Just A Memory has gone from just another face playing multi-band gigs around town; to renaming themselves, recreating their presence, and finally recording a professionally produced EP this year. This has seen them be extremely pro-active in the local scene and expanding their reach into other cities as well as states. I applaud them on all of this. Through it all, the band remains grounded and focused. I had a chance to quickly say hello at the recent MIC conference with Leila Dean, and find it not so surprising that Just A Memory was front and center at the workshops offered, soaking it all in. I also see that they are taking off and shifting gears, perhaps using that experience as fuel, as they have taken their act to a new level entirely.
One of the things that excited me as I continue writing about music is seeing and hearing a local band grow right before my eyes. In the
last two years I have watched many bands come, go, come back, and some just disappear. Many had or have a ton of potential. Some realize it and some stay where they are, wheels spinning in the sand. One group of Syracuse-based musicians have grown by working their asses off, always pushing for that next level, and simply creating a road map and following their dreams.
I just saw their recently completed video for the song ‘Battlefield’ of off the EP and was smiling away as I saw them as potential stars now. So, I tracked them down online to get some insight into what’s up, what’s new, and what’s in the spotlight ahead. Enjoy!
Dave: Saw your video that you posted on Facebook, very cool video!
Leila: Thanks man!
Dave: Who is this? Lol (We are chatting on Google)
Leila: Leila, today. HAHA! I actually handle 99.9% of the band business, so it’s usually me.
Dave: Gotcha, how long did it take to make it?
Leila: We handled it all in two days; one in the end of summer and one a couple of weeks ago. Probably about 15 hours of shooting total.
Dave: Where did you shoot it?
Just: At a fantastic historical site out in Utica, Rutger Park Mansions. I’m actually putting together a mini documentary on it today to post to our site as well.
Rob’s best friend’s mother is a part of the Landmark’s Society of Greater Utica and got us in there. We did a fundraising event for them last summer and fell in love with the place.
Dave: Cool! Are you shopping it around?
Leila: The documentary? Haven’t even thought about it! That’s a great idea though.
They could use some attention. They are in the middle of what is going to be a $1.5 million restoration project on two of the mansions.
Dave: How about the song video?
Leila: We aren’t sure yet. We have some really huge news coming in the New Year that will get the video some attention, but I don’t know about shopping it.
Dave: Do you mind if I send it to a few people?
Leila: Please, by all means! Share the love!
Dave: LOL, record types, hey you never know!
Leila: You may just cause a bidding war. HAHAHA!
Dave: You guys have been playing all over, where are some of the places you’ve traveled to and how’s that going? Oh, by the way, yes I am interviewing you now.
Leila: Always working, huh? HAHA! We’ve been to Atlantic City a few times, Virginia Beach, Worcester, Massachusetts; we’ll be playing a great spot in North Boston and the Legendary Dobbs in Philly next month. We’re also all over CNY. It’s going great! We actually latched on to an opportunity in Niagara Falls last month that is turning out to be a great move on our part, as well.
Dave: That’s awesome, and Virginia Beach is a favorite of the Garlow’s. Any plans on a CD in 2012?
Leila: Absolutely! We’ll be releasing more info on that as it unfolds. Expect a full length in the first part of 2012!
Dave: Keep me in the front of the line!
Leila: You got it man!
Dave: Cool! I appreciate the time and look for this on Upstate Metal!
Leila: Fantastic. You rock!
Dave: Peace, beautiful lady! I’ll talk to you again soon!
Watch their video!
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG-EZqPp30o&w=560&h=315]
Just A Memory can be found on these sites:
ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/JustAMemory
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JustAMemoryMusic
Blog: http://justamemorytalks.blogspot.com/
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/JustAMemoryMusic
-David Garlow
Picture credits-Robyn Stockdale: Graphik Nature Studios
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