Pandemonium- Band & Music Interview

Edition Fourteen- Week Fourteen; Unit 2:

Written by: Mercedes Barreto

What inspired this band and is the name significant in some way?

“PANDEMONIUM was my brainchild. Heavy Metal was a huge influence in my life during my teen years. It inspired me to pick up the guitar and want to start a band at a young age. I front the band Jungle Love, and this project was an itch I needed to scratch. 

The name has significance to me because I am a huge Prince fan and anything musical, I have in my life is related to him in some way. “Jungle Love” being a song written by Prince and released by The Time (started by Prince). My voice coaching business is called Musicology Vocal Instruction. “Musicology” is an album and song title by Prince and “Pandemonium” is an album by The Time. It seemed like the perfect name for a true rock show. The epic logo was also my brainchild!” 

What is the routine between band members and what are their roots?

“I am pretty much the band manager. I handle the bookings and money as well as material choices. I also set up and handle sound. 

Mike Robinson was the first Musician I went to speak to about my new project brainchild and he was 100% on board. Initially, Mike was going to play bass, and we were going to have a different Drummer but I just love Mike behind the kit, so I threw him back there! In my conversation with Mike, I mentioned to him that the only way this band would happen as if Milo Ahenakew agreed to play guitar for us, and sure enough, he did! 

I did a fill-in gig for a band called BedRock about 10 years ago, somewhere in Connecticut and this 20 something year old guitar player with incredible long black hair and chops for days was the guitar player. I instantly fell in love. I couldn’t believe such a young guy could play like that. It was obvious to me he was heavily influenced by Eddie Van Halen and Randy Rhodes. That kid was Milo. I am honored to have him in the band and if you haven’t been there to see him shred, your life is incomplete.  

George McGann is our Bass Player. George has been on the Hudson Valley music scene for many years. When you think about this scene, George has to come to mind. He’s a great guy and a solid bass player. He also plays with Circle 65 and Split Decision and used to be the bass player for The Cesar Band. George is a great solid addition. 

The last member to join us was Trisha Pallo, who in my opinion, is Hudson Valley Music Royalty. Trisha, along with her husband Joe, have been ‘The Differents’ and have been playing together on the Hudson Valley music scene for over 30 years. She is one of my best friends and one of best and most iconic voices to ever hit the scene. I absolutely love sharing the stage with her.”

If you could work with one industry executive in the history of music, who would you like to work with?

“I think the music industry itself tends to be a bunch of thieves. Who I would love to work with as a mentor would of course be Prince, who made it his point later in life to shine a light on the thievery and helped other musicians, understand the importance of owning the rights to their music and lyrics. I couldn’t think of a better mentor.”

What are some recent achievements for Pandemonium? Maybe some recent venues played?

“Pandemonium is new on the scene, and I wouldn’t say that we’ve really achieved anything just yet aside from great chemistry together. We have really found our groove and the band is solid. The material and musicianship are impressive, and I think we will do great things.”

Is there a message to people and potential fans about the music and its message?

“Yes. Get your ass out to see us and relive your youth.”

Where can we hear more, and why should we? What makes you an iconic band for the times?

“I would say, if you were a fan of the Headbangers Ball on MTV as a kid, if you listen to Dee Snyder’s House of Hair, then you’ll love us! Get your old biker jacket out of the attic, get your ass off the couch, get your horns up and come rock out with us. No one does what we do; 3 straight hours of dick kicking rock. 

You can see us on the Hudson Valley scene at places like the Curry Estate in Hopewell, The Derby in Poughkeepsie, Schlathaus Park in Wappingers, Darby Ogills in Hyde Park and more!”

Questions For The Photographer-