Energetic, meaningful Midwestern roots-rock -- think Tom Petty meets The Beatles meets Ryan Adams or Springsteen or Mellencamp.

14 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Roots Rock, POP: Beatles-pop



Details:
In 1996, Kalamazoo, Michigan-based Willamena set out to combine outstanding songwriting with high-energy roots rock. The band's story-telling lyrics, seamless guitar work, and exceptional work ethic over the years have paid off, in critically-acclaimed songs and an award-winning live show packed with energy and emotion. Willamena's timely, polished sound begins with Lucas Ross (lead vocals/guitar) and Chad Hendrickson (lead guitar/vocals). The duo's songwriting brings a truly fresh approach to classic roots rock by combining smooth, grooving elements, lush guitars, and driving rhythm. With the addition of Chris Newman (bass, vocals), Ted Mitchell (drums), and Dylan Nau (keys, guitar, vocals), Willamena amps up the classic singer-songwriter style into a big-time, high-octane, rock-n-roll experience. After releasing their first (and well-received) CD "High Price to Pay" in 1997, Willamena gigged relentlessly, opening for such touring acts as Fishbone, The Why Store, Big Brother and the Holding Company, SR-71, Nine Days, Thought Industry, and many others. Eventually, Willamena earned a reputation as the hardest-working band in Michigan, and surpassed over 140 other acts to win the Grand Rapids-based 2001 Aris Hampers/101.3FM Hometown Rock Search. In May, 2002, Willamena released "Ghost of July" to excellent local reviews and ever-increasing local sales. The band's second CD has a sharp focus, a rich sound, and it packs a big punch. Willamena's third CD "Far From the Current" was released in February, 2004 to rave local reviews, even faster local sales, and various awards and achievements. The band will maintain its rigorous show schedule behind "Current" as part of its pursuit of a major-label deal.