The Radio Galaxy

BEST ORIGINAL BAND

THE RADIO GALAXY

Virginia Kamenitzer -- lead vocals

Dave DeRiso -- drums, percussion

Ryan Headley -- guitar, mandolin

Tim Dempsey -- lead guitar, vocals

Randy Artiglere -- bass

Genre: Rock/funk/bluegrass

EP:"Don't Forget to Listen"

See them: Jan. 26

The Acoustic Cafe

100 Hibernia Ave. Rockaway

Doors open 6:30 p.m.

Cost: $10

(973) 983-7100

Hear them: www.theradiogalaxy.com

Galaxy or universe? The Radio Galaxy exploded onto the scene in 2004 as an expansion of the brother-sister duo "Inches."

Virginia and Ed Kamenitzer traveled the acoustic music circuit for three years. Soon Tim Dempsey joined the team and set off a domino effect of musicianship and following.

Long-distance fan Peter Martin of Pennington is one of them.

"I'm a former Drew University student and I continue to drive up to Morristown and Hoboken to watch them play," he wrote in an e-mail to the Daily Record. "Virginia has a great voice and Dave rocks the drums."

Lead vocalist Virginia Kamenitzer likens the group's name to the actual astrological radio galaxy phenomenon:

"Certain astrological journals define a Radio Galaxy as one showing unusually strong radio emission, too intense to be produced by the normal processes of star birth and star death," Virginia Kamenitzer wrote in an e-mail to the Daily Record. "That said, North Jersey's own THE Radio Galaxy may just be in their own process of star birth."

In 2005, Radio Galaxy further expanded its universe, having won a Battle of the Bands contest sponsored by radio station Q104.3 FM and Tainted Blue Studios in New York City's Times Square. The top spot also secured it a $10,000 recording contract with Tainted Blue.

What you're saying:

-- Their sound is unique and they write all their own music. Their lead singer should be an "American Idol."

Frank and Nina Artiglere, Madison

(Frank and Nina are the proud parents of Randy Artiglere)

-- The Radio Galaxy's unique sound sets them apart from the head-banging barrage of shrieking and screamers out there today. They have a sound that can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter your musical point of view.

Dawn Carafa, Oak Ridge

-- The range Virginia carries and the eclectic sound this band has have made them one of my favorite local bands---definitely original with a lot of stage presence and energy...looking forward to future shows with them...their original songs and wording are phenomenal. and that's why I would rate them no. 1.

Danielle Duvall, Paramus

-- I think that The Radio Galaxy is the Best Original Band in New Jersey, never mind all of Morris County.

Virginia is a spunky front woman with a voice like an angel. The entire band rocks the stage when they get up, with music that makes you stop and listen.

Cathy Smith, Glen Rock

-- I would like to cast my vote for The Radio Galaxy as the Best Original Band in Morris County. Anchored by percussion wizard and teen heart-throb Dave DeRiso, TRG is a guaranteed blast.

Gil Arbitsman, Madison

- The Daily Record

A New Jersey rock-and-roll band "accidentally stumbled" upon a Battle of the Bands contest, then went on to beat out the field and capture a $10,000 recording contract.

Calling themselves a "modern acoustic rock band," The Radio Galaxy got their groove on during last Tuesday's competition, which was sponsored by New York's Q104.3 and Tainted Blue Studios.

"The week before the contest a band dropped out and we replaced them," Virginia Kamenitzer, lead singer, said Monday. "It was a lucky break, and we turned around and won the competition."

The classic rock station awarded The Radio Galaxy the contract after listening to them play at the "Battle of the Bands" contest at the Cutting Room in Manhattan.

"We were the only ones from New Jersey there," said Kamenitzer, 28, a Wayne native. "It's a great compliment to us. We feel like our musicianship is finally being recognized."

The $10,000 contract will cover the costs of producing and promoting a single that will air on Q104.3 this spring, Kamenitzer said.

"They want us to prepare six songs and then the studio will make the final selection," she said. "The band will not have a say in what song will be recorded. We are just happy to have this opportunity."

The six-member band, which formed in July 2004 and rehearses in Elmwood Park, features bass, drums, percussion, mandolin and electric and acoustic guitars.

Drummer Dave DeRiso describes the band's sound as "modern acoustic rock with a groovy soul to it."
Like the rest of the band, DeRiso, a 27-year-old Denville resident, said he was "shocked" when he found out they had won.

"We didn't expect a whole lot," he said of the contest. "It was a little shocking to win, but in a good way. Ten grand is a lot of money for a band that's only been around for a year and a half."

In addition to DeRiso and Kamenitzer, The Radio Galaxy consists of Ed Kamenitzer, Virginia's brother, acoustic guitar and vocals; Tim Dempsey, electric guitar, percussion and vocals; Randy Artiglere, bass; and Ryan Headley, electric and baritone guitars and mandolin.

DeRiso said it is difficult for bands to get their songs aired on rock radio stations without the promotional support of a record label.

"It's hard for local bands to get themselves on the radio," he said, "especially an established one like Q104.3."

The band begins recording this month at the Tainted Blue Studios in Times Square.

