LiveWire
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LiveWire

Chicago, Illinois, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2012 | SELF

Chicago, Illinois, United States | SELF
Established on Jan, 2012
Band Rock Alternative

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"Suburban kids love rockin' the stage"

The guitar starts playing the first notes of "Stairway to Heaven" and the crowd stirs on a recent Saturday at Taste of Lakeview in Chicago.

When the voice begins to sing, those who are still distracted can't help but turning toward the stage. It's not Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant, of course, but it's not a man's voice, either. Or a woman's, for that matter.

It's the sweet, young but confident voice of 8-year-old Nikko Viejon of North Aurora, lead singer of the band LiveWire, accompanied on the guitar by Danny Cappelli, also 8, of Geneva. Soon they're joined by bandmates Alexandra "Alex" Cappelli, Danny's sister, on the bass, and Cohen Bessler, 10, of St. Charles, on the drums.

Before you know it, the crowd has doubled in size and people are recording the show on their cellphones.

The kids, who've been playing together for about a year and a half, say they just love, love, love being onstage.

"When you hear that roar of the crowd, it's like 'wow,'" Cohen said.

"You get to play and hang out with your friends, and that's cool," Alex said.

LiveWire already has performed at several well-known venues and festivals, including Hard Rock Cafes in Chicago and Memphis, The National Underground in Nashville, and the "NeXt by NE" portion of the North by Northeast music festival in Toronto.

They perform a repertoire by a variety of rock and pop artists, including Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Adele, Jimi Hendrix, Blondie, The White Stripes, Elvis Presley, and more. They have written two original songs, both in the rock and pop vein.

"From the first few bars of 'Stairway to Heaven', the first song in their set, I could tell this band was going to be something else," said Sergio Elmir, assistant artistic associate for music, community and educational programs at Harbourfront Centre, which hosted North by Northeast. "They ripped through a powerhouse playlist of classic and contemporary rock songs that left us all blown away."

The crowd was enthusiastic, even enthralled with their performance, he said.

"The band, aside from being unbearably adorable, are very talented," Elmir added. "They take the idea of being a 'kids band' up a notch with their immense talent and impressive stage presence. If they keep up the hard work and with a bit of luck who knows what these kids can accomplish."

LiveWire's performance during spring break at Hard Rock Cafe Memphis was great entertainment, said Holly Smith, the venue's sales and marketing manager.

"The crowd was excited about watching such awesome young talent onstage," she said. "I love working with bands that are so excited about the music industry. They absolutely have a bright future ahead of them."

The kids clicked from the moment they first played together, said band director Ken Mandat.

All were taking individual lessons at Hix Brothers Music in Batavia when Mandat put them together as a band for the music school's "Rock Around an Hour and a Half" class. Kids are paired based on their age and skill level, and learn how to play and work together.

"I just had a feeling that chemistry was going to be good with those four children. It took off right from the start," said Mandat, who's taught music for about 30 years.

"In their age group, they're definitely the best kids I've ever had," he added. "It's not just natural talent but the ability to focus enough to retain what they're being taught. It's difficult when you're eight or nine, you don't see that very often."

The kids' parents have all become good friends, and share a desire not to overwhelm the children, said Cohen's dad, Larry Bessler.

"We're trying to make sure it stays fun and not a job that they feel they're being pushed into. At the same time, we feel like we're opening their eyes to the music and the power they have," he said.

Nikko's mom, Jenie Viejon, agreed.

"If they have a performance where we can see that there's a little step back, or one messes up with lyrics or forgets a line, we don't say, 'You did so bad,' or 'Why did you do that?'" she said. "We brush it off and move on. We don't dwell on the negativity."

The band has grown tremendously since their first performance in February 2012 at the Yorkville Moose Lodge, their parents said.

"They talk much better and communicate onstage. Before each was in their own silo," Bessler said.

Danny and Alex grew up in a musical home, and both started playing instruments early on, said their mother, Lill Cappelli.

"It all feels very organic. The level of enjoyment is still there, and I think they have even more fun now that they're even closer friend - The Daily Herald - Chicago


"Suburban kids love rockin' the stage"

The guitar starts playing the first notes of "Stairway to Heaven" and the crowd stirs on a recent Saturday at Taste of Lakeview in Chicago.

When the voice begins to sing, those who are still distracted can't help but turning toward the stage. It's not Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant, of course, but it's not a man's voice, either. Or a woman's, for that matter.

