10 Minutes From Here

10 Minutes From Here is a hot, fun, high energy band from St. Petersburg, Florida—bringing fresh new sounds to the indie/alternative/punk scene. Three highly talented musicians come together to showcase some of the more interesting and highly creative material today.

“If you could combine The Black Keys, Cage the Elephant, The Jam, XTC, The Animals, The Doors, a touch of The Clash and a little dash of The Who (very early Who), you might have our sound.”

“Hell, we sound like ourselves.”

10 Minutes From Here — Original. Contemporary. Melodic. Danceable. High energy. Think indie/alternative/60’s sound with an edge.

John McCoy: Guitar, Keyboard, Vocals

John grew up in a small town, in a modest house just outside of New York City. At a young age his interests gravitated towards the arts. He picked up his first paint brush at age five, performed in “off Broadway” theatre at age seven, and strummed his first electric guitar at age nine (a $25 Kent guitar which was a gift from his Mother). And while those seem like early ages, he knew exactly the creative path he would take. After attending college with a degree in the arts, John headed back to New York, and throughout the 80’s, led a dual career—working in advertising and design on Madison Avenue to pay the rent, and performing at clubs in the evening around the city to fulfill his musical passion. The Blenders, one of the many original bands John created, were well known down in the Bowery at clubs like CBGB’s for their single “Applesauce.” It was an exciting time to be in music and rub shoulders with other acts like Joe Jackson, Marshall Crenshaw, The Talking Heads, Blondie and the Ramones.

Fast forward to 2016, and John’s passion never faded. Now living in St Petersburg, Florida, he has brought together 3 highly talented musicians that take creativity to new heights and are storming onto the music stage. This is “10 Minutes From Here.”

Jack Frederick: Drums, Percussion, Vocals

Jack came from the colorful, music minded town of Chicago, and moved to Tampa, Florida at an early age (making him “almost” a Floridian). Having received a “hand me down” record player at age two, and his first drum set at age three from his Uncle John, Jack was headed towards a highly talented career in music that would also include training in both trumpet and guitar—giving him the ability to bring a diverse thinking and approach to the music he plays.

Currently living in St Petersburg, Florida, Jack has been involved in numerous projects starting as far back as 1993 (his first cover band), as well as playing with “Buffalo Strange,” “Fang Shooey,” and “The Funky Seeds.” Jack’s talent has been seen on some of the top stages including USF Sun Dome, Green Parrot (Key West), Skippers and St Petersburg’s own Ringside Cafe amongst many others. But of all the projects Jack has been involved with, “10 Minutes From Here” represents the full culmination of all the talent and hard work he has expelled throughout his career.

Matt Shelley: Bass, Vocals

A native of Alabama, Matt grew up on a steady dose of Southern Gospel, Johnny Cash and Lynyrd Skynyrd (not bad for a foundation). However, in the 90’s he saw there was a whole genre of music that went right to his soul, and sparked new life in his musical career. Matt knew what he wanted, and where he was headed. This was the loud, raucous and high energy alternative/punk scene. He quickly turned to listening to bands like Rancid, NOFX, Weezer and Smashing Pumpkins—a far cry from his Southern roots. And soon found himself playing in local garage/grunge bands looking for a piece of that energy.

From the mid 90’s to 2010 Matt played guitar and dabbled in the drums, but neither gave him the “rush” he was looking for. It wasn’t until he picked up the bass that he knew he had found “it.” From 2010 on, Matt’s talents were unleashed and new opportunities were opening up.

Hearing about the music and art scene in Tampa/St Petersburg, in 2015 Matt and his wife packed up and headed East. While checking out the clubs in his new home, Matt ran into John of “10 Minutes From Here.” After getting to know each other, John mentioned they just let go of a bass player, and invited him to sit in. From that point on, Matt had found the excitement and creative energy he knew he could grow with, and a tight musical bond was formed between John, Jack and Matt.