Stillframe
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Stillframe

Band Alternative Rock

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The best kept secret in music

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"Stillframe Rocks for Relief"

Goodwill was in the air this past month, and in the spirit of our focus on the February 18th Benefit Show Bands, I thought it was about time to do an update on the outstanding artists of Stillframe, one of the AX January featured bands. 

Stillframe worked to organize and co-sponsor (with Springfield Music and St. Mark's Lutheran Church) another UNICEF Tsunami Benefit Show on February 19th.  I had the chance to go check it out, and the show was definitely intense!  Other bands featured that night included Anthrophobia, Devious Cure, Frozen in Time and Ashes of Decadence.  

This was my first opportunity to witness Stillframe's live performance, and in good conscience I couldn't keep it to myself, so hence this update!  Stillframe definitely has a more mellow sound than most bands I hear.  So, naturally, I expected that their live performance would be a little bit toned down from what I was used to seeing.  During our past interview, I  remembered Jason telling me that these guys had a high-energy performance.  Then again, all bands say that, so I didn't read too much into it.  So, imagine my surprise when they start playing, and I'm seeing one of the most visually interesting shows of my life!

Whether it was Jason pounding away on his set, Brad's apparent gliding or floating all over the place, Dan's almost musical "fits," or Joe and Mark simply going with the flow of things, there was always something interesting going on.  And that's not even to mention how great they sounded!  If you've heard their recordings (and since I told you to check them out two months ago, you should have by now!), then you've heard their live show.  Simple as that.  They're just as clear, crisp and unique as ever. 

These guys have a great sound, and obviously good hearts to put together showsfor the sole purpose of helping others.  Just another reason why you need to get out and see them.  Keep your eyes out for new stuff from these boys.  You wouldn't wanna be left behind, now would you?
- Jenn Mattern / AudioXposure.com


"AudioXposure Interview"

I was thrilled when Jason Ziemba, drummer for the very talented band, Stillframe, was kind enough to grant AudioXposureä an e-mail interview.  If you haven’t had the opportunity to hear Stillframe’s truly unique style, you’re severely missing out.  The raw emotion these guys put into their work shows through in every beat and every note, and when combined with the hypnotic depth of Brad Shanfelt's absolutely beautiful voice, the experience is nothing short of addictive. 

Stillframe consists of Brad (vocals), Mark (guitar and vocals), Joe (bass and vocals), Dan (guitar), and Jason (drums).  The guys hail from the West Chester and Reading areas, and play throughout the Philadelphia area. 

Here’s what Jason had to say:

AX:  From your website, I’m getting the impression you’ve been playing together for about a year.  Is that right?

Jason:  The current lineup has been together for close to two years.  Brad and Joe had recently gotten out of a band, and were looking to move on from that.  They responded to an online ad I placed, and I joined in September of 2001.  Mark joined shortly thereafter, and we solidified the lineup with Dan in September of 2002.

AX:  What would you say is Stillframe’s primary goal as a band?  Are you guys playing to have fun and just enjoy yourselves, and if you make it, you make it?  Or are you actively trying to make a career out of your music?

Jason:  Ideally, our goal is to present our upcoming 6-song CD to several industry contacts that we have made over the last few years, and attempt to get a recording contract.  We’ve really gotten a lot of very positive feedback on the sound/look/direction of the band; something just feels right between all of us.  We’re all very focused on making this work and taking it as far as we can.

AX:  Aside from the band’s career goals, what would you say is your “reason” for playing?

Jason:  Love, pure and simple.  We love to perform original works.  People can form their own assumptions about us.  We’re not really trying to reach a specific audience or get a message out to people.  I think the honesty and emotion of our music is what we’re all about; it’s sincere and genuine.  That’s what we want people to see.

[Soundwaves, Reading, PA, May 16, 2003 - From left - Mark, Brad, Jason, Joe, and Dan]

AX:  What do you think Stillframe has that sets it apart from other bands in the area? 

Jason:  Extreme professionalism, and a refreshing style of original music.  We’re not trying to be like anything on the radio.  We use everything as an influence, but really try and write our own brand of melodic/textural rock.  I don’t think you can classify us in any one genre.  Also, we create a lot of energy on stage, we try to be very dynamic and visual.  There’s a very high-energy performance level with us, and that’s the emotion coming out.  Pure and simple. 

AX:  What do you feel is the hardest part of trying to make it as a musician in this area, at this time? 

Jason:  I think the hardest part has been getting people really interested and building a following.  Cover bands are easy, ‘cause you already know the material.  With original bands, we’re asking our audience to take a chance on something unfamiliar and embrace it.  When you don’t do any covers, people have a tendency to back off.  People don’t want to drive an hour away to see you in some bar in Philly on a Tuesday night.  That takes dedication, and most people just won’t do it, unless you’re already signed and on the radio. 

AX:  Do you think that you guys have anything that is a particular downfall compared to other groups? 