It's the sweet, young but confident voice of 8-year-old Nikko Viejon of North Aurora, lead singer of the band LiveWire, accompanied on the guitar by Danny Cappelli, also 8, of Geneva. Soon they're joined by bandmates Alexandra "Alex" Cappelli, Danny's sister, on the bass, and Cohen Bessler, 10, of St. Charles, on the drums.

Before you know it, the crowd has doubled in size and people are recording the show on their cellphones.

The kids, who've been playing together for about a year and a half, say they just love, love, love being onstage.

"When you hear that roar of the crowd, it's like 'wow,'" Cohen said.

"You get to play and hang out with your friends, and that's cool," Alex said.

LiveWire already has performed at several well-known venues and festivals, including Hard Rock Cafes in Chicago and Memphis, The National Underground in Nashville, and the "NeXt by NE" portion of the North by Northeast music festival in Toronto.

They perform a repertoire by a variety of rock and pop artists, including Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Adele, Jimi Hendrix, Blondie, The White Stripes, Elvis Presley, and more. They have written two original songs, both in the rock and pop vein.

"From the first few bars of 'Stairway to Heaven', the first song in their set, I could tell this band was going to be something else," said Sergio Elmir, assistant artistic associate for music, community and educational programs at Harbourfront Centre, which hosted North by Northeast. "They ripped through a powerhouse playlist of classic and contemporary rock songs that left us all blown away."

The crowd was enthusiastic, even enthralled with their performance, he said.

"The band, aside from being unbearably adorable, are very talented," Elmir added. "They take the idea of being a 'kids band' up a notch with their immense talent and impressive stage presence. If they keep up the hard work and with a bit of luck who knows what these kids can accomplish."

LiveWire's performance during spring break at Hard Rock Cafe Memphis was great entertainment, said Holly Smith, the venue's sales and marketing manager.

"The crowd was excited about watching such awesome young talent onstage," she said. "I love working with bands that are so excited about the music industry. They absolutely have a bright future ahead of them."

The kids clicked from the moment they first played together, said band director Ken Mandat.

All were taking individual lessons at Hix Brothers Music in Batavia when Mandat put them together as a band for the music school's "Rock Around an Hour and a Half" class. Kids are paired based on their age and skill level, and learn how to play and work together.

"I just had a feeling that chemistry was going to be good with those four children. It took off right from the start," said Mandat, who's taught music for about 30 years.

"In their age group, they're definitely the best kids I've ever had," he added. "It's not just natural talent but the ability to focus enough to retain what they're being taught. It's difficult when you're eight or nine, you don't see that very often."

The kids' parents have all become good friends, and share a desire not to overwhelm the children, said Cohen's dad, Larry Bessler.

"We're trying to make sure it stays fun and not a job that they feel they're being pushed into. At the same time, we feel like we're opening their eyes to the music and the power they have," he said.

Nikko's mom, Jenie Viejon, agreed.

"If they have a performance where we can see that there's a little step back, or one messes up with lyrics or forgets a line, we don't say, 'You did so bad,' or 'Why did you do that?'" she said. "We brush it off and move on. We don't dwell on the negativity."

The band has grown tremendously since their first performance in February 2012 at the Yorkville Moose Lodge, their parents said.

"They talk much better and communicate onstage. Before each was in their own silo," Bessler said.

Danny and Alex grew up in a musical home, and both started playing instruments early on, said their mother, Lill Cappelli.

"It all feels very organic. The level of enjoyment is still there, and I think they have even more fun now that they're even closer friend - The Daily Herald - Chicago


"Fox Valley young musicians really are LiveWires"

By Judy Buchenot For Sun-Times Media April 19, 2013 3:54PM

LiveWire members (from left) Danny Cappelli, Cohen Bessler, Nikko Viejon and Alex Cappelli line up under the sign at The National Underground in Nashville before performing there in late March. | Submitted photo
Upcoming LiveWire concerts:
- Sunday, May 19 at 5 p.m. River Rockhouse, 106 Rock River Trail, St. Charles
- Wednesday, May 29 at 8 p.m. , Hard Rock Cafe, 64 W. Ontario, Chicago (proceeds at this show will go to Lurie’s Children’s Hospital)
- Sunday, June 16, NXNE Festival, Toronto
Updated: April 20, 2013 2:10PM

