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Nathanael Lew fronts this kickass rock & roll outfit which channels the gnarly bone marrow of bands such as Guns N' Roses, Jet, Black Crowes, Buckcherry, the Hangmen, and the Rolling Stones. TCJ exudes a palpable electricity on this CD and suggests the band knows how to deliver a satisfying and thoroughly dirtyass live show. - Music Connection Magazine
While listening to Ten Count Junky’s “Swallow Your Pride”, I reminisced back to my college days. We would party in my friend’s basement while his parents were out of town. Their music is very conducive to kicking back with a couple beers and getting a little crazy.
Nathanael Lew, who is the vocalist and main guitarist, is obviously influenced by a lot of old blues. There are a lot of strong guitar riffs to be had here. On “The Landlord’s Daughter”, Lew shows he can definitely play guitar. Although, some of the solos can be alittle monotonous. He also has strong vocal ability.
Obviously, the rest of the band is also holding their own. They show a tight united front on “Smashing Cabs”, where the part “I want to Rock n Roll” is very infectious. I can see young kids everywhere chanting those words as an anthem.
“Don’t Call” is a classic old school blues jam with great vocals. This track, is probably even more enjoyable live. It's something that would make even Stevie Ray Vaugn, if still alive, want to jump in and jam on.
While Ten Count Junky aren’t reinventing the wheel, they do know how to bring back some old school rock, and are a hell of a lot of fun! And for many that is what rock 'n' roll is all about.
- By Argie Plakas
Ten Count Junky is not here to whine. They are here to Rock. Your. Face. And if your life sucks, you can be damn sure that they're going to do something about it. Like rocking your face.
Ten Count Junky is the heir to two of the greatest traditions in rock, combining the chords and attitude of classic rock greats like The Who, with the drive and intensity of 90's masters Soundgarden and Stone Temple Pilots. Throw in irresistible blues riffs in the style of George Througood, and suddenly rock and roll is fun again.
Ten Count Junky has picked itself off the mat almost as many times as its name implies. The band is the lifelong project of singer-songwriter-lead guitarist-sound engineer-master of ceremonies Nathanael Lew. It's traveled with him from Minnesota to Los Angeles, then back to Minnesota, then back to Los Angeles. Each trip has refined the band's sound, into the explosion of pure rock which is now heard on stage. Accompanying Lew on this quest are backup guitarist Ramon Flores, drummer Mike Russo, and bassist Jerrod Darby. Together, there's not one more power chord they won't bust out, not one more girl they won't get dancing on the table, not one more set they won't pack.
Because the musical ground is shifting. It's time for something more than self-pity. People want to believe in rock again, believe that it can tell them to grab life by both ass cheeks and kick it into the Pacific. The music of Ten Count Junky reminds its listeners of what's best in life: a bone-breaking, soul rattling good time. People hear this message, and they come back again and again. - By Chris Boucher
Discography
Ten Count Junky was awarded "Best Modern Rock Band in 2006" at The Rock City News Awards.
Ten Count Junky's publishing and masters are administered by Heyday Media Group. www.heydaymediagroup.com
On December 3rd, 2006 "The Landlord's Daughter" was featured as Track of The Day at www.garageband.com
On December 23rd, 2006 "Derelict" was featured as Track of The Day at www.garageband.com
During the week of December 11th 2006 "Swallow Your Pride" won Best Male Vocal and Best Guitars at garageband.com
During the week of October 30th 2006 "The Landlord's Daughter" won best lyrics, production, guitars, and bass against 644 other songs at garageband.com - http://www.garageband.com/song?|pe1|S8LTM0LdsaSlZlOxZGo
In 2004, "Ordinary", a song from Ten Count Junky's 2005 Demo was featured in Playstation 2/XBox games "Ford Racing 2 - Evolution" and "Crazy Taxi 3".
Ten Count Junky is endorsed by Knucklehead Strings. www.knuckleheadstrings.com
In 2006, Ten Count Junky shot their first music video to the song from the album of the same name, "Swallow Your Pride".
Music Video URL:
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1119715525
Live Video from The Whiskey A Go-Go:
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1119740644
In 2006 the band recorded "Swallow Your Pride". Ten Count Junky's 10 track independently produced and recorded record. Available at myspace.com/tencountjunky
Photos
Bio
"A kickass rock and roll outfit" - Music Connection Magazine.
Ten Count Junky, Rock City News' "Best Modern Rock Band of 2006", is an energetic Alternative Rock and Roll band based in Los Angeles, CA. They have been heavily involved in the Hollywood music scene since Summer of 2005.
"I was so tired of waiting to play shows", says Nathanael Lew, lead singer/guitarist of Ten Count Junky. In 2003, after making the risky move alone from Minneapolis to Los Angeles, Nathanael found himself in a sea of flakey and unreliable musicians. "That was a pretty rough time for me. I was trying to find people who were truly committed and passionate about making music." But it was that harsh environment that birthed the rock alternative band Ten Count Junky. The name describes Nathanael's seeming addiction to hitting life's floorboards for the parabolic "Ten Count".
"I auditioned for a crap-load of bands as a guitarist. Then I decided to try producing and writing for a few singers. None of that really amounted to anything. I was so unlucky.� Frustrated, Nathanael decided to write and record an album of his own in hopes of starting a band that would actively participate in the scene.
In early 2005, Ramon Flores, another frustrated out-of-state musician, hired Nathanael to engineer a recording session for his solo project. Says Ramon, "We were taking a break from recording and we started talking about the difficulties of starting a band in L.A. There was a pause and then � eureka! Let�s start a band together!" The two quickly formed a bond when they realized they shared the same love for 90's alternative music and classic rock. Says Nathanael, "We didn't even have a bassist or a drummer when we booked our first show. We knew our songs were strong enough and our energy was entertaining enough - we weren't going to wait any longer. Even if hell opened up beneath us, we were still going to play that show." This "take action first - ask questions later" approach has proven successful for Ten Count Junky.
In January of '06, drummer Mike Russo (formerly of Dimestore Hoods and Roosevelt - MCA Records.) responded to an ad Ten Count Junky placed in Music Connection Magazine. Nathanael and Ramon quickly realized that Mike's solid rhythm, creative grooves, extensive experience, and rock and roll attitude was just what the band needed.
Ten Count Junky is currently playing with bassist Erim Kardes.
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