YESTERDAZE CHILD
By Dan Golden
Steven Hadjopoulos, guiding force behind the band Yesterdaze Child,
declares that "democracy rules" the unit. "The whole
band is the star, not me," states the song-writer/front-person
of this emerging act. After honing their live shows, as well as nearly
completing a soon-to-be-released CD project, this group is ready to
raise the bar another notch. An upcoming appearance on a local cable-access
series will certainly help take them to a higher plane.
Together as a performing unit since the summer of 2000, Yesterdaze
Child describes their sound as "classic, alternative, country rock
with a slash of southern flavor." The players boast a wide range
of influences from a host of '60s and '70s seminal artists such as The
Beatles and Tom Petty. Layered vocals, twin guitars, violin solos and
solid rhythms help propel this band's sonic charm. Down-home lyrics
and catchy melodies are the hallmark of their original compositions.
Joining Hadjopoulos on the front line are vocalist Keri Fletcher,
violinist Sharon Donaldson and guitar player Rex Beard. The rhythm section
includes drummer Pete Atkins and bassist Paul Delano. Several of the
bandmates coincidentally hail from Arizona and all have years of performing
experience on their résumés. "The chemistry between
us gels great" is the oft-repeated theme amongst the band members'
comments. "We all want to make it happen" is the way Hadjopoulos
describes the group vibe.
The last 10 months have proven incredibly productive for the band.
Select live appearances, coupled with the ongoing recording project,
helped bring the band's sound together in a hurry. Their current material
is being put to tape at Red Carpet Studio's new facility in Aloha. Operated
by Gavin and Wendy Pursinger, Red Carpet Studio utilizes a mix of vintage
analog and state-of-the-art digital production equipment to produce
a sound sought after throughout the music industry.
Hadjopoulos' songs are short stories put to music. Whether he is extolling
the virtues and pains of love in Natallie or reminiscing about the band
in the epimoniously named title track, the point is made. Utilizing
the skills of the band members and the technology of recording engineer
Pursinger, the upcoming CD should capture the warmth and honesty of
this very organic material.
The Pursingers also provide the energy source for an exciting new
cable-access show called Wing It. Produced at Tualatin Valley Community
Access studio in Beaverton, this "recorded live for tape,"
musically-themed program is truly a family affair that includes their
son and neighbors on the crew! A recent in-studio performance by Yesterdaze
Child will soon be cablecast on several community access stations across
the Tri-County area. Coinciding with the upcoming release of their new
CD, this should help launch Yesterdaze Child towards the big time. (See
Bandstand for schedule.)
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