When the driving opening chords blast through the speakers, there is no doubt that LiveWire is about to play “Bad to the Bone.”
The song may be an oldie but the band is anything but old. Ranging in age from 8 to 10, LiveWire band musicians may still be working on learning their multiplication tables but they do know how to rock and roll. The drummer pounding out the rhythm is 10-year-old Cohen Bessler of St. Charles. The driving bass guitar is played by 10-year-old Alex Cappelli of Geneva who is joined by her lead guitarist brother, 8-year-old Danny Cappelli. And the singer growling out the lyrics, “BBBBBad to the bone,” is 8-year-old cherub-faced Nikko Viejon from North Aurora.
When the elementary students march onto the stage at rock venues, there is often an audible “awwww” from the crowd in response to the cute factor inherent in children. But when the band starts to play, the crowd is surprised to find that these young musicians can really rock the room.
LiveWire was put together by Ken Mandat, music teacher and music coordinator at Hix Brothers Music in Aurora. The four children were all taking music lessons at the store and signed up for a “Rock Around an Hour and a Half” program where students are grouped by age and ability into a band.
“There have been several groups that came out of the program that were successful,” said Mandat. He was a little concerned about grouping students together who were so young but says “I saw a level of maturity with these kids that was way beyond their years. They were doing things at nine years old better than some of the adult bands. They were cute but more importantly, they were musically talented.”
The LiveWire band members quickly became good friends and took their show on the road. A performance at Aurora’s Two Brothers Roundhouse led to an appearance on WGN’s morning show in 2012. The popularity of the band kept growing and led to other invitations to perform. Over the summer the group played at more than 15 festivals including Naperville’s Last Fling and Geneva’s Swedish Days. In August, they were invited to perform at the Chicago Theatre for Dwyane Wade’s Chicago’s Got Talent where they performed Tom Petty’s “American Girl” to a packed audience. During spring break, the group performed in Hard Rock Cafe in Memphis and two rock venues in Nashville. They will be appearing on WGN’s morning show for the third time this spring and are headed to Toronto in June to perform at the NXNE music festival.
Despite their increasing popularity, the group is staying grounded according to band parent Larry Bessler. “What we have done recently is donate all of their tips and proceeds to groups that help children,” said Bessler. “We (the parents of the band members) feel that they are learning the power of music by contributing to kids in need.” They donated more than $650 to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and The Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt after their recent trip Memphis and Nashville. The proceeds from the sale of their hats and merchandise with the band logo goes to Lazarus House, a St. Charles homeless shelter.
“They are kids helping other kids and having fun doing it,” explained Bessler. “They are all just normal silly kids. The boys aren’t into girls yet and all of them are embarrassed when someone asks for an autograph.”
The families of the band members have all become close friends and enjoy traveling together. “Since we are going to festivals and fun events, we all have a good time,” says Bessler. “All of the families are into music too so it is fun for all of us.”
The fact that parents are interested in music helps explain the band’s diverse play list. Since the children have grown up listening to a variety of rock bands, they are open to performing everything from “Come Together” by the Beatles to Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”
Even though they are having fun, the band is working. Typically they play a 45 to 60 minute set at each event and have had to do two sets in a row at some events. “I am really impressed at their ability to stay focused,” said Mandat. “They handle the pressure of going on stage really well and aren’t getting burned out. They all still are doing really well in school.”
Alex Cappelli, the band’s bass player, said she sometimes gets nervous “when I have to sing a part or play a big part by myself but the most fun is just playin - Sun-Times Beacon News


"Fox Valley young musicians really are LiveWires"

By Judy Buchenot For Sun-Times Media April 19, 2013 3:54PM

LiveWire members (from left) Danny Cappelli, Cohen Bessler, Nikko Viejon and Alex Cappelli line up under the sign at The National Underground in Nashville before performing there in late March. | Submitted photo
Upcoming LiveWire concerts:
- Sunday, May 19 at 5 p.m. River Rockhouse, 106 Rock River Trail, St. Charles
- Wednesday, May 29 at 8 p.m. , Hard Rock Cafe, 64 W. Ontario, Chicago (proceeds at this show will go to Lurie’s Children’s Hospital)
- Sunday, June 16, NXNE Festival, Toronto
Updated: April 20, 2013 2:10PM

