YMI

YMI is a hard-edged alternative rock band comprised of these key elements: harmony, melody, rhythm and emotion. Citing Hendrix to Morrissey to Van Halen as influences, YMI strives to create a sound that screams originality. YMI formed in 1992 when Baris Adil and Johnnie Page met in Senior year of high school in Baltimore, Maryland. After the first time they got together they knew they had something good. The vocal melody and guitar rhythm combined with catchy lyrical hooks created a new sound in the region. The two were YMI, determined to build a following without bending to the cover-band demand local club owners swore by. By mid-’90, they had released YMI’s first studio EP, Uninvited Welcome, marking the start of a strong local fan base. But, a year later, Johnnie and Baris bitterly parted ways. “I had always envisioned me and Johnnie as musical soul mates, and this tore me apart,” Baris admits. Four years passed before they met up again. “Johnnie approached me at a bar. I had told myself I would never play with him again, but I was missing something in my life.” Regrouping with several players in the area, they were focused. They were centered. They had matured. Well a little bit. They meticulously weeded through the hundreds of songs they’d written together. Baris explains, “This was a drawn-out process. The whole scene was totally alien to us, so we had to start fresh and find our niche again. Johnnie and Baris briefly collaborated with Delaware-based Krome playing regional shows and showcases before heading into the studio to cut their debut album, The Otherside. The album was supported by a national radio campaign which turned some heads hitting Top 30 rotation in several markets, establishing YMI as an up and coming regional act. YMI has had several incarnations over the years and now the two core members are looking at working with several session/studio drummers to record and release their sophomore album. Following the release in mid November 2008, YMI plans on a European leg of the tour to start in January 2009 with plans for a early spring 2009 US tour. YMI has kicked off a buzz that is snowballing on the music scene. Check them out at www.ymi3.com.