What sets Suite 88 apart from the over-crowded local smorgasbord–besides the unmistakable presence of true and raw talent–are the guys themselves.  Not only do they put on a hell of a show, they put forth the effort to know their fans.

“Unsigned” has become my go-to album.  Between the cocky and in-your-face mood of “Bring it On” to the more vulnerable “Tell Me It’s Over,” it’s got me covered.  These guys are truly the real deal and I look forward to following them all the way to the top.

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“Unsigned”–THE BEAT

by Loni Bakeman

TOTALLY agree with Shandi on this one. While these guys were not even around when rock’s heavy-hitters were climbing the charts, they definitely “get it”.

I have been playing “Unsigned” in my car for several weeks now trying to drink it all in. Each track on this album is just as good as the one before. They each have their own sound and style. On the album as a whole I hear influences from so many of the 80′s greats and others. From the obvious Pantera riff in “Bring It On” to more subtle hints of everything from Def Leppard to Led Zeppelin.

I absolutely love this album. I’m–well, let’s say–NOT a teenager anymore, and yes I grew up in the 80′s!  Suite 88′s songs are both refreshing and a sort of “comfort food” to my ears making me think of all of those great songs and bands (and all the fun times that went with them!).

However, this band is NOT your typical “80′s band”. They don’t just hang out on stage doing covers. At the last show I saw them they did do a Zeppelin song but it was exciting and didn’t scream “cover band”, and they’re definitely not.

“Unsigned” is their 2nd album of their own material. These guys are definitely one to take a second look at, and put on one hell of a show. Listening to their album is just as good.

THE BEAT gives “Unsigned” by Suite 88 a CRANK IT UP!!!!

Published in: The Beat (Rainbow Valley Register)
Link to article: http://www.facebook.com/notes/the-beat-music-news/suite-88-unsigned-album-review

Local rockers Suite 88 are heading out on a Canada tour as I write this but were nice enough to fit us in before they took off! We will be catching up with them again when they return to the U.S. to find out all about their Canada experience. They had a lot to say!

What are your backgrounds individually and how do they all mesh to create Suite 88?

KL (Kolton Lee): Well I grew up on country music. Rock music wasn’t really allowed in my house growing up. Then when I was in about seventh grade, my dad showed me Van Halen’s first album and I was freaking hooked. About a year later, a friend showed me Metallica’s “Black Album”, and my head exploded; it was all over from there. I’ve been trying to slam those three things together in my head ever since.

MG (Mike Gunns): From a very young age my Dad played me a lot of blues and blues-based classic rock. His records I remember playing most were ones like the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Clapton, Van Morrison, Zeppelin… I also had a pretty unique experience I think, being exposed to more obscure blues guys like Jimmy Reed, Paul Butterfield, Taj Mahal, Keb Mo, J.J. Cale, and so on, while so young. It wasn’t until I met Jesse in eighth grade that I was introduced to harder and newer rock.

VT (Vic Toon): My Dad was the one who got me into rock music by playing me a song from Ratt. My Mom was into a lot of rap when I was younger, so it was killer hearing someone actually singing a melody and hearing distorted guitars and effects coming from the drums. Not that I’m not a fan of rap; there was just more energy to rock. Hair metal is my favorite type of music but I’ll listen to a lot of new artists from today and even some pop tunes from the 80’s and classic rock from the 60’s and 70’s.

JC (Jesse Clutch): Before I was a year old, My Mom and Dad had hard rock playing in the house and in the car so I just grew up on it. It was the late 80’s, so it was AC/DC, Kiss, Motley Crue, Aerosmith, and stuff like that—always a solid grove. I think that’s why I love to drum!

MG: As far as how we mesh, we probably clash more than mesh at times, but I think that’s what gives us the energy and dynamic that we have. It makes for a more excitement, anyway.

How did you come up with the name Suite 88?

VT: That story is more for Mike and Jesse.

MG: Basically, we thought it would be cool to have a name that reflected our year of birth: ’88. I remembered that Tommy Lee’s band before Motley Crue was called Suite 19, and when I proposed “Suite 88” everyone was okay with it. I think it was the first name that we could all live with so that’s what we agreed upon.

Describe the average Suite 88 fan…do you appeal to a specific age group?

KL: We have some younger fans—14 to 18 I’d say—but a lot of our appeal seems to be toward a bit older crowd. Basically, people who miss the heyday of rock n’ roll music or kids who wish they had been around then enjoy us.

MG: I agree, it’s basically two groups: people who were around seeing the great rock bands back in the day and now enjoy seeing our new version of it; and then younger kids who weren’t around to experience it but are searching for that rock n’ roll experience today.