When the driving opening chords blast through the speakers, there is no doubt that LiveWire is about to play “Bad to the Bone.”
The song may be an oldie but the band is anything but old. Ranging in age from 8 to 10, LiveWire band musicians may still be working on learning their multiplication tables but they do know how to rock and roll. The drummer pounding out the rhythm is 10-year-old Cohen Bessler of St. Charles. The driving bass guitar is played by 10-year-old Alex Cappelli of Geneva who is joined by her lead guitarist brother, 8-year-old Danny Cappelli. And the singer growling out the lyrics, “BBBBBad to the bone,” is 8-year-old cherub-faced Nikko Viejon from North Aurora.
When the elementary students march onto the stage at rock venues, there is often an audible “awwww” from the crowd in response to the cute factor inherent in children. But when the band starts to play, the crowd is surprised to find that these young musicians can really rock the room.
LiveWire was put together by Ken Mandat, music teacher and music coordinator at Hix Brothers Music in Aurora. The four children were all taking music lessons at the store and signed up for a “Rock Around an Hour and a Half” program where students are grouped by age and ability into a band.
“There have been several groups that came out of the program that were successful,” said Mandat. He was a little concerned about grouping students together who were so young but says “I saw a level of maturity with these kids that was way beyond their years. They were doing things at nine years old better than some of the adult bands. They were cute but more importantly, they were musically talented.”
The LiveWire band members quickly became good friends and took their show on the road. A performance at Aurora’s Two Brothers Roundhouse led to an appearance on WGN’s morning show in 2012. The popularity of the band kept growing and led to other invitations to perform. Over the summer the group played at more than 15 festivals including Naperville’s Last Fling and Geneva’s Swedish Days. In August, they were invited to perform at the Chicago Theatre for Dwyane Wade’s Chicago’s Got Talent where they performed Tom Petty’s “American Girl” to a packed audience. During spring break, the group performed in Hard Rock Cafe in Memphis and two rock venues in Nashville. They will be appearing on WGN’s morning show for the third time this spring and are headed to Toronto in June to perform at the NXNE music festival.
Despite their increasing popularity, the group is staying grounded according to band parent Larry Bessler. “What we have done recently is donate all of their tips and proceeds to groups that help children,” said Bessler. “We (the parents of the band members) feel that they are learning the power of music by contributing to kids in need.” They donated more than $650 to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and The Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt after their recent trip Memphis and Nashville. The proceeds from the sale of their hats and merchandise with the band logo goes to Lazarus House, a St. Charles homeless shelter.
“They are kids helping other kids and having fun doing it,” explained Bessler. “They are all just normal silly kids. The boys aren’t into girls yet and all of them are embarrassed when someone asks for an autograph.”
The families of the band members have all become close friends and enjoy traveling together. “Since we are going to festivals and fun events, we all have a good time,” says Bessler. “All of the families are into music too so it is fun for all of us.”
The fact that parents are interested in music helps explain the band’s diverse play list. Since the children have grown up listening to a variety of rock bands, they are open to performing everything from “Come Together” by the Beatles to Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”
Even though they are having fun, the band is working. Typically they play a 45 to 60 minute set at each event and have had to do two sets in a row at some events. “I am really impressed at their ability to stay focused,” said Mandat. “They handle the pressure of going on stage really well and aren’t getting burned out. They all still are doing really well in school.”
Alex Cappelli, the band’s bass player, said she sometimes gets nervous “when I have to sing a part or play a big part by myself but the most fun is just playin - Sun-Times Beacon News


"Several Articles on LiveWire's Website"

"The Kids Can Play: Young Band Making Big Impression"
"Little Rock Stars in the Making" - Beacon News & Kane County Chronical


"LiveWire: Writing Originals and Hitting the Road"

1. Who’s LiveWire?

LiveWire is made up of four members: Nikko Viejon, lead singer, is 8 years old and in 3rd grade; Danny Cappelli, guitar, is also 8 years old and in 2nd grade; Alex Cappelli, 10, bass guitar and vocals, is Danny’s big sister and is in 5th grade; Cohen Bessler, drums, is 10 and in the 4th grade.

We are all good friends and like to hang out together even when we’re not playing music.



2. How did you guys come together and create this band?

We all take lessons at Hix Brothers Music and met through their Rock Around an Hour and a Half program. Ken Mandat, our band instructor, put us together about a year ago and we practice together every Sunday with Ken at Hix Brothers.



3. What’s the story behind the band’s name?

Our former bandmate, Mel, came up with the name at one of our first practices. Ken really liked it too because it describes us very well since we are young and have lots of energy.



4. What are your music influences?

We really like Nirvana and the Foo Fighters sound.

Alex: I also think the Red Hot Chili Peppers is a band that I would like to emulate because of how diverse their sound can be. They rock in many different ways, even in their ballads. And Flea is one of my favorite bassists.

