Article about bob on DC101.com
The link to the article is HERE====>http://www.dc101.com/pages/locallixfeaturedband.html We’ve re-posted the article below as well. Thanks so much to DC101 and the Local Lix staff. Special thanks to Amber-Therese Foster for authoring the write-up.
There are so many great bands that I could spotlight here for a variety of reasons but as someone working in the music industry full-time I chose the band who has most influenced me this year. Let me introduce you to my friend bob.
Chances are if you ever go out to any venue in VA/DC or MD you have seen these guys. They are hard to miss- with an unmistakable image. Singer, Matt Santoro, sports rainbow colored dreads and is covered in tattoos. It’s a face you won’t forget. Guitarist Adam Smith prefers blonde dreads, and full sleeves. One look at this band and you know they are musicians…there is nothing 9-5 about their image. The only other workplace they might look normal in is a tattoo shop!
Best friends growing up, Matt and Adam formed a band in their basement years ago, but the bands current inception wasn’t solidified until 2004 when drummer, Drew Recny and bassist Carl Schmieg joined.
I’ve now had the pleasure of seeing these guys grow from playing an unpaid showcase at TT Reynold’s on a Tuesday night back in 2004 to virtually selling out venues like State Theatre and headlining several other markets out of our area as well. They are now a powerhouse in our region, outdrawing nearly all other local bands, with a legion of loyal fans who support their every move. There is no official “street team” to speak of�an old school concept in the industry anyway, but there is definitely a “tribe” that bob is leading. Whether or not their vulgar hard rock/rap sound is your usual cup of tea, it’s virtually impossible to see them live and not be made into a believer. It’s obvious they live and breathe what they do (check out track 2!), and one cannot help but have fun when 800 other people are jumping up and down singing the lyrics to one of their catchy hits. For those of you who are fans of such bands as Rage against the Machine, Incubus, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, you will love what you hear- “unadulterated rock and raw energy”.
2008 has been a big year for bob with the release of their much-anticipated debut record called “bbbob” named affectionately after their legendary producer “GGGarth Richardson” whose prevalent stutter inspired the name for their album. Garth boasts an impressive resume, having produced such bands as: Atreyu, Rage against the Machine, Trapt, Mudvayne, Chevelle, RHCP�the list goes on and on. Matt and Adam contacted Garth on a whim and spent a month in his Vancouver studio last winter recording a major-label quality recording. Special guest Dave Ogilvie, famed producer who’s worked with the likes of Marilyn Manson, lent a hand as well, producing the track “Busted Dreams”. �
In the past 4 years bob has accomplished more than many bands can ever claim. Their hard work garnered them an endorsement by Budweiser after a rep saw their energetic set at DC101’s Last Band Standing. They’ve since played such high-profile events as Blocktoberfest, and they have consistently packed venues like 9:30 club and State Theatre. It is simply a matter of time before this band explodes on to the National scene the way they have regionally. For now they are leaving their mark on the east coast as they play 12-15 shows a month in the mid-Atlantic area.
For new bands starting out, bob’s business model is the best I’ve seen for the right way to grow your band’s business- #1. Be authentic and love what you do. #2. Put on the best show you possibly can, working your ass off to improve it constantly #3. Be very strategic in all business decisions especially your touring schedule as to not oversaturate your market #4. Get out there and connect with fans #5. Assemble the best support team around you.� #6. Work harder than you can imagine, and finally, #7- Be nice. No one likes to work with arrogant jerks. These are easily four of the nicest dudes I have ever met in any industry.
In the past four years I must have gotten 500+ promo postcards plastered on my car at various shows. If these guys aren’t performing, or rehearsing, then they are out promoting their band. It’s clear that hard work has paid off.� The most exciting part for me, as a fan, is knowing that this band is ever-evolving. We haven’t seen anything yet! I, for one, cannot wait!!
Check them out at: www.bobband.com or www.myspace.com/bobband and see them live at State Theatre on December 20th for a special benefit, “Rock 4 Kids” which supports the Children’s Hospital in DC.
