Stattica

How many CDs have you listened to (some upon shining endorsements of trusted friends, even) that have left you cold and disappointed? But you still, in the words of Dylan, “keep on keepin’ on”, don’t you? Screw the let-downs, screw the betrayals, there is music out there, cut from your soul. Well last Sunday I heard it. From a piece of plastic, from a CD player older than my niece. And their name is “Stattica”. Their music has a majesty to every story, drama as epic as an eighty-mile-an-hour midnight run. They gave me an hour of my life fulfilled with pure, uncut, tragic, exuberant, obsessive love. After being reminded once again there is a God, one thought raced through my mind. I gotta see these guys. And I did. And I’m here to testify.

Check it: I’m backstage with the front man of the band, Dakota. Wearing old leather pants and a dangling silver cross big enough to make you look around for vampires, he displays his sincerity like a price tag. “Much of my own lucidity comes from people who’ve made an impact on me,” he says, twitching a careless shrug. “So most everything I write is an interpretation of someone else’s point-of-view.” In and out of Catholic schools his entire life, Masters from UCLA, one gets the impression this cat’s more akin to hiding his intelligence than expressing it. But when he’s onstage, all bets are off. It’s like finding yourself on a hillside, watching a fire tornado bellow and blast the ten commandments out in stone. All you can do is stand there and watch, and at some point you ask yourself “How long has my jaw been on the floor?”

Gabriel sits next to him, tapping his thumb on his knee with an almost childlike ADD. This night onstage, Dakota introduced him as “The Sundance Kid to my Butch Cassidy” with an almost paternalistic fervor. With his trademark baggy pants and long wavy hair, he’s everyone’s kid brother - His passion for video games only rivaled by his painful shyness toward women. “I come from the other side, compared to Dakota” Gabriel explains with an almost puppy-like modesty. “All the melodies and hooks I come up with is kinda...retaliatory, my way of saying things back to people.” And the kid’s got a lot say. Halfway through every gig he’s saturated in sweat; jumping, pounding, rocking, as if his very life depended upon reciprocating Dakota’s energy atom by atom. “The play between you guys is tight,” I tell them, “Your live show, amazing.”

Enter Ann. As she enlightens me with a tale of when she was studying percussion in Cuba, I try to place her accent. To giddy from their performance to make me guess, she tells me she is originally from Ireland, her colorful lilt is a fading Irish brogue. She admits that while she loves performing, it’s the recording process that her excited right now. “I love that guys are so collaborative, it gives us all a chance to add our own style & influence to the songs.”

Rounding out the rhythm section is bassist Christy Glenn. Looking every bit the quintessential California girl, she shakes her long blonde mane & proudly states that she is a Southern Bell from Louisiana. While her lists of interests include authentic Cajun cooking, real estate, and flying (she recently earned her pilot’s license), she enthusiastically pledges her heart to music. “I wanted to share my musical talent and knowledge with an excellent band. Fortunately, I found Stattica,” grins Christy. “Each of them is gifted in a unique way. When they start to play together, they become one and bring out this immense characteristic in the music.”

The evening shoots by way too fast and I find myself exchanging quick goodbyes. “Mark my words, this is the beginning of something big,” I insist. To my surprise, Dakota hugs me like a brother. “Wouldn’t want to make you a liar” Dakota shoots back. He then chances a smile and laughs like a thief who just scammed death.

- Silver Lake Star

STATTICA is a quartet of driven musicians united by one credo, the song is first, and they have proved their mettle by producing an explosive album.


Each song is devout in its construction, from the poetic lyrics to each musical crescendo. They know they are a top 40 band and deliver as much with infectious melodies full of rich cathartic emotion. The strong and engaging vocal delivery of Dakota Aesquivel is soundly fortified by Gabriel Perez’s gift for melody-driven guitar hooks. ... these four men have assembled a collection of infectious and surprisingly personal songs.

"Beautiful Disaster" (Track 1) stands out as the most emotional. About a man who hangs onto a girl who can only destroy the both of them, Stattica performs the song as if conducting an orchestra - A sparse bare-boned beginning climaxing into a sweeping, staccato-filled ending. [The Drummer] crashes the cymbals as if representing every stab of the doomed man’s pain.

Gabriel’s razor-edge guitar perfectly embodies "Zone"(Track 2) , an alternative hard rock piece about a man’s self-deluded sense of invincibility. The band’s swagger shines through like a cup full of razor blades, as if answering any naysayers doubting this band can rock with the best of them.