VT: Younger fans definitely but it’s cool because the moms will come… and support the band, of course.

How do you feel about being labeled in a specific genre?

KL: I’m okay with being labeled. If people are trying to stuff you into a genre, that’s a good thing. That means there’s something about you that they can’t quite put their finger on. That means people are talking about you, and talking is good. They may like it, they may not, but at least your band is on the radar and they are trying to figure you out. Also, I’d love to see what genre people try to stick us in… We draw from a pretty diverse pool of influences and usually end up with a wide variety of tunes so I’d like to see what people try to come up with. Other than just 80’s Hair Metal; that’s a friggin’ cop-out and I hate that one.

MG: I really don’t mind or care about what genre we’re labeled. We’ve had people make some really weird comparisons that make no sense to us, saying we sound like so-and-so, but as long as it’s not something that would discourage other people from giving us a chance, I don’t mind at all. We play quite a wide range of stuff, but it’s all rock n’ roll to me.

VT: As long as we’re labeled under rock n’ roll then I’m good.

JC: Yeah, as long as it has the word “rock” in the genre I’m pretty happy. I mean that’s what we are: a rock n’ roll band.

How do you feel about genres in general?

KL: They are okay. It’s tough to nail bands to one specific genre but they are good starting points, I suppose.

MG: They’re subjective and always changing. What’s called country today would never have fit the genre 30 years ago; what was heavy metal 30 years ago is now called hair metal or arena rock. I really don’t think it matters; if you like it, you like it.

VT: Music is music, and it’s something everyone can relate to whether it’s just goofing around, something meaningful, in your face, or relaxing. Like sports: they’re broken down into football, hockey, soccer, or tennis but together everyone likes something.

JC: I agree and it seems to me that the more time goes by, the more names of genres are being invented like “Industrial Metal, Black Metal, Dub Step, Softcore, Hardcore”… all these different names! WTF!

There are many bands out there today, what is it that makes you stand out from the rest?

JC: I think music has reached all its extremes. Bands keep getting faster, heavier, and now I think it’s time to pull back in the other direction. We just have to be ourselves and not try to write the fastest riff or double bass pattern, or tune the guitars to drop-C just to be so heavy. I think we stand out as a feel good rock n’ roll band, and yeah, there are some bands out there like that but on average most are too heavy or fast and don’t have that good rock n’ roll vibe to me!

KL: Tough question… It’s hard to say… So much has already been done. There’s really nothing you can do on stage or off stage that can make you stand out in a way that hasn’t been done before. I personally feel that the only way to truly stand out is with your music. It’s our collective experience that makes us Suite 88 and makes us sound the way we do. It’s just a matter of working at our craft and constantly striving to become better musicians and better songwriters.

VT: When you get to know us or see us you’ll just know.

MG: All we can do is be ourselves and write songs that we love to play… but from what people tell me, I reckon we put on a more entertaining live show than many other bands at our level. We do pride ourselves on that, and are always trying to become better performers and improve our audience experience.

You get in the car or you’re hanging out at home, what do you listen to?

VT: Anything that makes my car rattle! Mostly rock, dub step, classic rock, heavy metal, and even some pop songs that are out there.

KL: I cannot stop listening to Sevendust’s newest record “Cold Day Memory”. It is so damn good I listen to it at least once a week. Also Alter Bridge’s “AB III” is just on a completely different level than any other rock or metal record out recently. And of course, Metallica is always in season.

JC: Well I’d probably throw in AC/DC, Highway to Hell at the moment!

MG: In the car, I tune into radio stations across genres just to keep a finger on the pulse of what’s going on in mainstream music. It’s also interesting how you can pick up on trends in songwriting and production. I listen across genres because there’s always something to steal and put into one of our songs. If it’s from a non-rock genre, that’s even better—people might think it’s original!

Who are a few current bands that you like?

KL: I love everything but some of the stuff I listen to are bands like: Alter Bridge, Sevendust, Zac Brown Band, Joe Bonamassa, Adele, Brad Paisley, and Amos Lee. They all had CDs come out in the last year or so that are freakin’ amazing.

MG: Current bands? Hmm… You know, I feel like there’s so much old music left to explore that I don’t need to stay on top of “current” artists to be satisfied. That said, while I don’t listen to much new rock, I do listen to some new country and a bit of pop, particularly for the production value.

JC: Steel Panther! (laughter) Well current bands… I just don’t see anything that stands out; it’s too much the same. I guess Buckcherry and Nickelback.

VT: Can it be bands from the 80’s that are currently putting out records? I like Sevendust, Alter Bridge, Days of the New, Dark New Day, Five Finger Death Punch, Steel Panther…

What would you say to a guy or gal wanting to get into this business? Any advice?

