american rockstar

Lead singer Dallas Riffle and guitarist Joe Brannan have been through many changes in the almost four years since they formed the band American Rockstar, which will be performing at the Odeon Dec. 13.

Member-wise, the band has seen three different bassists and drummers before finding the current combination of bassist Derek Sutcliffe and drummer Scott Sykora.

Sykora, who has been a part of other bands, feels American Rockstar is the best band he’s been in.

“It’s the first time everyone has the same caliber, dedication and emotion,” he said. “No one brings their personal life into the band. There is no drama.”

Sykora said they all feel like family instead of band mates, and the other members have made him feel comfortable.

“We are mostly the same age, at the same point in our lives,” Riffle said. “It is the best line-up we’ve ever had.”

After having success with their first album in 2000, they came out with a live CD in 2002. They had recorded all the songs for their second studio album, and were just entering the mixing process when two members decided to leave. Once finding Sutcliffe and Sykora, they decided to go back into the studio and record brand new songs and make some more changes.

“We decided we weren’t really happy with it,” Riffle said. “All of us are really excited we made that decision.”

Though it has not been decided when All That’s Left is All That’s Right will be released, it will be sometime in the next few months, the band said.

“The basic premise is the same,” Riffle said. “We went through different phases of writing, but we are pretty happy with the style now.”

The best part about being in a band, according to Riffle, is being able to make people feel good.

“Being able to bring people into your world and see people sing your lyrics is the best,” he said.

For Sykora, performing on stage is the reason he loves being a part of a band.

“I love the energy I get when I play with these three other guys,” he said.

As for the future, they hope to be able to go on at least one tour and expand their audience.

“I consider myself lucky that we’ve had success in Cleveland,” Riffle said. “But I would like to take music to some places I have never seen.”

“I want to play as long as my body will hold up, and write songs people enjoy,” Sykora said. “Even if there are five people or 2,000 people watching us.”

They are anxious to get something on the market, especially after letting some people hear their new tracks.

E-mail: kschneid@kent.edu
- Daily Kent Stater

Band Review

Based on the mp3 reviewed, What its Worth, American Rockstar (or ARS) certainly live up to their name. The track epitomises the conventional yet catchy American rock. Maybe it's just my Winamp player, but the quality of this mp3 is not perfect. Nevertheless, good vocals and talented guitar playing are evident.

Website Review

Very impressive opening pages, featuring Flash and an innovative design. Content includes lyrics, merchandise and more. There's very good navigation too, but the site doesn't get 5* as image-heavy pages may be frustratingly slow to load on a dial-up connection.
- Anjool Malde

by Britten Stark
October 20, 2005

Despite the many changes americanrockstar has undergone since its first release in 2000, the band is finally receiving some recognition and success for its rocking pop sound.

At one point in time, success was extremely important to lead guitarist and vocalist Dallas Riffle, but the negative experience of striving for nothing but a major record deal led him to form americanrockstar with a completely different attitude.

Americanrockstar’s shows are spontaneous, allowing the audience to have fun along with the band.

Despite the fun energy of americanrockstar, the band has nearly broken up three times. Even more remarkable, Riffle is the only remaining original member.

Americanrockstar has stayed together despite rocky moments because the members are determined to have fun, no matter what.

In fact, the band’s name even originated as a joke.

“It is what it is,” Riffle said. “It’s not important what words (we use) — it’s just a name.”

The album americanrockstar is currently working on is supposed to be heavier than the previous releases.

“I write pop music,” Riffle said. “There can be metal drumming and guitars, but it’s still pop.”

Adapter should hit shelves early next year. Its release was postponed.

Americanrockstar’s recent signing with Bandaloop Records after months of negotiations has contributed to the delay. Both the label and the band want to spend the extra time and effort to make Adapter a solid album.

Drummer Scott Sykora’s broken foot has delayed the recording of the tracks recently added to Adapter. Though Sykora’s talents pull through for shows, the new album requires more intense drum work that cannot be accomplished one-footed.

