Crush- Play the Music (Rising Musicians & Band)

Edition Sixteen-Week Sixteen:

Written by: Mercedes Barreto // Answers: Larry Ross (Guitar-Crush) // Photography by: Joe Mack’s Event Photography

When a band can play, a crowd instantly feels it. When a band can provide such an incredible experience, the crowd knows that band is genuine, talented, and unique amongst several musical favorites. Crush is a band to keep in your list of all-time favorites. We read up on their achievements in this guided and informative rising talent article.

What is the musical inspiration for the band?

“I grew up in the 1980’s and it was a time when there was excitement, energy and positivity in music. People in an older age group still love this music and even the new generation has embraced it.”

Where has been your all-time favorite venue, and what made it special?

“We played the Nyack Music Festival a couple of years ago. In our second set, it was dark, and we played Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey. During the intro, as far as you could see were phone lights swaying back and forth. It was an amazing moment.”

If you could pick the most popular song by the group, then what song would that be, and who are you most eager to play it for?

“You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC. It resonates with everybody. No matter the age at the venue, it seems everybody wants to sing the chorus with the band-which is amazing, and we love an interactive audience.”

If you could pick three industry executives to listen to your music, guide you and refer you in the music world/business, what are your three top picks, and why so?

“Mutt Lange, Bob Rock and Ronnie James Dio. All have produced some of the most memorable music from the 1980’s and Early 1990’s. They took bands that were average and made them into superstars.”

Where did your band meet, and get a start in music?

“I started playing guitar in high school and always wanted to play in a band. I saw a guy playing a Les Paul in the jazz band and then bought AC/DC’s Back in Black record. I was hooked! 4 years later I was playing in a band and loved it. Years later when life permitted, I played in multiple bands and even recorded a CD. Unsatisfied, I wanted to put together something that would continue to evolve and yet still resonate with the 80’s/90’s genre. 

CRUSH officially started in 2014 and I was the founding member. Over the years I’ve had the pleasure to play with amazing musicians. Mike Tartaglia (drummer) initially joined us as a fill-in but with his fantastic drumming and flexible vocals, became a full time member. Similarly, Mike Sorce (bass) started as an “alternate” but quickly demonstrated that he was an amazing bassist to work with. 

Jennie Colabatistto joined in Early 2022. Our previous lead singer moved to California, and we were lucky to land a vocalist with an incredible voice and range. The current lineups are some of the easiest musicians to work with that I have encountered in my career.”

Where can we find more information about your music, and why should we? What makes your music iconic for the times?

“The best way to find out about CRUSH is to go to Facebook and look us up www.facebook.com/crushbandnation.”

We have a lot of pictures and videos of the vast shows we’ve played. We have played an incredibly diverse set of venues, even a wedding and a bat mitzvah. 

We’re iconic because we play the music from a time that wasn’t so complicated. The 1980’s has been called the “decade of decadence” and people like to come out to listen (and dance to) upbeat and fun songs. We also often bring an up light. It’s a box the essentially lights you from below. People love to get up on that and dance. It’s something unusual and it’s how the bands of that era did it.”

Anything to add?

“CRUSH is a band that loves interaction and participation. Getting up and dancing, singing along is what we love to see from people, and it energizes us up on stage. If you haven’t seen us, please do. We love meeting new fans, and we are very approachable. We’ve done more renditions of “birthday” than we can remember to help make somebody’s night special.”

Questions for The Photographer:

Were they nervous before the shoot? Or completely confident and ready to go? What was their demeanor in this situation as a band coming together to get some photos done?

“In all honesty I was a bit nervous, only because it was a new venue for me, and didn’t know what the stage or lighting situation would be. I had worked with Larry before, and when I got there, and heard the band, all the numerousness faded away, and had a great shoot with a great band and Larry is an exceptional guitarist.”

Would you recommend them to other venues or professionals? Why and how so?

“I would highly recommend Crush to other venues. As I said I have worked with Larry before in other iterations of this band, but he always puts together the best talent in the area to be together an ass kicking rock band!”