JC: Run away! Run… and never return! (laughter)

MG: You can’t get into this business (of rock n’ roll) to “make it big”; especially these days. It’s not an easy way to live or make a living. You have to do this because you love music; you have to write songs that you love; and you have to love performing. Just getting to play music for people should be the reward in itself, and if you can end up making a decent living doing it, that’s just like winning the lottery.

KL: Stay hungry and have a thick skin. Also the more delusional you are probably the better. You need to have the ability to keep going even though I cannot stress enough that there will always be someone better than you. You need to just get over it and do what makes you unique.

VT: I’d say good luck and balance out fun and business.

Who would you say is the main influence in your life? Who keeps you grounded?

KL: I would say my Dad is a constant influence in my life. He’s taught me that good enough isn’t good enough and that you should always be working to get better at whatever you do. He is always the person I can go to for an honest opinion on something. He has no problem telling me if something I’ve done sucks.

JC: I guess a lot of my family at home in Canada. It’s always nice to hear from them; they keep me going and encourage me with what I’m doing.

MG: We aren’t really elevated to the level where we’re not grounded, but spending time with people we know outside of the band is always good to find balance.

Has anyone, musically or otherwise, had a profound impact on your life? Who and How?

KL: Absolutely Mark Kopenits (RIP) and Craig Schumacher. I owe any success that I could potentially have to them.

VT: George Lynch, Joe Satriani and my Dad. My Dad for introducing me to great rock, and George and Joe for being wicked guitarists.

MG: Like I said before, my Dad introduced me to music, so I’ll always credit him for setting me down this path. Overall, my parents have made it possible for me to do everything I’ve done in my life.

As a band, what are your aspirations? What do you hope to accomplish through your music?

KL: I want people to connect to the music and use it as an escape. Music is supposed to be fun; I hope people get that from our music.

MG: I’d like to make a couple more albums that I can be really proud of and that other people will enjoy too. I’d like for the band to allow us opportunities to do things while we’re young that most people never get to do. We’ve already gotten to experience some incredible things, see cool places, and meet unforgettable people. Hopefully we continue to be so privileged.

JC: I want to tour again and see more of the country, even go overseas, and play our music to as many people as we can!

VT: Play to sold-out arenas and keep giving entertainment to the people who continue to give us support. Still knowing when I’m fifty that people are still rocking out to the music I love to play.

Who has the most female fans?!

KL: Good question!

MG: You’ll have to talk to the female fans, ha!

VT: Females? Send the cougars my way!

JC: Hahaha

Describe getting on stage for that first big show:

VT: Intense.

KL: I’m usually a ball of nerves until I get to the venue, but once we get there I just can’t wait to play.

MG: Stressful until right before, and then calm.

JC: I can’t hold onto my drum sticks and heart is racing!

Where do you feel rock n’ roll is today?

VT: It’s still on the radio, thank God.

KL: I feel that rock n’ roll is at a crossroads at the moment. We’re in this time where record labels are dying and aren’t taking chances on bands anymore. Labels want a finished product—something that they don’t have to put a lot of work into, and rock bands are notorious for needing some development. I mean we’re all rough around the edges. The way music used to work is dead. The whole romantic idea of getting your big break, getting signed, and making millions is just a pipe dream nowadays. The rock-star lifestyle of the 70’s and 80’s is dead. That way of life doesn’t exist anymore. That being said, I feel like there are some really strong acts emerging now and a huge movement back to heavy guitar-driven rock n’ roll, and that gives me hope.

MG: Rock n’ roll is pretty boring right now, and I’m not sure if it’s all been done or if we’re just waiting for the next big thing to hit. Albums like Sergeant Pepper’s, Dark Side of the Moon, Van Halen, Appetite for Destruction, Metallica’s Black Album, and even Nevermind… those are important albums that just blew people’s minds when they came out, you know? There haven’t been any bombshell rock records that have reignited and reshaped the genre for so long… it’s hard to say if rock n’ roll is dead or if this is just a long lull. I mean there are still good albums coming out—Nickelback’s last effort Dark Horse, for instance, blew me away from a production standpoint, but it’s in no way groundbreaking.

I had high hopes for Buckcherry, but they have become more and more disappointing to me. When they first came out they were so against the grain with the type of rock they were playing at the time, I thought they could help move rock n’ roll forward in a good direction, but they seem to have stopped pushing and settled into making “safe” records. Good rock records, but pretty forgettable stuff. I like to be surprised, and they haven’t surprised me in some time. Hinder and Airborne are other groups doing the same. Good solid rock n’ roll, but calling it banal would be an understatement. We need a new, fresh sound!