Riffle encourages everyone to listen to it once, and “if they like it, keep listening.”

Contact ALL correspondent Britten Stark at bstark@kent.edu. - Daily Kent Stater

Honors for the latest in new music this month goes to American Rockstar from Cleveland. The foursome has just released their latest disc "All That's Left Is All That's Right", a ten cut adventure in high energy and hooks. OhioOnline music correspondent Peanuts sent out questions the other day and got back the answers from American Rockstar guitarist Dallas Riffle on the band's safari thus far into the music business jungle.

OO: First let's start with a little on your background.
DR: "I was born in the Akron area and grew up in Tallmadge. I graduated from Tallmadge High and attended the University of Akron on an art scholarship. I have lived in Kent for the past several year, but will be relocating to Cleveland soon. I was the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist in Somasonic (1995-1998) and later Halo For Adam (1998-1999). Between the two, Somasonic did generate a really good Cleveland/Akron following."

OO: How did you wind up doing music?
DR: "I think I have a natural interest in and need to create music. It has been a huge part of my life since the day I was born and it will be until the day I die. I will always give credit to my parents for exposing me to many great artists ans styles."

OO: In that case, name ten influential bands.
DR: "The Beatles, Bob Mould from Husker Du/Sugar, Def Leppard, Nine Inch Nails, Black Sabbath, Matthew Sweet, Led Zepplin, Parliament/Funkadelic, Sunny Day Real Estate and Helmet."

OO: Quite a mix there. Any regional Ohio bands that the group would match up with in concert?
DR: "Though we haven't played a show with them in awhile, I think we always matched up really well with Sindust. On the national level, I'd say the Foo Fighters. They write great songs and put on one hell of a show."

OO: Briefly describe the band's name.
DR: "ARS is pretty much just your basic rock outfit. Nothing fancy. We just write good songs that will stick with people and that they can give their own meaning to. Fads come and go, but a good song lasts forever."

OO: Is this the band's first release?
DR: "This is our second studio disc, third release overall."

OO: Where was the disc cut?
DR: "Creekside Audio in Copley with Wes McCraw behind the board. It was definetly the best studio experience I've ever had. We really took the time to do everything exactly how we wanted. Wes did a fantastic job."

OO: How did the band get its name?
DR: "A good friend of mine had achieved a certain level of fame with his band after releasing a disc in Sweden. In a casual conversation I had with his manager once, he recounted stepping off the plane for their first visit there and being treated like 'American rock stars'. That phrase just stuck with me for that reason and I thought it could potentially be a great band name."

OO: Long Term Plans?
DR: "That all depends on what happens within the first year of having the disc out there for public and industry consumption. All of us know that if anything is going to happen for us career-wise, it needs to stem from this release. Hopefully, we can find the right people who believe in this as much as we doand they can help us get to the next level."

OO: Final thoughts.
DR: "Sometimes I think people don't realize what a great music scene there is in Ohio. On any given night you can see so many talented bands. I feel fortunate to have been a part of it."


Website: www.americanrockstar.com



Peanuts is a longtime Ohio music critic and writer. He can be reached at hostofthenorthcoast@yahoo.com - www.ohioonline.com

Cleveland rock trio signs to Bandaloop Records.

By D.X. Ferris

Published: Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Cleveland's American Rockstar has signed a one-album deal with Bandaloop Records, the Columbus-based label with a roster including Akron's Roger Hoover and the Whiskeyhounds and 13 Faces, the Cleveland metalcore band that has sold more than 5,000 copies for the company.

"I was impressed with their latest CD, so we started talking," says Bandaloop owner Bill Hutchinson. "Turns out, their hearts are in the right place, they're stand-up guys, and they have some killer material. So we made them an offer. We're still in the early stages of developing a marketing plan, but we'll definitely make a big push at radio and regional touring."

