Music
Press
By VANESSA FRANKO
The Press-Enterprise
Ready for a little California country? Then all hail King Nosmo.
Who: Dave Morris and Mike Odalas write the songs, play guitar and sing; Anthony Peregretti plays drums; and Justin Heisey plays keyboards and the electric guitar.
From: Fontana, Riverside and LaVerne
Formed: 2001
Releases: The band has three full-lengths out, including last year's "Nosmo07," as well as "Royal Flushes" and "Demo Sessions."
Sounds like: Morris described the band as "groove country," and "Eagles meets Steely Dan."
The band does have the nice harmonies of the early Eagles, but there's also a touch of the Outlaws in there.
"California Country" evokes some warm fuzzy feelings for the Inland area, and "Here We Go" is a sweet pop song.
Sample the music: www.myspace.com/kingnosmoband
On the Web: www.sonicbids.com/kingnosmo
See it live: June 22 at the first Roundup in Lake Elsinore, 31919 Cereal St.
When King Nosmo plays a show, they usually get one of two responses: those who say, "I don't like country music, but I like you guys," or fans who say the band isn't country but they still like the music, the members recounted.
The band straddles the line between rock and country, blending harmonies and a touch of honky-tonk in its brand of California music.
Back in 2001, Dave Morris, of Fontana, was writing songs and looking for a singer. He connected with Mike Odalas, of LaVerne, and King Nosmo was born. Justin Heisey, of Riverside, answered an ad for the band on MySpace that ended with "must have chops," and Anthony Peregretti, of LaVerne, also joined the band.
"We wanted to be rockers, and we realized we don't wear mascara and black eyeliner," Morris quipped.
Instead, the band went toward country music.
"That's what really got our attention. Country always has a new fragment or a new splinter coming up," Morris said.
And the song "California Country" pays tribute to their home base and the country fans in the area: "Your neck will get pretty red on the 10 to San Berdoo." The song name-checks Corona, Norco, the 15 freeway and the end even references the Mamas and the Papas' "California Dreamin'."
Up next for the band is an EP of five or six folk songs, due out by the end of the year. - Press Enterprise / Vanessa Franko
Discography
Nosmo07 (2007)
Royal Flusheses (2005)
Demo Sessions (2004)
Come Get Some ( Dave Morris, solo) 2005
Photos
Bio
A new breed of Country Music was born in 2001 when the songwriting team of Myke Odalas and Dave Morris began breathing new life into the Southern California music scene. Their shared observations became the foundation for material as wide ranging as deep songs about the girl to their off-kilter surroundings. Their songs have universal appeal to Country, Rock, Pop, and Adult Contemporary fans alike.
After a few years, with the addition of Anthony Peregretti (drums) and Justin Heisey (backup vocals/electric guitar/keyboards), a signature sound was created. This isnt your typical cookie cutter country music. It's original, it's different, its California Groove Country, an innovative blend reminiscent of Steely Dan meets the Eagles with a mainstream country flair.
The band began performing at local venues and as time progressed began playing the larger venues and events. In 2005 they organized a charity event for the American Red Cross to help those affected by hurricane Katrina. King Nosmo has played at numerous American Cancer Society Relay-4-Life events all over Southern California including San Dimas, Pasadena, Pomona, Hacienda Heights, and Claremont. They were the house band for over a year at Rico's in La Verne, CA, recently performed at the San Bernardino County Fair in Victorville, CA, and opened for Devon Allman & Honeytribe at Angels Roadhouse in Yucaipa, CA.
Band Members:
Dave Morris: After years of honing his considerable guitar and bass skills Dave began pouring out original material. He established himself as a songwriter of note and performs the duties of playing, singing, producing, and co-writing the band's songs. His influences include: Lennon/McCartney, Fagen/Becker, Kenny Loggins, and David Foster.
Myke Odalas: Mike picked up his first guitar at the age of 13 and was well on the way to creating his own unique style of music. His smooth lead vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and rhythm guitar are the basis for King Nosmo's soulful groove. His influences include: Frank Sinatra, Pat Metheney, Dada, and Steely Dan.
Anthony Peregretti: Anthony started out playing trombone and then switched gears and took over the drums. With a hard hitting kick drum and energy fueled stick work Anthony brings a creative style of drumming into Country music. His drumming is a key component of the Nosmo groove. His influences include: John Bonham, Terry Bozzio, and Neil Peart.
Justin Heisey: Justin dropped in Dave and Myke's lap while answering an ad for the band that ended with "must have chops". He did and quickly blended his style into theirs. He brought melodic backup vocals which helped create the signature King Nosmo harmonies along with solid lead/rhythm electric guitar skills. His influences include: Garth Brooks, George Strait, Steve Wariner, and Stevie Ray Vaughn.
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