Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
“Downstage embodies the ideal progression for a local band. They’ve taken time to develop and now are becoming a threat to the mainstream. The music industry is taking notice of the band’s direct, explosive sound.” - Josh Davidson
“These guys are definitely worth taking time to listen to… I look forward to seeing them live sometime in the very near future.” - Editor
“Downstage have produced a heavily guitar driven, highly toned and accessible sound that has plenty of bordering hooks in place. Downstage’s heavily chopped guitar work is very effective… Hard rock/radio accessible bite… This band does well on stage - well crafted, precision-driven sound.” - Mario Peretti
“DOWNSTAGE is an amazing Alternative Hard Rock band from New Jersey . . . they wowed the Atlantic City radio audiences . . . the group has tightened its sound, perfected its stage show and is now performing for new fans in Philly, New Jersey & NYC. The infectious fun within the group leaps out and charges the crowd with energy at every gig. ‘If you want to rock, see DOWNSTAGE!’” - Shery Jacobs
Discography
"Flirting with Disaster" e.p.
Cd comps: "Live and Loud" cd comp on Media 5/Treefort
Lollipop Magazines latest comp
"The Agents of Change" e.p. 2004
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Central New Jerseys Downstage initially formed in 1995 when Charlie Berezansky and Jim Regan met on a bus ride home from school. An instant bond developed between the two young musicians and, by 2000, the current line up (consisting of Berezansky on lead vocals and guitar, Regan on guitar and 2nd vocals, Todd Raupp on bass and Justin Hetrick on drums) took final shape and they have not looked back since.
Dispensing a uniquely accessible blend of alternative hard rock and deliberate song craft (comparisons have been made to Chevelle, Incubus, Quicksand, Cold, Alice in Chains and Stone Temple Pilots), this hard-working, hard-hitting, hard-as-nails four piece is a music force to be reckoned with, amassing more stellar accomplishments in their short time together than other bands have in twice as much time.
In early 2002, Downstage played over 50 shows in little more than five months, expanding on an already fervent fan base in the process. That same year Downstage was nominated for Best Hard Act at the Asbury Music Awards; awarded semi-finalist status in the 3rd Annual New Jersey Battle of the Bands, and contributed to the Live and Loud Vol. 1 compilation disc on Media 5s record label, produced by John Seymore (Thursday/Mighty Mighty Bosstones) and on Lollipop Magazines latest comp cd.
Not a band to rest on its laurels, Downstage demonstrated a definitive skill for delivering compelling performances at top-rated music venues by kicking off a rigorous tour in early 2003 throughout the east and west coasts, packing them in at CBGBs, The Continental, The Village Underground in New York; The Stone Pony, The Whiskey Bar and The Saint in New Jersey; and The Pontiac in Philadelphia, to name just a few. On the west coast, the band played to a sold-out and extremely receptive crowd at The Pound in San Francisco. And, at The Troubadour in Hollywood, Downstage opened for The Ataris at a secret, sold-out event, playing for more labels and completely winning the crowd over. After which, it was back to the east coast for a steady stream of on-going performances.
During this period of whirlwind activity, the band completed work on FLIRTING WITH DISASTER on indie label Angryman Records. This remarkable debut EP -- produced by Chris Gibson (Quicksand, Rival Schools)-- was a breakout success, attracting interest from radio and the record industry-at-large. Featuring high-powered, guitar-driven and groove-laden songs Truly, Set on the Sun, Today is Everything and If You Return, the release established a new benchmark for heavy rock with mainstream appeal, a level to which other bands will be hard pressed to attain.
Downstage is now poised to step onto the larger world stage, taking its energetic live show and a fresh canon of intense, original songs (produced by Scrap 60 Productions, known for Ill Nino, Anthrax, H2O, Cradle of Filth, Primer 55, etc.) to a wider, highly expectant audience.
Downstage is currently managed by Primed Entertainment and signed to independent label, Angry Man Records.
For more information, contact:
Primed Entertainment
1630 Cypress Avenue, Suite A, Richmond, CA 94805 USA
510.469.7754 - info@primedentertainment.com
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