The modern-rock power trio was founded in Akron in 1999 and immigrated to Cleveland as members came and went. Founder, frontman, and guitarist Dallas Riffle had earlier played in Cleveland's Somasonic and the studio project Halo for Adam. Last year, American Rockstar released its second disc, All That's Left Is All That's Right, and has been making up for lost time since its current lineup jelled with the addition of bassist Derek Sutcliffe and drummer Scott Sykora. The group frequents the Odeon, the Hi-Fi Club, and Peabody's. Rockstar plans to record its third album this summer, with Wes McCraw (Sindust, Bonk, 4 Star Radar) at Akron's Creekside Audio.

"I heard of Bandaloop when it formed, and at the time, we said, 'No, we want a major-label deal," says Riffle. "And five years later, we were at a crossroads, and we thought of them, and we hit it off. The major-label deal doesn't just happen, so why not team up with someone that really cares about you, that will really help you grow? The plan is to play one or two good local shows a month and make monthly visits around the region: Chicago, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis."

Bandaloop and the band plan for an early fall release. - Scene Magazine (www.clevescene.com)

by Ken McKnight
Published 01/15/05


ARS' latest release, All That's Left is All That's Right, is their second studio disc, their third release altogether. This album was recorded at Creekside Audio in Copley, OH with Wes McCraw behind the board. "This was definetly the best studio experience I've ever had." Dallas recalls "We really took the time to do everything exactly how we wanted. Wes did a fantastic job." This new release has generated an overwhelmingly positive response from both fans and industry professionals from all over the world.

This albums first single, "Holiday" quickly became the #1 requested song on WSTB Radio in OH just two weeks after it's release and #4 on WDUB Internet Radio's Top 100 Songs. "Holiday" and "Hold Your Own" also became an overnight success on GarageBand.com.

From the moment I first listened the americanrockstar tracks on PureVolume, I felt their music was refreshing and immensely enjoyable. I immediately contacted ARS about an interview. Derek and Dallas quickly responded to my request with great enthusiasm.

It was very encouraging to find a band genuinely into their music, their fans and getting thier message out. My impression; these guys are a very down-to-earth group who really enjoy the art of entertaining people.
After the first listen, it was quite apparent that this Cleveland based quartet rocks. Their fervid vocals, blazing instrumentation and intense percussion tracks coupled with their high-energy performances and captivating showmanship have merited americanrockstar with a huge, loyal following.

ARS has a terrific Retrospect area on their website featuring americanrockstar history including some images and other information about all of the various line-ups and musicians that they have worked with over the years. Going into their 5th year and their most recent line-up change, guitarist Mitch Martin has become a welcomed member of the ARS family. "Mitch brings a fresh and aggressive sound and a powerful and explosive stage presence to the band. Mitch's innovative playing and warm personality are already bringing americanrockstar into another exciting chapter in its career."

In fact, Cleveland's two largest rock radio stations WMMS and WXTM frequently sponsor shows and have featured the band as an on-air guest. To experience ARS live, they regularly headline many of Cleveland's premier concert venues, including the Odeon, Peabody's, and the Hard Rock Cafe.

Just a few days after receiving the CD and playing it to death, I had the opportunity to chat with them a bit. They graciously responded by digging deep into themselves to pull out these answers for us, just to let us know a little about what makes them tick.

DR: Dallas Riffle - vocals, guitar
MM: Mitch Martin - guitar, vocals
DS: Derek Sutcliffe - bass, vocals
SS: Scott Sykora - drums

Where are all of you originally from?

DR: I'm originally from the Akron, OH area, and now I live in Cleveland, OH.

DS: Cleveland, OH.

SS: Cleveland, OH.

How long have you been musicians? ...why musicians?

DR: I'd say I've been drawn to the idea of making music my entire life. As far as how long I've been actively making music, it's been around 15 years.

DS: I've been playing and studying music since 1989. I started with guitar. I switched to bass in 1999 after struggling to find an identity with the guitar. Once I felt the awesomeness of bass, I was hooked. For me, being a musician is necessary. It's like there is this need to create and play. Rocking out is the best outlet. There is a pure energy released when all the guys connect and the music is flowing naturally - it's like a drug.

