Strap

Originally formed by singer/guitarist Gene Schriver and childhood friend and bassist Michael Ferrara (shortly after Schriver woke to find his law school roommate dead), Strap began by melding styles of two main influences - indie rock and heavy classic rock. Moving quickly from its beginnings in the basement to the studio, Strap recorded its first EP on a nominal budget at Ardmore's Chill Factor Studios with Erik Horvitz, who was concurrently producing Huffamoose's We've Been Had Again for Interscope. The band released its self-titled debut to some critical acclaim. According to a review by Philadelphia Weekly, “These guys can really play…they might just turn out to be one of the best bands in Philly.” Strap soon started hearing spins on college radio and developed a following. The band regularly packed Philadelphia's prime venues, and was quickly asked to open for national acts. Strap planned to relocate to Los Angeles, but shortly after Schriver moved west, lead guitarist Bonspeco D. Grizz's mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The band never joined Schriver, and after a two year stint, he moved back to Philadelphia. While searching for a studio to cut a new record, Strap met Tommy Joyner of MilkBoy Recording, and after co-producing its new record, he joined the group as drummer. Strap then added rhythm guitarist Matt Schuh so Schriver could focus on vocals.

Strap's new self-released 5-song EP, Dead Center of the Universe Is Here, has been receiving airplay up and down the East Coast on college radio stations (including the local WPRB), and in the Philadelphia market the record has been played on most commercial rock stations, being highlighted on Y-100, WYSP, and WMMR. The band has been filmed for appearances on new Comcast network Ripe TV for release in January 2005, and has songs on the soundtracks of three new major studio films, including director David Gordon Green's (George Washington, All The Real Girls) upcoming feature, Goat. Strap has recently played to capacity crowds in Chapel Hill, NC, Philadelphia, PA and New York City. They have shared the stage with friends LaGuardia (now Eastern Conference Champions) and other recognizable Philly bands Marker, The Capitol Years and Pepper's Ghost. Acclaimed producer Jeff Bliekensopp (The Secret Machines, Now Here Is Nowehere) and Jared Kotler (Marcy Playground) have both been working with Strap on new material. Seventies San Francisco pop artist icon and Andy Warhol contemporary Mel Ramos licensed his work “A.C. Annie” to Strap for its cover of Dead Center. Ramos' work also appears on Rage Against the Machine's Evil Empire.