution. We started rehearsing in the new configuration and I have to say that I wasn't optimistic. It took some time, but I eventually started to pick up singing and playing guitar enough to hold a band together. We went back to school that year as a new version of Whiskeyslug (Jon Balko, Mark Stefl, 2000). The band got better and better, and we picked up right where we left off.
Chapter 4:
After recording a live CD entitled "Five and Dime", our lead guitarist decided to move on and leave the band. I picked up the duties of lead guitarist and we decided to go back into the studio to record a full length CD with the new configuration. The project took a great deal of time but the end result was worth the wait. The new CD called, "Generations" was our best work to date and I was very proud with the outcome. The "Generations" CD increased our popularity and got our songs out to our fans. This was the first time I experience playing live and having the audience know the words to our songs. We even had a few singles played on various radio stations in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. At this point I knew I was hooked and hoped that I could continue playing music for a long time...
Chapter 5:
However, just like all good things, Whiskeyslug came to an end in the summer of 2001. At the end of college, each band member decided to move away to pursue separate careers. Jon (bass) stayed in Pittsburgh, Mark (drums) moved to Texas, and I moved to North Carolina. I can't say Whiskeyslug ever really ended because once a year we all go back home and play a reunion show. I can't even count how many final shows we've played to date. I guess some things don't really have to end...
Chapter 6:
In early 2002, I was in Charlotte, North Carolina and started itching to get back to playing music. Moving to a new city made it difficult because I didn't know the music scene, and I didn't know where to look for live music venues. I decided to start auditioning for bands in the area to get my foot in the door. After many auditions, I eventually landed a job as vocalist in a band called Funnelhead (Randy, Ryan, Jeff). This band was very talented, and it enable me to play many Charlotte venues. As you would guess, this band also came to an end after two years when the drummer was forced to move away.
Chapter 7:
In 2004 I decided to continue playing music in Charlotte so I began auditioning bassists and drummers. I wanted to form a three-piece band to keep things as simple as possible. I found a bassist and drummer and continued to play as a band called, Fathom Blue. Eventually, certain band members changed and the name of the band changed to The Reason (Peter Kobylarz, Dan Blair). The Reason has been playing in Charlotte together for the past three years. Each of us have come from other successful Charlotte bands, and we have similar interests and ideals when it comes to playing live music. We like to play good music, have a good time, and keep a good crowd.
Chapter 8:
In June of 2008, my wife and I decided to move east to Raleigh, NC. It was hard to leave our friends and life in Charlotte, but we wanted to find out what this city could offer. It was also difficult to leave music behind for a while. I was finally established in Charlotte and playing on a regular basis. However, this break allowed time to write and record some music, which I never had a chance to do when playing live almost every weekend. The goal is to finish writing and recording the songs and then get back out there and play some music in Raleigh. I'm very optimistic and hope this city will welcome me as Charlotte has for the last several years. It remains to be seen........
I have been lucky enough to play at many venues up and down the east coast, and I have been blessed with the opportunity to play with some amazing musicians. I never thought I would be playing music at this point in my life. It was always a dream of mine to become a working musician and play live music on a consistent basis. At many points in my life I thought my music career was over, but there was always someone there to encourage me to continue on this path. Besides my wonderful wife Brandi, I can say that music is the love of my life and I plan to continue writing, recording, and performing. Who knows what the next chapter will bring, but I know that even though some things may end, it is always an opportunity for a new beginning...
So, that's my story. I can't believe you read all of that and made it this far!!! You must be a true fan... Thanks to my family, Thanks to my friends, Thanks for reading, Thanks for listening...
Adam
