Local rock band Rockets and Reasons may be changing their names, but it doesn't mean they will be changing their sound.
The band, which is fronted by lead vocalist and Seton Hall student Enrique Patino-Daly along with Dan Minda (Guitar), Dan Connor (Guitar / Vocals), Luke Kosinski (Drums), and T.J Gentile (Bass) have recently had a string of accomplishments including a recent show at Webster Hall in New York City.
"We like to call ourselves a rock band - plain and simple," Patino-Daly said. "A lot of people in our scene get really caught up in labels- pop, electro, alternative, emo etc. We just want to make good, hard hitting rock and let our music speak for itself."
Not your average garage band, Rockets and Reasons also started recording their forthcoming EP in Detroit at 37 Studios. The head producer is Matt Dalton along with Craig Owens (Chiodos, Ilses and Glaciers, Sounds of Animals Fighting).
The band credits their fans for their success and for keeping them level-headed.
"We like to think it's because we're good musicians and kinda cute," Patino-Daly laughed. But, seriously we really think it's because we try hard to talk to all of our fans and make friends with them. We're never aloof or conceited - we legitimately want to meet and talk to anyone who appreciates our music."
The band is currently competing in the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands contest for a spot to perform live at Warped Tour 2010 at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, NJ. Based on the first round, an online voting contest, and the second round, a band review process, Rockets and Reasons are currently in the Top 10. Just a few more votes can get them to the No. 1 spot, where they'll have the chance to perform at a festival that has launched the careers of so many well-known bands.
"We have really cool fans and friends alike who really support us and show us some love," Patino-Daly said. "You could be the best band in the world but if no one's listening to you, it's not worth much. If some kid walks away after hearing Dan's guitar part and decides he wants to pick up a guitar and learn or if someone hears a lyric I wrote and it gets them through a really rough day, then everything is immediately worth all the hard work."
To vote for Rockets and Reasons to play at the Warped Tour 2010 at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, NJ, visit www.battleofthebands.com/rocketsandreasons.
Meghan St. John can be reached at meghan.stjohn@student.shu.edu.
