@middleweight

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Big sounds and big harmonies are not just key words to describe the Chicago-based quartet, Middleweight, they’re a philosophy. “When the band came together, it was decided that we were going to incorporate everything we loved about music to form a somewhat familiar, yet refreshing sound,” says singer/rhythm guitarist Vince Ferrara, “Our sound, has blended together the rhythm patterns of punk and rock; loud, clear lead vocals and vocal harmonies; and the blistering solos of 1980’s hair-metal.” “The latter was introduced into our music because we wanted to emulate the swagger of bands from the eighties like, Bon Jovi and Guns N’ Roses.” “Also, solos aren’t as popular today, as they once were and we want to change that,” says Ferrara, “There’s nothing like a good guitar solo to get you moving.” Since forming in the summer of 2004, the band has had its share of successes and failures to arrive at a 4-piece full of emotion, excitement, and friendship. Middleweight has solidified themselves as a great live band creating a healthy buzz on their path to success. “At every show we want to blow our fans and the rest of the audience away, with crunchy guitars, bottom-heavy bass, hard-hitting drums, and tight-enduring vocal harmonies”, states Ferrara, “People come to hear us play and we’re not about to disappoint them”. The band has stayed true to their mission and in fact has gained the acceptance of the most diverse groups of rockers and rollers. Along the way, they have had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Lucky Boys Confusion, Showoff, and Treaty of Paris. In an interview with the band, on The Elmhurst College Radio Show, Middleweight explains what music has meant to the band and what they hope to accomplish. The band states, “Music is freedom for us…Its freedom to create the music you love, its freedom to describe a state of mind or feeling that someone, at some point in their lifetime, has gone through or is going through,” “It’s our hope that somewhere, down the road, our songs will hit home with fans and people of the like.” “It would be thrilling to hear, and quite possibly the greatest compliment ever, if someone told us,” “Your song helped me through a rough time in my life.” Middleweight desires to achieve one of their longest sought after goals, and that goal is relating to their audience through their own personal experiences while forming a connection of expression and uniqueness. The second half of 2008 looks to be promising for Middleweight, as they enter Solid Sound Studios, to record their debut EP, Out of the Basement. Out of the Basement is a mini album that demonstrates the diverse and intricate songwriting style of the band. It contains 6 songs of the strife and struggles of familiar relationships and is sure to grab the attention of anyone who listens to it. From the hook-filled pop of “Off My Mind” to the classic pop punk of “No Way Out” and “Glad To Leave”, to the rock ballads of “Nothing I Can Do” and “Last Night In Chicago”, to the infectious flair of “Want You”, Out of the Basement will keep you on your toes. The origin of the name: The name “Middleweight” is a result of a short list and a band running out of options. The idea was first penned by Vince Ferrara and it later stuck when a mutual friend John V. Schultz liked the idea and strongly supported it. The band began playing shows under the name and decided to keep it until it could conceive a better one. In March of 2007, their good friend Johnny V passed away from a long battle with brain cancer. The band, in remembrance, chose to keep the name “Middleweight” permanently, to honor their friend and biggest supporter of their music. On several occasions, band members have been quoted as saying, “Johnny would have wanted it this way!” and “Let’s do it for Johnny!”