Live From Deep Ellum
It's not easy to find a story as genuine as Stavesacre's in popular culture these days when considering all of the carefully scripted rises to glory and the falls that inevitably follow careers built on hype. If any band in recent years can claim to have built a following strictly on its own merits, it's Stavesacre. This California-based band went from zero to sixty by virtue of a combination of finger-on-the-pulse songs and powerful live performances."We're the type of band that functions really well under pressure and the only pressure that we recognize is our own. We definitely want to top ourselves with each album we release," says Soloman. "The band's goal has always been to make records that are solid from start to finish; records that take you through an entire range of emotions." Bassist Dirk Lemmenes added, "On our previous releases, we always kept in mind that we had to write for ourselves because as long as we love it, our fans will love it as well. We try not to set any other goals above and beyond that." While Soloman grants that the band's increased resources had some impact on the structure of writing, it's clear that Stavesacre's evolution is far more than just a matter of dollars and cents.On their latest release, Stavesacre has returned with a collection of songs that offer the listener a passionate journey of emotive energy. The band's collaborations stand among the select few that seem to effortlessly draw the listener in and truly move the spirit through the simple art of expression. On Collective, you will find an array of tracks from previous releases as well as remakes of crowd favorites and b-sides.With Stavesacre's recent signing with Nitro Records (AFI, Bodyjar, Offspring), the band has been stepping up to the plate with some of their best writing to date. "We're a little bit older and more mature now and we've been through a lot in the past few years, so we are looking to put things across in a way that reflects that," states Soloman. Drummer Sam West added, "We are taking our sound and expanding upon it. I think our new material is the most diverse, dynamic music we have written to date." Stavesacre's first Nitro releases is scheduled for early fall 2002.Stavesacre's reputation for dynamic and passionate live performances has led to a massive underground following. Over the past five years the band has been winning over fans worldwide. "We were out on tour for a long time and wherever we went, there were people telling me how much certain songs meant to them and how they felt so close to them," says Soloman. "That means more to me than any other kind of attention. It's important to feel as if you're doing something worthwhile and in this band, I feel like I am." On a similar note, drummer Sam West added, "Our success has been dictated by the fans. They are the most important thing in the band's life. The five of us feel blessed to have such a great following of people. It's amazing to me when I sit behind the kit during a show and see the passion and emotion displayed by the audience."