Music
Press
"" Tired of seeing the same aging cover bands that leave their day jobs an hour early to populate every street festival Chicago has to offer? Yeah. We are too. In addition to their mind-numbing repetition, they have all the authenticity and diversity of a shopping mall.
Replica is different. They are a band....an actual band, not one that is hired and fired by the "band's" corporate owners. Its members are music people who have signed record deals and sweated through national tours. While they're glad to oblige a request for Aerosmith or Van Morrison, their playlist doesn't end in the late-eighties. Radiohead? Sure. Katy Perry? Just ask. Foo Fighters? Absolutely. Replica is a blast."" - Do Bartlett - Innerview Magazine
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
THE HOTTEST NEW ROCK COVER BAND IN CHICAGO! REPLICA plays the songs you know, rocking your favorite 80'S, 90's, 00's, POP, PUNK, CLASSIC ROCK, ALTERNATIVE, BLUES, ROOTS AND ROCK! A high energy party band for music lovers, whiskey drinkers and most everyone in between... cheers!
A little about the band...
Billy Watson: Vocals
Native southsider Billy Watson has been in the scene in Chicago and L.A. since he was 18 - touring and playing with original bands such as Exit the King (SONY), Trailerhitch (Man's Ruin), as well as Mighty Fine Machine, Great Apes and With a Gun, as well as National acts like Filter. Billy's been a metal guy since he was old enough to sneak Slayer's Reign in Blood into the house, but he'll rip out everything from Otis Redding to The Black Crowes to Led Zeppelin and anything in between.
Alexandrea Watson: Vocals. Alex, otherwise known as "Thursday" got her love of music from her mom who took her to her first concert (Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson at poplar creek) when she was a wee girl. From then on it was everything from Loverboy to Tom Petty to Poison. Most recently she was pickin' and a-playin' country tunes with various projects, modeling, and rockin' out. She loves anything 80's, Gwen Stefani and June Carter Cash, and is havin the time of her life tearin' it up with REPLICA.
Chad Berardi: Vocals and Guitar
Born and raised in the north suburbs of chicago, Chad began playing the guitar at a young age. introduced to the guitar by his brother, Scott, he fell in love with the instrument while watching Van Halen's "Hot For Teacher" video. In it, Edward Van Halen played the solo, basically walking down the library table, and into Chad's living-room. he has never wanted to play another instrument since...uh....except for the harmonica....and the bongos. Since then, Chad has rocked Chicago with several bands over the years, and sometimes sleeps with his guitars.....
Niko Karavites: Guitar and Keys
Formerly with Chicago faves the Paramours - Niko's been layin down the rhythm for Replica - a multitalented musician, Niko is as comfortable behind the piano as he is on guitar, pullin' off a stones riff a Radiohead or Elton John piano ballad, or Tom Petty barn burner.
Mike J: Drums
Mike has worked with many local and national bands. Mike is not only an amazing live drummer but an in-demand session player who has layed down tracks with just about everybody -
Not only do responses to questions about him usually end up something like this, "Best drummer I've ever played with," he's also a first rate sound engineer and all around kick ass guy.
Replica was originally formed to provide entertainment for a benefit for a friend who suffered major illness after contracting malaria on a trip to Africa. The benefit was held on the south side and drew over 4000 people - most importantly, the benefit was a great success, raising over $250,000 for the friend. But also...REPLICA was a hit - the benefit went off, and REPLICA was born! The band decided to keep the project going and has gone on in a short time to tear it up at venues all over Chicago, including the legendary Chicago Scene Magazine New Year's Eve party at the Drake Hotel, Goose Island, Cubby Bear and more.
Replica is booking this winter in and around Chicago and has a short college tour through the south in the works for this summer. They are also hitting private parties and corporate events and are quickly building up a great word of mouth rep.
REPLICA is a rockin' party band and because of the artists diverse backgrounds, they play one of the widest varieties of covers possible - gettin' everyone up shakin' it and singin' along...If people aren't dancin' - they aren't doin their job!! REPLICA - We will! We will! - ROCK YOU!
REPLICA IS BOOKING BARS, CORPORATE PARTIES, FESTS, EVENTS! CHECK OUT OUR VIDEO CLIPS, SONG SAMPLES, SETLISTS ETC...
**NYE LIVE TRACKS and VIDEO CLIPS are coming soon!! Check back soon!
REPLICA
Set lists include songs from: Rolling Stones, Radiohead, AC/DC, Stone Temple Pilots, Eagles, Nirvana, Coldplay, Johnny Cash, No Doubt, James, The Outfield, Steve Miller Band, U2, Michael Jackson, The Romantics, Rick Springfield, Foo Fighters, Finger Eleven, Peter Gabriel, Joan Jett, White Stripes, Black Crowes, Brian Adams, Incubus, Beatles, Pat Benetar, Elton John, James, Kiss, Aerosmith, Tom Petty, Led Zepplin, Pearl Jam, Oasis, Gwen Stefani, Tonic, David Bowie, Ramones, Blondie, the Clash, Tom Petty, The Cure, The Who, Katy Perry, Ozzy, Elvis, Van Halen, Smashing Pumpkins, Oasis, Green Day, Buckcherry, The Killers, Billy Idol, Rage Against the Machine, Kid Rock, Sublime, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tenacious D, Incubus, Jane's Addiction, GNR, Nena, Social Distortion and more. Requests honored
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