During my college years, I was fortunate and found a solid group of friends. A little over a decade later, that group of friends has evolved and we still function as a cohesive group. We have many goals that we succeed with accomplishing like ski trips, live music trips, camping, beach weekends, annual parties, etc.
Often times when we get together we end up playing music. It’s usually Slosh and Alex on guitar, with Prime Printer Dave making guest appearances from time to time. Shuman and Scott on percussion, Ralphy on banjo, Jeff on keys or any random instrument that he may have found at a second hand store, your’s truly on percussion and anyone on vocals.
It’s the highlight of most get togethers. Slosh will play “The Hit” because, well, it’s the shit. And then he and Alex will always play some Ween and Talking Heads with lots of improv somewhere in between. These sessions lead me to create a band in my mind called “The Dewme Decibel System”. For years now, this group of friends has been talking about the Dewme Decibel System, but I could never get it to go further than talk.
After a great talk with my friend Natalie, I realized that I wanted more than unorganized, infrequent jamming. I wanted to be part of a regimented group of music creators. That’s when I stumbled upon Mike. He has all the necessary equipment and practice studio, lots of experience and talent, and the goal of making something happen musically. We practiced with Paul, who played bass, and tested out different drummers. Eventually Ryan came along, blew our socks off and he happened to have a friend, Andy, that he plays sax with who was also very good. Unfortunately, Paul didn’t work out, we found Axl and together: me, Mike, Ryan, Andy and Axl became Biscuits and Groovy. We practiced covers, would improv with ease and were fairly regimented. I learned quite a few important things about myself and about performing during the time I spent with Biscuits and Groovy. After a about a year of practicing and two or three gigs, Biscuits and Groovy and I are parting ways.
With all that being said, my next adventure (in addition to photography) is going to be the resurgence of the Dewme Decibel System. With the commitment of handshakes, this group is going to consist of me on vocals, hand percussions and dancing, Scott on the mixer, Ryan on drums, Prime Printer Dave on bass, Alex on guitar and vocals and it’s going to be the SHIT! I’m envisioning a home grown, singer songwriter version of Portishead meets Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros meets Jenny Lewis meets Scissor Sisters. I am looking forward to what will come of this ever evolving experiment of entertaining. The basic knowledge that I was born to be on stage is my driving force.
I’d wish for luck, but I know better. Once preparation meets timing, that’s when you’ll be privy to the works of the evolving Dewme Decibel System. Until then, any contributions, tips or support you would feel inclined to provide would be appreciated.
UPDATE (12/11): My goal was ambitious. The Dewme Decibal System still only exists in my mind, but about three times a year, it becomes a reality and when that happens, it sure feels great!
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