E-mail: cunningham@northjersey.com

- As seen in THE HERALD NEWS and THE BERGEN RECORD

New York, NY (January 19, 2006)--Tainted Blue Studios, the former Quad Penthouse, has launched its record label--Tainted Blue Records--as well as a live "From The Penthouse" series, to be recorded for release on the new label. The "From The Penthouse" showcases will feature independent artists performing in the 3,000-square-foot studio in front of an audience, and will be recorded for a Dual Disc release.


Tainted Blue partners Andrew Koss and Patrick Shaw work in their new Times Square studio. Shaw (left) strums his guitar at the SSL 9080 J console, and Koss is seated at the Pro Tools/synth-driven production desk.
"The Tainted Blue space is so conducive for great live sounds, it only makes sense to record great music and make it available for the fans," says Koss. "The label is dedicated to finding great live acts and giving them a chance to showcase their talent before an audience which includes loyal fans and industry reps. Plus, the releases will help get their music into untapped markets."
Owners Andrew Koss and Patrick Shaw will begin hosting these showcases February 2 in the 3,000-square foot studio in Times Square. The "From the Penthouse" series will host a specially invited audience at the studio. The resulting Tainted Blue Records Dual Disc release will be available through a regional distributor at record stores, book stores, coffeehouses and other outlets throughout New England, as well as the Tainted Blue website, www.taintedblue.com.

The featured artist in the first of the "From the Penthouse" series will be the six-piece groove-rock band, The Radio Galaxy, who swept the grand recording package prize at the Q104.3/Tainted Blue Battle of the Bands December 27 at the Cutting Room. The Radio Galaxy will begin recording this Sunday in the studio and hope to have a song ready to hit the air in the spring. Tainted Blue decided that Radio Galaxy was the perfect act to lead the launch of the label and will track their opening showcase on February 2.

"We were excited to win the recording package and are eager to begin work on our new material," said Virginia Kamenitzer, lead vocalist of Radio Galaxy. "But we were overjoyed when Andrew and Patrick asked us to showcase and be the first release from the studio with a full length dual disc. That is just over the top!"

The second "From The Penthouse" in the series will happen on February 23, and feature Brooklyn-based rock band, No Lindsay, a quartet formed by songwriter and performer, Rob Ingersoll.

"In working with Andrew and Pat these past few months, I've really been able to connect with them as musicians and work with them as producers," said lead singer and lead guitarist, Rob Ingersoll. "To perform live in a space with so much history is just the icing on the cake."

Also on the calendar for March 23, 2006 is the third in the series, featuring singer/songwriter Kacie Sheik, who's already a star of stage, having landed starring roles in Footloose, Smokey Joe's Café and most notably the lead in the Queen musical We Will Rock You.
- Tainted Blue Studio

New York, NY (January 19, 2006)--Tainted Blue Studios, the former Quad Penthouse, has launched its record label--Tainted Blue Records--as well as a live "From The Penthouse" series, to be recorded for release on the new label. The "From The Penthouse" showcases will feature independent artists performing in the 3,000-square-foot studio in front of an audience, and will be recorded for a Dual Disc release.


Tainted Blue partners Andrew Koss and Patrick Shaw work in their new Times Square studio. Shaw (left) strums his guitar at the SSL 9080 J console, and Koss is seated at the Pro Tools/synth-driven production desk.
"The Tainted Blue space is so conducive for great live sounds, it only makes sense to record great music and make it available for the fans," says Koss. "The label is dedicated to finding great live acts and giving them a chance to showcase their talent before an audience which includes loyal fans and industry reps. Plus, the releases will help get their music into untapped markets."
Owners Andrew Koss and Patrick Shaw will begin hosting these showcases February 2 in the 3,000-square foot studio in Times Square. The "From the Penthouse" series will host a specially invited audience at the studio. The resulting Tainted Blue Records Dual Disc release will be available through a regional distributor at record stores, book stores, coffeehouses and other outlets throughout New England, as well as the Tainted Blue website, www.taintedblue.com.

The featured artist in the first of the "From the Penthouse" series will be the six-piece groove-rock band, The Radio Galaxy, who swept the grand recording package prize at the Q104.3/Tainted Blue Battle of the Bands December 27 at the Cutting Room. The Radio Galaxy will begin recording this Sunday in the studio and hope to have a song ready to hit the air in the spring. Tainted Blue decided that Radio Galaxy was the perfect act to lead the launch of the label and will track their opening showcase on February 2.

"We were excited to win the recording package and are eager to begin work on our new material," said Virginia Kamenitzer, lead vocalist of Radio Galaxy. "But we were overjoyed when Andrew and Patrick asked us to showcase and be the first release from the studio with a full length dual disc. That is just over the top!"

The second "From The Penthouse" in the series will happen on February 23, and feature Brooklyn-based rock band, No Lindsay, a quartet formed by songwriter and performer, Rob Ingersoll.

"In working with Andrew and Pat these past few months, I've really been able to connect with them as musicians and work with them as producers," said lead singer and lead guitarist, Rob Ingersoll. "To perform live in a space with so much history is just the icing on the cake."

Also on the calendar for March 23, 2006 is the third in the series, featuring singer/songwriter Kacie Sheik, who's already a star of stage, having landed starring roles in Footloose, Smokey Joe's Café and most notably the lead in the Queen musical We Will Rock You.
- Tainted Blue Studio