"Good With The Pain" (Track 9) is Stattica’s most personal song. Dakota’s powerfully intense voice perfectly embodies the denial of a character devastated by the loss of his true love. Anyone who's ever put on a tough exterior to hide their hurt from others will embrace this song as their anthem. This is my bet for the band’s first single.

"Queen Without A Kingdom"(Track 7) is the band at their most light-hearted, a ska-rollicking tune with a contagious beat. Complete with a sing-songy melody and a playful bassline, the lyrics are a hoot ("You opening your mouth is the best birth control"). The perfect show-closer, Stattica’s performance is sheer celebration, giving the listener a healthy dose as to why they are the premier live band in Los Angeles to this day.

STATTICA carries their bravado as if believing their music can actually make a dent in the universe. With their penchant for diverse songwriting and energetic performances proves them right. Rumble, young men, rumble. - World of Gigs

http://www.bassgirls.com/bass_glennchristy.htm

When I was a little kid in Louisiana, my parents bought me a toy piano. It consisted of one octave. I played it, broke it, fixed it, and eventually outgrew it. I assure you, my parents got their money out of that gift. That octave was enough to get me hooked on music.

When I was about 6 years old I moved on to play a real piano, and eventually got pretty good at it despite never having a single lesson. While I was learning I had to put up with a lot of "stop banging" comments. That problem was resolved when my parents bought me my first keyboard. It came with headphones and a volume knob so everyone loved it! I went through several keyboards, but was never completely satisfied with anything that had black & white keys.

I wanted to find another instrument. I tried the sax. It was quickly determined that horns were not the instrument for me. I also tried the drums. That only lasted a few lessons. I got tired of beating on them—wanted something more melodic. I also tried an accordion once. The guy in the store let me play with it for about an hour. That was ample time to gain the utmost respect for accordion players.

Somewhere along the way I tried guitar. The strings felt too skinny. Plus, I like to be different and it seemed like everyone played guitar. Later on, I tried the bass. That felt much better. I started out with a 4-string Fender Mexican Jazz Bass. Started taking lessons almost immediately and was playing in a band within the year. God bless anyone who was nice enough to attend those shows!

Since then I’ve moved on to less scary bands and less scary basses. The cheap Fender is actually pretty nice now. I refer to it as Frankenbass, since the only original part left on it is the wood. I don’t play it much, though, as I prefer my 5-string Spector basses. While I’m mentioning names, I should also add that I use Mari strings.

When I’m not playing music I can usually be found flying a Cherokee. I fly a lot since I got my license. There’s nothing like the first time you take the plane up without a pesky instructor tagging along!

Where were you born Christy? Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA, now based in Los Angeles, California.

Did you play any other instrument before you started playing bass? Piano and keyboards. Also all the usual childhood instruments like recorder, bells, cymbals, etc.

Did you ever perform onstage as a child? Yes, it seemed to be a part of school nearly every year.

What attracted you to playing bass? I've always liked it, I love the sound it makes.

At what age did you first take a bass in your hands? Ummmmmmmm... not telling. Bass was not my first instrument.


.... Are your parents or relatives involved in music? They used to play, but were never really involved unless high-school band counts. We had a piano in the house because my mom used to play.

Can you remember the first piece you ever learned on bass? That's a memory I choose to forget, it wasn't good... trust me!

Are you self-taught or did you have a tutor/teacher? A little of both, but I have to mention that Bjorn Englen helped me out alot as a bass teacher. (see Links page - Ed.)

What was your very first band? Thats scary! They were called The Singles. It was fun, but after just a few months I had to move on to something more interesting.

Tell us about your current band? We are called Stattica. Stattica is a new band on the rise. Banging out magnetic, personal-story songs rich with candid, profound lyrics, each emotional show feels like it's part circus/part testimonial, and they somehow sustain their high energy throughout.

The band's lineup is diverse both in its geography as well as its musical backgrounds. Singer-songwriter Dakota Aesquivel (lead vocals and rhythm guitar) hails from the windy city of Chicago while his right-hand man, guitarist extraordinaire Gabriel Perez ("The Sundance kid to my Butch Cassidy", as Dakota introduces him), is a diehard Los Angeleno. Christy Glenn (bass) comes from the bayous of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Although Stattica is not yet signed to a record contract, its members have already achieved much success. Through their own efforts of constant promotion and performance, they have amassed a strong following in and around Los Angeles and their reputation is quickly spreading as people learn of the band's music and electrifying stage show. Performances have been well received at notorious venues like: The Viper Room, The Hard Rock Café, BB King’s, The Derby, the Troubadour, the Roxy, etc.


In addition to their strong songwriting abilities and stage presence, the members of Stattica all possess an undying commitment to excellence and an unquenchable thirst for success, and it is these traits which will undoubtedly bring the band the rockstardom they work so hard for.

