Below Carmine

Since forming in August 2004, Below Carmine, has excited audiences in numerous venues along the east coast. Due largely to their distinctive sound, stage presence, grassroots online promotion efforts, and overall dedication to their fans and music, Below Carmine has already developed a respectable following. With a sound that combines acoustic guitar textures with hard rock grit, pounding rhythmic precision, and sublime vocal harmonies, this band is eclectic and distinctive, without being abrasively unusual.

The band’s enormous musical potential can now be heard on Status Game, a 5-song EP recorded in 2004. This record exemplifies the band’s signature buzz-saw electric guitar leads, catchy melodies and poetic lyricism. It’s this complex and exciting sound that will evolve and continue to define Below Carmine.

Lead singer and acoustic guitarist Nat Ward formed Below Carmine in late 2004 while preparing for a show at CBGB’s in New York City. Wanting to enhance the songs in his acoustic set, Nat enlisted best friends Ryan O’Connor (drums) and Eric Welch (lead Guitar). This trio’s creative chemistry was immediate and undeniable. While Nat and Ryan came to the project as classically trained vocalists well schooled in songwriting, poetics and harmony, Eric Welch brought his own brand of wildly instinctive musical talent along with a brilliant capacity for rock songwriting and arrangement. Over the past few months there have been a number of line-up changes as Nat, Eric, and Ryan have searched out a fourth and final member on bass. Enlisting yet another close friend, they feel Toby Karlin will share their passionate determination and enhance Below Carmine’s signature sound.

Inspired by a shared commitment to a musical vision, this artistic collaboration among friends is more than a just a new band. It is unique. It is refreshing. It is Below Carmine. Check them out on the web at www.belowcarmine.com.