Biography
House Blend is like a breath of fresh air in the Wisconsin music scene, combining a widely accessible sound that appeals to both young and old alike, and was named WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) Best New Artist/Group of the Year in 2008. The band is led by the smooth and powerful voice of front-man, Bryan Dorsey, and is guided by the heartfelt writings of Mike Dixon. Based on a solid musical foundation, the music features intricate vocal harmony, and claims influence from bands such as Coldplay, Guster, and CSNY. These aspects, combined with the powerful drums and soaring guitar riffs of Tom Elmendorf and Karl Lemke, create an irresistible, musical sensation.
House Blend was formed in the winter of 2004 by Mike Dixon, Bryan Dorsey, and Stefan Benkowski, originally known as “The Dixon, Dorsey, Benkowski Trio”. Soon after, they picked up drummer Jordan Blackmer and renamed the band “House Blend”. Following a summer spreading their refreshing, acoustic sound throughout the Milwaukee area, Stefan left the group to join “We The Living”, a band based out of Madison, Wisconsin, currently touring nationally. House Blend then welcomed Ted Lueders, a local solo acoustic artist, into the band. Ted’s one-of-a-kind playing style brought a fresh perspective and new ideas.
After a string of successful local shows, charity fundraisers, and Battle of the Bands contests, House Blend took their sound to the studio to record their first EP at Milwaukee-native Willy Porter’s studio. Porter’s engineers helped capture the essence of the House Blend sound: strong, yet organic acoustic music overlaid the stunning vocal harmony. Over the next year the EP sold several hundred copies as they lightly toured Southern Wisconsin playing outdoor music festivals, private venues, and coffee shops,.
The summer of 2007 proved to be an important year for the group, which committed itself to raising its level of musicianship and professionalism. The music retained its refreshing, acoustic quality and focus on vocal harmony, but added accessibility by increasing the amount of rock influence. House Blend revamped its existing set list and added new original tunes. This change in philosophy paid off, as the band booked bigger and more exciting shows at venues such as The Rave, Milwaukee Bastille Days, and the Bayshore Town Center. These efforts fueled an increase in their fan base, as well as in interest from players in the local music scene, culminating in being named WAMI Best New Artist of the Year for 2008.
For the summer of 2008, House Blend was forced to reinvent itself again as Jordan Blackmer and Ted Lueders decided to part ways with the group and pursue their dreams further away from home. Soon after, Tom Elmendorf and Karl Lemke joined the group. Tom’s dynamic playing style now provides a steady yet awe-inspiring drum foundation, while Karl’s guitar playing adds a layer of complexity that leaves listeners wanting more. The band again expanded its show resume adding venues such as the M&I Classic Rock Stage at Summerfest, Whitefish Bay Summer Sounds, Watertown Riverfest, and opening for Darryl Stuermer at Cedarburg Summer Sounds. House Blend has set its eyes on growth in the future as they take the steps necessary to mature in their music, stage show, and business practices, with the main goal to continue producing music true to their identity. From their captivating stage show, to their undying love for their fans, House Blend is on their way, and they invite you to come along for the ride.
Show resume available upon request.
Instrumentation
Bryan Dorsey - Lead Vocals, Bass
Mike Dixon - Vocals, Guitar
Tom Elmendorf - Drums
Karl Lemke - Lead Guitar
Discography
Don't Look Down EP (2008)
1.) Let Go
2.) Don't Look Down
3.) Disappear
4.) Reflected In Glass
5.) I'll Try
Hanging EP (2007):
1.) Hanging
2.) A Toast
House Blend Self-Titled EP (2006):
1.) Run Away
2.) A Dream
3.) Planned
4.) Hello
5.) Let Go
6.) One Year
Links
| http://www.houseblendmusic.net |