JC: Rock n’ roll… it’s a crying shame…

Have you noticed any changes due to our “current economy” …fewer folks at the shows? More?

MG: Well, we didn’t begin performing as a band until after the recession had already started, so it’s hard to say…

KL: I feel like were seeing more people coming out. It’s either the economy or that our appeal is becoming less selective. Either way good things…

When you are on not on stage, what are you doing?

KL: I currently work at Desert Rock Studios in Carefree, Arizona. I’m an engineer there so I am fortunate enough to help people record their music when I’m not messing up my own.

VT: Working, practicing the instruments I love to play and doing things to help out the band.

JC: Just looking to have a good time!

MG: I would be tenting my fingers, strategizing.

Where do you see Suite 88 five years from now?

JC: Well at least a few more albums I hope!

KL: Either on a label paying off our bad loan and a couple of trips to the Betty Ford clinic or disbanded and working at various grocery stores bagging groceries.

MG: Making a living doing what we do!

VT: We’re a rare taste of a band so hopefully selling out big venues.

Tell folks who don’t already know you what to expect at a Suite 88 show:

KL: A GOOD TIME.

MG: Ever seen Justin Beiber perform? …our show is nothing like that.

VT: Lock up your moms!

JC: Um… The next show, the drum solo will not—WILL NOT—follow “Soul Rider”.

Have you had any incredibly embarrassing moments at a show?

MG: I once forgot the words to an entire verse of one of our own songs. I couldn’t think of how the verse started, and it was all downhill from there—my brain couldn’t catch up with the song. So I fumbled and mumbled my way through it and got back on track at the chorus. The worst part was that I could see fans mouthing the right words while I was butchering the song. Too bad I couldn’t read lips.

KL: Well when we were playing in San Francisco I came dangerously close to nose-diving off the stage. I lost my balance while head-banging to some Zeppelin and nearly broke my neck. Luckily I regained balance and finished the song, though. Vic once went for a big dramatic kick and in turn kicked both feet right out from under him. He finished the song on his back… Ironically on the exact same song I almost died. Weird…

VT: Yes, and it’s stepping on cords from your instrument or pedals that allow the sound to come through.

JC: My snare drum stopped working once!

How important do you feel it is to interact with fans at your shows? Do you do “Meet and Greets” or signings?

VT: It’s very important because if you show that you appreciate new people coming to your show, it’s a good way to get them to come to more shows. And it’s killer when people ask you to sign the merchandise they bought.

KL: We all feel it’s extremely important to interact with fans; I mean we’re regular guys. If you see us after a show, come talk to us and hang out; have a beer or five. At the moment we don’t do “Meet and Greets” or signings because frankly no one wants one, but shall there ever be a demand for them you bet your ass we will be there, pens in hand.

MG: Right now, we don’t need to do official “Meet and Greets” or anything like that. We hang out with and sign stuff for everyone! For us to do something official would be pretentious, I think. It’s incredibly important to interact with fans, but I like to actually have a real conversation and get to know them a bit. So I try to talk with everyone who is interested in the band, whether it’s at a show, just through Facebook, or however. People have made fun of bands who know their fans by name, but I really like the idea of that. It makes shows all the more fun when you look out and see people you know, and I think that’s one of the neat things about being a local band.

Will your feelings on the previous question change as you grow?

KL: HELL NO.

VT: No way.

MG: I guess one downside to getting bigger would be not being able to know fans as personally, but that wouldn’t change my attitude about it. I guess we’ll cross that bridge when we get there!

You guys are gearing up for a tour in Canada! What are your thoughts on that?

VT: Round 2 for a kick ass time!

MG: It’s going to be a lot of work and a logistical nightmare, but also a lot of fun. Our fans up there are crazy and can party like no other, so we will do what it takes to make it happen.

KL: Pace ourselves. We have got a lot to do in a short amount of time while we’re there and with so many of Jesse and Mike’s friends and family members there it’s easy to get sidetracked and fry yourself in one night.

JC: It’ll be a hell of a time, looking forward to seeing friends and family and two killer shows with crazy hard rock fans!

Where can fans find your music?

MG: They can stream songs from the “Band Profile” tab on our Facebook page (facebook.com/suite88music), or from the media page of our website (suite-88.com/media), and download them through iTunes. We also have a deal at our shows where you can get both our albums for $10, so come check out a show!

Please feel free to add anything else that you would like to share with your fans or prospective fans!

The biggest thing is just to talk to us! If you’re interested in the band, add us on Facebook (the band and individually), send us an email, come to a show and hang out after! We love getting to know other rock n’ roll fans—that’s all we are ourselves!

Published in: The Beat (Rainbow Valley Register)