SS: At least 15 years. I decided to play drums because when we had to pick instruments to play in 5th grade, I thought that playing the drums would be cheaper seeing as how the school provides the percussion instruments. After altercations that ensued, I was let go from band and discovered that playing drums was actually the most expensive instrument to get involved in. Sure, I was stupid, but it landed me some dates with some pretty hot cheerleaders who were older. So, that is the second part to that answer... I definitely do it for the broads and boobs.

MM: I've been playing for 8 years and I've been in bands since I was 17. I see being a musician as a hobby, that's why I do it. I enjoy it.

Who would you say are your biggest influences?

DR: For me, the top few would have to be the Beatles, Def Leppard, Jane's Addiction, Nine Inch Nails and Bob Mould, although there really are too many to count.

DS: My biggest influences came from the music I grew up with: heavy bands from the late 80's/early 90's, like Metallica, Pantera, COC, White Zombie, Kyuss, Testament, Sepultura and Zakk Wylde. I never really wanted to try and sound like any one in particular although I have always been influenced by a groove.

SS: Mine personally come from a bizarre angle. I grew up in the thrash metal heyday, so some of the bands that got me into playing were Anthrax, Testament and Exhorter. Then that got me into bands like Pantera, Prong, Faith No More, Alice In Chains, Machine Head and so on. As I started to progress into my playing I was getting into the industrial movement, so I started listening to, and being influenced, bands like KMFDM, Ministry, and Front Line Assembly. That style really helped to lock my down as a solid player.
After that I became infatuated with grind core and death metal--so bands like Nile, Origin, Malevolent Creation, Air Supply, Disincarnate, Death, Strapping Young Lad, and Meshuggah. After that I started getting into Sting, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Alanis Morrisette, Heather Nova, Indigo Girls, Christopher Cross, The Tea Party, and yes, Barry Manilow. I try to listen to as much from all over the gamut to draw from... that makes it more interesting!!

MM: my biggest influences are mainly hardcore bands, like Snapcase and Willhaven.

How long has ARS been together?

DR: Since the turn of the century.

MM: I've only been in the band for like, three months. I'm such a noob.

What brought the band together?

DR: It was originally the brainstorm of several musicians with whom I had worked in various projects over the previous few years. We had all been in "serious" projects that all met their respective demises during the same time period, and we needed a break. ARS was put together with the goal of being that break- just a band with good songs, and the attitude that we just wanted people at our shows to have fun.

That course changed over the first few years as things got more career-oriented, but we've recently made it a point to return to that original mantra, because we've realized that that's what's most important. We've had our share of member changes, but as the old adage goes, that which does not kill us shall only serve to make us stronger. At this point we are functioning better and sounding better than we ever have.

SS: I was playing in a band called Last August. We played a few shows with Derek's old band and ARS. I became good friends with Derek and we hung out all the time. In the meantime Derek left his band and joined ARS and I was still with my band. For over a year Derek was trying to get me to quit and join ARS, but I said no, and finally due to circumstances I started playing with ARS and quit my old band.

Who are some of the bands you have played or toured with?

DR: ARS has opened for several national acts, including Trapt, Sponge, Days of the New, 30 Seconds to Mars, Veruca Salt, VAST, Dear Violet and the Clarks.

SS: Earshot, Trapt, 30 Seconds to Mars, Dishwalla, Seven Mary Three, The Calling, and Another Path.

MM: I was in the band A Colder Year for about 3½ years. I got to tour and play with a whole bunch of nationals like Disturbed, Nonpoint, and Adema. I was also in Last August with Scott for about 4 months.

Tell us about your most memorable shows and venues?

DR: The Hard Rock a couple years ago when we did the Rolling Rock Town Fair battle of the bands. We played 2 shows in 2 weeks and had the most amazing turnout. The place was packed to capacity and the energy was absolutely amazing both nights.

