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Nearly four years ago, Blackcoin front man Joey Hebdo put his foot firmly through Athens' magical door of music with every intent of getting inside. Now that he's here, let the party begin.
"I wanted to make things move and gain some ground," Hebdo said of his early solo gigs. At the time, the band only rehearsed together. In the meantime, he made friends and built a reputation-playing venues like the downstairs stage of the Blue Gator. "Once the trust was there, I brought the band with me."
The band-- Cliff Lefevre (drums, percussion), Allan Ritter (drums, keyboards), Adam Smith (Bass), and Hebdo (vocals, guitar, harmonica)-- describe themselves as "experimental rock/reggae," but only because they have to.
"We don't try to fit in a particular genre, we let the music take its own shape," Hebdo said. "It's all about perception. What people hear from the outside may not be exactly what we're going for but it works either way."
Something is clearly working as Blackcoin-- with their all-encompassing sound and equally dynamic lyrics-- are now headlining shows on the Gator's big stage and other well-known concert spots around Athens and Columbus.
"We want to be able to make a career out of it," Hebdo said of the band's passion for music. "We just want to play music. We'd love to be able to support ourselves and whatever need be."
This notion seems well on its way as Blackcoin released their debut album in August 2006 titiled "Showdown at the Copa Corral" under Columbus based independent label Stezo Records.
Blackcoin will be taking the stage in Athens again on the main stage at the Halloween block party on Oct. 28.
By Maria Varonis
Insider contributor - The Athens Insider
On "Showdown at the Copa Corral," Columbus' Blackcoin works itself into seriously deep grooves. Joey Hebdo's husky, soulful vocals lead the band- Allan Ritter, Cliff Lefevre and Adam Smith-- work each minute into a frenzy. In short, the vibe is '60s and '70s funk/rock and soul, with a touch of psychedelia a la the Doors and Pink Floyd.
Loyal Divide and BlueStoneJack will also play. Admission is $3 to $5. - The Columbus Dispatch
Discography
Stygler Sessions(mini-EP from 2004)
Showdown at the Copa Corral (LP July 2006)
(Who Feels it Knows it) and (Firing Gun) have had radio airplay and they have all had streaming in their lives
Photos
Bio
Blackcoin is a Columbus, OH based band that began forming about five years ago and has since forth focused on music as a full-time endeavor. They've always had their own niche carved out in the Columbus music scene, allowing them the ability to mingle among ALL local genres. This due mainly to their intentions of playing only what is created amongst four differently styled musicians.
The backgrounds of each musician is so radically diverse that every piece one member creates is first cycled through the other three, returning different and more unique than originally planned.
Their own style of Experimental Indie-Rock/ Reggae influenced songs lends to their ever popular live shows that never fail to be packed full of energy and excitement. These live shows are what have gained them the reputation of being one of the best live bands in the city. Not only because of their professionalism and their togetherness, but of the intensity of expression and soul that flows through any venue they play.
They have played together long enough, and experienced enough live stage atmosphere that their performances differ from one night to the next. Elasticity is key in keeping the crowd entertained and the interests in the shows moving, whether all night or until those in the crowd are able to make their way back to a Blackcoin show in the future.
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