Danny: I love Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix because they are so original.



5. So you guys are planning to hit the road?

We’ve been playing a lot around Chicago and we’re playing in Nashville, Memphis, and Toronto in the coming months and that should be really exciting and fun to travel together!



6. Are there any more plans for the future?

Alex: We’ll just keep practicing and playing together and see what happens.

Danny: And keep writing originals and improving as a band.



7. What’s your method at the time for writing new music?

Alex: I usually think about what’s going on in my life at the time and write about my experiences. Sometimes I’ll come up with a melody after my brother comes up with his riffs.

Danny: I can read my sister’s lyrics and then do something on guitar to go along with her words. If it’s a sad song, I’ll probably start with minor chords. I also like to come up with different riffs on my own. And then when we practice together Nikko and Cohen come up with their parts too.



8. Where can we find more about your music? On our web site www.wearelivewire.com or on Facebook.



9. Do you guys feel you’re moving in the right direction?

Yes! We love to play music. We love to be in our band. It’s fun so we will keep doing it! - Vents Magazine


"LiveWire: Writing Originals and Hitting the Road"

1. Who’s LiveWire?

LiveWire is made up of four members: Nikko Viejon, lead singer, is 8 years old and in 3rd grade; Danny Cappelli, guitar, is also 8 years old and in 2nd grade; Alex Cappelli, 10, bass guitar and vocals, is Danny’s big sister and is in 5th grade; Cohen Bessler, drums, is 10 and in the 4th grade.

We are all good friends and like to hang out together even when we’re not playing music.



2. How did you guys come together and create this band?

We all take lessons at Hix Brothers Music and met through their Rock Around an Hour and a Half program. Ken Mandat, our band instructor, put us together about a year ago and we practice together every Sunday with Ken at Hix Brothers.



3. What’s the story behind the band’s name?

Our former bandmate, Mel, came up with the name at one of our first practices. Ken really liked it too because it describes us very well since we are young and have lots of energy.



4. What are your music influences?

We really like Nirvana and the Foo Fighters sound.

Alex: I also think the Red Hot Chili Peppers is a band that I would like to emulate because of how diverse their sound can be. They rock in many different ways, even in their ballads. And Flea is one of my favorite bassists.

Danny: I love Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix because they are so original.



5. So you guys are planning to hit the road?

We’ve been playing a lot around Chicago and we’re playing in Nashville, Memphis, and Toronto in the coming months and that should be really exciting and fun to travel together!



6. Are there any more plans for the future?

Alex: We’ll just keep practicing and playing together and see what happens.

Danny: And keep writing originals and improving as a band.



7. What’s your method at the time for writing new music?

Alex: I usually think about what’s going on in my life at the time and write about my experiences. Sometimes I’ll come up with a melody after my brother comes up with his riffs.

Danny: I can read my sister’s lyrics and then do something on guitar to go along with her words. If it’s a sad song, I’ll probably start with minor chords. I also like to come up with different riffs on my own. And then when we practice together Nikko and Cohen come up with their parts too.



8. Where can we find more about your music? On our web site www.wearelivewire.com or on Facebook.



9. Do you guys feel you’re moving in the right direction?

Yes! We love to play music. We love to be in our band. It’s fun so we will keep doing it! - Vents Magazine


Discography

"But U Did" - June 2014

Photos

Bio

LiveWire are all incredibly young students at the same local music store in the western suburbs of Chicago and were brought together by an instructor after recognizing their potential to be a band.

The band in its current form has just celebrated it's four year anniversary but the instrumentalists in the group have been playing together for almost five.

12 year old Nikko, the singer, has incredible range and a textured voice beyond his years. Having an amazing memory for lyrics and a fearless demeanor in front of crowds, keeps him rock solid up on stage.

12 year old Danny, the guitarist, is truly a prodigy. His ability to play anything he wants within a few minutes is really impressive. And to be able to deliver in front of a crowd when the pressure is on is even more impressive.  And, Danny has a strong voice and is able to add it to their three part harmonies.

14 year old Alex (Danny's older sister), not only is a really strong bassist but also has a beautiful voice which gives the group nice backup vocals as well as a female lead option.

14 year old Cohen, the drummer, infuses energy into the group adding fills, beats and a steady tempo in front of huge audience without flinching.

and here's their music video of their original "But U Did"...

https://youtu.be/5L68CEs8gwo