DS: The most memorable shows for me are some of the smaller club shows we have played. Sometimes, the small shows are the ones with the most energy. Small smoky clubs, packed with people, everyone is there for the music and the energy is insane. There have been times when I can hear the people singing the songs louder than us. Those are the shows you want to play every night.

SS: I remember little things from every show. Meeting Jared Leto from 30 Seconds To Mars was a definite highlight. He was so down to earth and nice. For someone as familiar as him to be so laid back and wanting to hang and talk was cool.

MM: Playing in front of a sold out Agora Theatre (about 5,000 people) was definitely the best show I've ever been a part of.

Have you ever toured outside of the US?

DR: No, but it would be great to.

DS: Not yet but welcome the chance. I hear Amsterdam is nice this time of year.

SS: Once, but I think it was called Painesville.

MM: I went to Canada once. I was confused by Celsius.

Travel, how does that affect you?

DR: With having a day job and going to school it's tough doing regional shows. But it's also great to see how a new crowd accepts us.

DS: Travel is great. At this point it doesn't take much of a toll. I've found it to be a great bonding experience. We seem to play our best on the road. It's like we are out there playing for people for the first time and there really is no pressure. Always great to meet new fans and sleep in crappy motels.

SS: It makes me tired and makes my back and right ankle hurt.

MM: We all have day jobs and bills to pay. Traveling would have to be worth it.

What inspires or influences your songs?

DR: For me it's all based on personal experience. I also want people to be able to take from and apply their own meanings to a song, so I try to stick to pretty universal themes.

DS: Dallas writes the lyrics and comes up with the concepts. I'm still trying to figure out the meaning to some of the songs. They are really open ended so anyone can take them to mean something personal. I find a lot of the lyrics very empowering.

SS: For me, approaching each piece complementing to other parts. You never want to over-play and take away from the whole message of the song. Make it listen able and memorable... that is what I try to do to influence a song.

What goes on during songwriting? ...is it a bunch of fun and games or down and dirty?

DR: It all depends on from where the idea generates, how complete it is, and what the gut reaction is from the members who are hearing it for the first time. Sometimes a song will just naturally come together in the span of 15 minutes, and other times, it's much more involved and sometimes even agonizing.

DS: Song writing is the best experience. Usually one of us comes up with an idea or basic structure and the rest take it from there. We really rely on a good hook and basic rock structure. We each put our own input into the song and basically write our own parts. It's awesome because it lets each of us be as creative as possible. As a bass player, I really enjoy being able to play what I want and give each song the extra "oomph" it needs to kick some ass.

SS: Until now, being in the band for a year now, we have never really sat down and worked on new material. Since Mitch has joined we have been working on a lot of new ideas, and the ideas are great. I guess it is all fun and games all the other time, but when it comes to the writing aspect it becomes a mental challenge and gets, how you say, down and dirty, but we wash our hands a lot.

MM: Both, depends on the mood. Most of the time it's goofy because I'm funny.

Do you have any special process to get from idea to a completed song?

DR: The process is very subject to how the idea comes about, how complete it is, and how we all feel about it. If everyone is getting the same positive vibe, it's really easy. But if we decide it's got potential but needs something, it's an adventure trying to figure out what that something is.

DS: Nothing is really set in stone. I believe that once you try and write every song the same way, it becomes stale real quick. We are really flexible with how the songs develop. We only write things that we would enjoy listening to. If we think it sucks anywhere during the process, we scrap it or rework the riffs/structure, etc. to make it work.

SS: Everyone has their part and ideas. Everyone must be able to express their views and ideas because they are a part of a whole. I guess my personal specialty to the whole process would be arrangement and part placement. I wish I could play guitar so I could write, but I am only a stupid drummer.

How does each member fit into the process?

DR: I'm someone who will have an idea incubating in his head for a long time before I will present it to anyone, and it will generally be a pretty complete thought once I do, but the exciting thing for me is to see how the other guys take the parts and make them their own.

DS: Each member will develop their own parts. This allows be to keep the bass in your face.

