Lotion- Rising Band & Musicians | ManualMagazines.com

(Published: 2024/03/28 at 7:13 pm)

Edition Seventy-Six- Week Seventy-Six:

Written by: Mercedes Barreto

What is the significance or initial creation of the band name ‘Lotion’? Why and how so?

“Everyone asks about the name. The truth is there’s no story to it. It’s just an idea that came to me and I got stuck on it. It’s supposed to be a little ridiculous. I wanted to create a band (brand) with an after hours’ nightlife 70s disco ball aesthetic for the 2020s.. Sort of Rick James meets’ Bruno Mars. I knew the name would be provocative and I’m aware of the innuendo and the imagery it evokes but the flip side for me is its hilarious. The true wonder of it all Is that I was able to convince four middle-aged musicians to get on board with a cover band called Lotion.”

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Where has the band played so far? Why do those venues have meaning to them?

“Lotion just played it’s first gig at Baileys in New City, NY. and we quite honestly crushed it…We had a great crowd dancing from song one and the band was on fire.. We have a modest amount of club dates on the calendar for this year. We pulled this band together in under two months And we were able to obtain bookings based on the individual repuations and histories of the players. It’s impossible to truly tell the Lotion story without mentioning the band Damage Radio(DR) from which Ron(keys) Joe(drums) and myself (vocals) emerged. We will be playing many of the same venues DR played, including multiple outdoor shows at The Hudson Water Club this summer. It’s always a great time performing on the river We all share a history at these venues throughout Rockland, Bergen and Orange County with our other projects.”

Is there a song that best resonates with listeners? What was the recording and creative process like?

“We are a cover band, A dance party band and we are not reinventing the wheel.. We have really tried to eliminate anything that could be considered filler from our setlist.. It’s all hits And we still score big with songs like Don’t stop believing, Uptown Funk and semi Charmed life.”

If you could play a song for one minute to the entire world, what song is the first song? And how would it feel?

“One song huh? one minute? I don’t actually do this song with Lotion but I do it in my other band. my answer to the question is New Kid InTown by the Eagles. I’ve always Identified with that song’ with Johnny come lately.”

What are some highlights for the year 2024, and beyond, for the band?

“Since we put this thing together in February and were fortunate enough to have our first gig in March. I feel like 2025 will be our true coming out year. All said done we’ll probably play about a dozen gigs this year. I look forward to refining our setlist and building our brand.. I want to show up prepared for shows Leave it all on the stage and blow people away. I’m looking forward to those outdoor summer night gigs.”

Where can we learn more about the band’s music? What makes ‘Lotion’ an iconic band?

“Facebook..Please check out Lotion:American Party Band on Facebook. There’s already a bunch of video up there from our first gig and there’s more to come. You will also find out where we’re playing next. Iconic is a strong word but I’ll tell you what..these guys Im working with, these guys in Lotion can play like nobody’s business..Joe Holland is an impeccable drummer and a stickler for preparation and rehearsal..Ron Pavia is a master keyboard player with an enormous repertoire ( he’s a one man show), We Pilfered bassist Dave Baron from The Georgia 5 dance party and I can tell you this is one funky ass SOB. Finally guitarist Jonny “Rod” Ciorciari… I’ve known this guy since I was a kid..legendary shredder..but So much more To his playing then that.. He’s full-time in the music business.. Sound engineer and producer.. He actually produced my original record a decade ago.

Myself..I’ve been singing for a long time And you don’t see a lot of male singers out there Singing the sorts of songs And doing the sorts of things that I do on stage.. So taken as a whole, Lotion may turn out to be quite iconic indeed.”

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Questions for Joe:

Did you have a sensation or feeling of uniqueness when taking the band’s photos? Why and how so?

“While there I met a great bunch of guys who had a fully equipped rehearsal space. They all seemed very professional in what they were doing.”

Do you recommend the band for future opportunities?

“Although I didn’t hear them play, I would love to have the opportunity to work with them again in a performance. This is a newly formed band, but I know people that know diff members of the band and they tell me they are all excellent musicians.”