On New Year’s Day, three-fifths of Philly’s nascent rock and roll renegades, MACH22 stopped by to discuss the nuance of classic rock and roll, the band’s influences, performing with Slash, and much more.
So just how does a band impress one of music’s true rock icons? By being genuine and authentic. Those were the magic ingredients for Philadelphia’s MACH22 who recently won the "Guitar Center On-Stage with SLASH" contest. The guys in MACH22 only had to beat out over 3000 other bands. No big deal. Once it got down to the final 20, Slash chose the grand prize winner.
The bands were judged by Slash on presentation, originality and creativity, melody, vocal ability and music, lyrics, and entertainment value, hoping to be awarded a grand prize tour support package valued at more than $30,000. With solid reviews in each contest phase, MACH22 secured the top prize.
It all kicked off when guitarist Ty Asoudegan submitted the band’s original song, “Don’t You Give Me,” which led to a live performance opening for Slash at House of Blues, Atlantic City, on September 14, 2012.
Sometimes you capture lightening in a bottle and that’s what MACH22 did. Comprised of Asoudegan, vocalist Lamont Caldwell, vocalist; guitarist Sebastian LaBar, bassist Frank Day, and drummer Damian MonteCarlo, the band has simply exploded. A collision of the right rock and roll molecules coalesced at precisely the right moment to bring it all to fruition.
Offered Caldwell of the big victory:
“Winning a contest of this caliber is something most bands dream of and we have it in the palm of our hands. We won’t waste this opportunity and we’ll work hard to make great things come from it.”
Together less than a year and they have already opened for Slash and recorded their debut EP, “American Swagger”, set for release on February 12.
The MACH22 sound is steeped in classic rock influences with ample amounts of bluesy rhythms, soulful delivery, and that intangible magic missing from so many of today’s cookie cutter cut-and-paste knock-offs.
While the band has been hailed as Led Zeppelin meets Lenny Kravitz, that is too narrow a vision of the band’s music and image. Everything from Aerosmith and Guns N’ Roses vibes right alongside Bootsy Collins and Miles Davis, even the Stones. It’s not just in the sound, but in the attitude, presence, and aforementioned, authenticity. Each thread is finely woven to create a signature that is at once instantly recognizable and welcoming, yet remarkably one of a kind.
Listen to our full interview with Lamont, Ty and Frank below, and get ready for MACH22.
Check out their videos for “Don’t You Give Me” and “I’m Just A Man”.
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Music is the universal language: Speak it loudly!
Rustyn Rose is a veteran music journalist who owns and operates Metalholic Magazine and Metalholic Radio.
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