Does the band-name have any history or significance? Not telling... (????? - Ed.)

What other bands were you a member of? Quite a few of them that didn't go anywhere... Uncle Nancy was pretty good. We got some recognition and at one point had one of the top songs on Garageband.com in the Hard Rock category. Sometimes I'll play with a band that plays parties or weddings too. We don't really have a name, but when they ask, we make one up for the gig.

What’s your main bass? Spector NS-5XL, made by Spector Bass in Woodstock, New York. It's made of a solid piece of quilted maple, is very heavy, and sounds really good...

Have you a preference for active or passive electronics? I like Active electronics.

What type or brand of strings to you like best? Daniel Mari, 45-65-85-105-130

What is your backline bass amp setup? Right now its a 1000 watt Carvin stack. Probably going to upgrade to EBS in the future.

Do you use pedals/effects? Not usually. I have a Sans Amp that I like to use for a more ballsy sound sometimes.

Do you play with your fingers, pick or both? Both, but its usually the fingers.

Have you played fretless bass? Yes, I actually have a 5-string fretless that is very similar to my regular bass, but made with striped maple. It's custom and has fret lines, but no actual frets. I like it more for recording, it makes some really awesome sounds!

Have you played double (upright) or acoustic bass? Not upright, but occasionally I'll play an acoustic bass.

How would you best describe the type of music you most like to play? My current band plays mostly radio-friendly rock. I like to jam with lotsa different genres for fun. Anything by 311 is really fun to play
...

What bands do you enjoy listening to? I have so much stuff on my ipod now... I'd say I like the british & classic rock the best. 311 is always fun. Been into Thin Lizzy lately.

Who did you listen to as a young teenager? Alot of hard rock and alot of Elton John.

Have you recorded? Yes... and my band Stattica is almost done with our 2nd album as well.

What was your best gig/venue ever? I really like playing at the Hard Rock Cafe because of the setup. Also had alot of fun playing at the LA Marathon, especially when alot of the runners were stopping to grab a cd!

What was your worst moment onstage? Once I was performing with this "wedding" band. We really didn't rehearse, I had never heard alot of the songs they wanted, and had not met everyone in the band until the first rehearsal. The 2 times we had rehearsals were more of just jam sessions with maragaritas and lotsa good food. We were told that the reception was indoors, so I brought indoor gear. We got there and they had us setup outside, right by the beach.

I had a lightweight music stand, so I taped my notes to it in the set-list order. Being by the beach, it was really breezy. My music stand acted like a sail and kept turning over--so much for the notes, had to figure it out as the songs were called. They didn't even remotely follow the set-list anyway, so it all worked out as one big jam session. The wedding party was happy with us (maybe the open bar helped).


... Has anything funny happened with a fan or fans? Nothing too weird with fans... for me its more with the clubs assuming I am not a band member, but rather a band girlfriend.

Do you play/own any other instruments? Keyboards, but just for fun. I also tinker with the guitar. I also have a small accordion (weird, huh?)

What other instrument would you most like to play? Tenor Sax. I used to have one, but horns never really worked out for me so I sold it.

What was the best concert you were ever at? The one that stands out right now is Queen, from last year at the Hollywood Bowl.

Do you find singing while playing bass difficult? It depends on what I'm trying to play and sing.

Do you write/compose? I have, but I like to just play. I like when we are recording, because I can be creative and come up with my own bass parts. I like doing that, but don't usually write the songs.

Do you see the bass as a solo instrument? Sometimes. I like to throw in short, fun solos that people are not expecting.

What music are you listening to most these days? Classic Rock

Do you have any pets? Yes, a little black & white kitten.

Do you have a day-job or do you play professionally? I sell real estate to support my music habit.

What are your hobbies/interests outside of music? I am a Private Pilot and love flying small planes around Southern California. I'm also into old cars.


Can you give one piece of worthwhile advice to someone who has just bought their first bass? Start learning songs you like in the genre you want to play. Get a teacher to help you learn them if you can't figure them out. That will get you up & playing. You'll learn the theory and other stuff as you progress. Also, get in a band, because you learn far more when you have to play with others.

Have you ever been to Ireland? No, but my band had an Irish drummer for a while.

Is there a bassist whose sound/technique you really like? John Entwistle... and also the guy from 311

What’s your opinion on basses with more than 4 strings? I have 3 5-strings and love 'em.

What are your ambitions, musically and personally? To keep playing music, flying planes, and having fun.

It's been a pleasure talking to you Christy. Stattica's website can be accessed through our Links page. - Ed

- Bassgirls.com