Jason:  Our biggest hurdle is that we’re all professionally (gainfully) employed, and have our own homes, cars, bills and misc. headaches that life brings you as an adult.  We don’t have unlimited time to practice and play, but we make the most of our practice sessions.  A lot of times our schedules don’t jive, and we’ll miss out on a few practices over a period of time.  Other than that, I believe we pretty much have it together.  No drug/drinking/attitudes with this band. 

AX:  As a group, who would you say are your greatest influences? 

Jason:  Wow, we all draw from our own influences, both common and uncommon.  I’d say we’re all into the Deftones, Chevelle, and Finger 11; but we’re individually influenced by stuff like Ravi Shankhar, Spiritualized, Rush, the Cure, Jane’s Addiction, Skid Row, the Used, Hum, and Muse just to name a few (well – more than a few!). 

AX:  Who writes the majority of Stillframe’s music? 

Jason:  Brad generally writes all the lyrics, which are primarily based on life lessons/experiences.  Brad, Mark and Dan generally work on loose song structures for verse/chorus/bridge parts, then Joe and I will contribute to rhythm, and we’ll all refine and revise the song structure.  At any time, any one of us could introduce a new part or phrase to a song that will really take it to the next leve - Jenn Mattern/AudioXposure.com


"Origivination"

STILL FRAME - I PRIDE MYSELF ON MEETING THE BAND MEMBERS AND I WAS GLAD TO DO IT WITH THIS BAND. THIS 5 PIECE WORLD ROCK BAND HAS SOME REALLY COOL THINGS WORKING HERE. FIRST , A TON OF " EFFECTS " ON THE VOCALS WAS ABSOLUTELY MESMERIZING. SECOND, A BAND MEMBER BREAKING HIS GUITAR WITH RELATIVE DECORUM WAS COOL....THAN HE PLAYED THE MORE THAN 15 " PEDALS " ...SUPER COOL. THIRD, OTHER GUITARIST WITH SUPER STAGE PRESENCE . LEAD VOCALIST WAS PASSIONATE AND HAD CREATED A BUBBLE OF CAPTIVATION. THIS EMOTIONAL BAND IS SOMETHING TO SEE LIVE. I WATCHED FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE ROOM AND WAS JUST AMAZED AT WHAT THESE GUYS WERE DOING. ALL GOOD..... I LIKED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS PSYCHEDELIC ROCK BAND… - Chris


"HomeGrownBands.com"

Stillframe Opens for Sebastian Bach at Crocodile Rock, Allentown
Stillframe came on next playing some of their original music like drown, silence and human race off their new CD Stillframe. A high energy band with good talent and strong vocals putting on a really good show. Stillframe will be back at the Crocodile Rock in Allentown on the 6th of Dec also Big Nicks in Philadelphia Nov 7th. Check them out if you get the chance. Hopefully they will come to some central Pa clubs shortly also. Check them out on our HomeGrown Music page for local original music downloads free.

All in all this was one Rock Night to remember and if you missed this show, well sorry 4 you but we had a blast! Thanks again to all the bands and to the tour manager for getting me my camera pass to share some photos with other fans! Also thanks to our waiter Ben and the rest of the Crocodile Rock staff for giving us great service.


Thanks for a great show Mike from HomeGrownBands team Musicians for musicians entertaining the world, what starts as a dream can live in reality.

© Copyright HomeGrownBands.net 2002/2003. All rights reserved.
PO BOX 3530 YORK PA 17402
- Mike


Discography

3 song sampler (Drown, Silence, The Human Race)
7 song EP entitled 'The Human Race'
6 song CD - Appetizer Release Date: April 2005

"The Taste" was featured as the number one request on unitedbands.com for three straight months and spinning on local stations in PA.

Right now the Stillframe is being played on 105.7 TheX, 95.1 and 90.3 in Allentown and 94.1 WYSP, 93.3 WMMR and online at over 20 web-based stations.

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

Stillframe first united in Philadelphia in 2002. Band members drew upon influences such as Our Lady Peace, Thursday, Smashing Pumpkins, Hoobastank, Thrice, Crossfade, Finch, Seether and others to establish a musical connection between them. That bond has given way to a passionate commitment to their unique brand of music. Stillframe's sound intertwines foundations in modern rock, emo, and grunge with lush, textural instrumentation and pop-smart melodies. Set against sincere and heartfelt vocals, their signature sound is truly original and captivating. The band is comprised of members Brad (vocals/programming), Mark (guitar/vocals), Joe (bass/vocals), Dan (guitar/vocals), and Jason (drums, percussion).

Since inception, Stillframe has been concentrating all efforts on writing and recording original material while playing shows throughout Pennsylvania and the Northeast. The musical evolution of this band is ongoing. Some performance highlights include opening slots for national touring acts such as the Gin Blossoms, Sebastian Bach, and Europe. Stillframe leaves a lasting impression with their unparalleled energy and hypnotic performances. Jennifer Mattern of AudioXposure.com calls Stillframe's stage show, "one of the most visually interesting shows of (her) life!"