SS: The best analogy I can think of is that wonderful family game, Twister. Right hand red, left foot green.

MM: I bring the needed heaviness to a song, the edge. Sometimes I write leads, too.

How much material do you have that isn't recorded?

DR: Over our whole existence we've written as much unreleased material as material we've recorded. But most of those songs have fallen by the wayside- we only record what we feel are our absolute best songs- those that will stand the test of time. We are always writing new material, and thinking ahead.

DS: Most of what we have in our current live catalog is recorded. We scrapped an album's worth of material about a year ago and are writing brand new songs as a group right now. We are expanding on our rock/pop vibe that we've had and getting a little heavier and groovier. Everything still has the americanrockstar feel but is kicking a little more ass.

MM: Tons of ideas, just working on making them all come to shape.

Will we be seeing a new album or tour soon?

DR: The new album, "all that's left is all that's right," was released this year, so our main focus is pushing that disc. However, we are already thinking about the sound and feel of our next effort, although there's no real time frame yet. As far as a tour, we all have day jobs and/or school, so no real "touring" although we do plan to continue playing regionally.

DS: We are still pushing our last release "all that's left is all that's right,", so no plans as of yet for a new album. We have a few producers that want to work with us but we are waiting on the funding to come through for a new album. As far as touring, we are planning regional shows this spring throughout the Midwest. We will go national again when we can get the money pulled together to do it.

SS: Regional sh*t...

When not writing or playing, what do you do with all of your free time?

DR: Between the band, my job, and school, free time is very limited for me, but when I do have some, I just like to spend it relaxing at home with my wife, or visiting with family and friends.

DS: Rocking out takes up most of our time. When I'm not playing, usually I'm drinking beer. We all have day jobs to pay the bills so I guess that takes up some time too.

SS: I am trying to work on getting a sponsorship through Dyson vacuums. I have this weird infatuation with sweeping the carpet, so I guess in my free time I like to push my Dyson around and pick up Stanley's dog hair. Oh yeah... did I mention that with my free time I like boobs???

MM: I'm a dorky gamer. I love X-Box and X-Box Live. I work a lot, though. I really do love my job, so I don't mind working as much as I do.

What do you see as the future of the band at this moment?

DR: Just to focus on having fun, writing great songs with great friends, and making sure people at our shows get the most bang for their buck.

DS: We are planning our spring schedule right now and trying to get as many people to listen to our music as possible. Of course, we are always looking for backing to help fund another album and tour but in the meantime, we are using our own resources to rock out and connect with our fans. We have plenty of material available through our website and other Internet music sources that fans can check out. We have free songs available for download as well as blog spots, message boards etc.

SS: Have fun, and mostly become more popular than David Hasselhoff in Germany.

MM: Who knows? I'm just ready to have a bunch of fun and jam out with some good dudes.

Inspirations? ...Aspirations? ...What's next on a personal level?

DR: I am looking forward to finally graduating from college in '06- something that's been on ice for me for almost 10 years now.

DS: What's next is day to day. When you are doing it yourself, you really have to take it slow and do what you can with the resources possible. Ultimately, I believe we have the music and the talent to be one of the top acts in the nation. The state of the record industry though is the only thing standing in our way. Hey, rocking out is what it's all about and we will continue to do that until we die.

SS: Boobs inspire me to be the best I can be. If I can become the best player I can, then the band will become huge, and so will the boobs. I aspire to play better so the band does better and the boobs become bigger and better. So awesome.

WOW, these guys really have what it takes...

Thanks ARS for some cool tunes and a great interview...

To sum it all up, americanrockstar consistently shows all the qualities of a great rock act, they are certainly on the cusp of bigtime. If I had to summarize ARS with just one sentence, it would have to be; a remarkably talented, highly energized quartet with a solid, melodic rock resonance on a level far above many of todays typical commercial rock acts on the scene. I expect to see alot more from americanrockstar in the future and on a much grander scale. For their latest news, dates and all that other fun stuff, you can find them at www.americanrockstar.com. - AllInTune.com