Band Member Bios

Posted on 03-23-2010

Lead Vocal: Clint Rishel

DOB: October 13, 1972

A graduate of Mifflinburg High School, Clint started singing and playing guitar at age 17. His early musical influences were AC/DC, KIX, and Dirty Looks. When Creed hit the scene in 1995, it opened a whole new world for Clint. He soon found himself writing music, and has since dedicated himself to the art. Clint has a dynamic stage presence which is heavily influenced by Scott Stapp from Creed. Clint is the main lyricist for the band, and has a special talent of combining thoughts with emotion, and pouring them on paper.

Clint lives in Milton and has two children, Shawn and Abby. In his spare time he likes to ride his Harley, and play golf. Clint uses Shure microphones, Audio Technica wireless microphones, ART Preamps, and Danelectro vocal reverb pedals.

Rhythm Guitar and Backup Vocals: Jason Budman

DOB: February 6, 1972

Raised in Milton, Pennsylvania, Jason started playing guitar at age 14 on a guitar his brother borrowed from the neighbor. His early musical influences were the 80's hard rock bands such as Metallica and Megadeth, as well as the very popular hair bands of that era. Bon Jovi, Skid Row, Slaughter, and Ozzy are just a few of his favorites. His playing style is a mix of many influential guitarist of that time such as Richie Sambora, Reb Beach, Vito Bratta, John Petrucci, and George Lynch. Jason is known for his backing vocals for the band, and enjoys harmonies. Jason is also known for his writing style, which is generally in the form of a love song. Much like Jimi Hendrix, Jason plays a left handed guitar strung upside down to make it a right handed guitar. This is a very unique way of playing.

Jason lives in Milton with his adopted Greyhounds, and enjoys writing music, all sports, and hanging with his band brothers. Jason plays Zager Guitars, Ibanez Guitars, uses Elixir strings, and Line 6 guitar wireless systems.

Lead Guitarist: Cale Derr

DOB: November 18, 1968

Raised in Milton, Pennsylvania, Cale started playing guitar in 1982 at age 14. Shortly after picking up the guitar he quickly became known in the area as one of the best. Cale is known for his melodic guitar tones, and is a true master of the instrument. He has taught lessons, and is schooled in music theory. He started his first band at age 15, and has since played with such bands as Velvet Glove, Liquid Vision, Sarcasm, and currently plays with BENT. He has opened for many national bands, such as KIX, Quiet Riot, Saigon Kick, Gilby Clarke (G'n'R), Slaughter, and Firehouse, just to name a few. His early guitar influences were Jake E. Lee, Angus Young, George Lynch, and Zakk Wylde.

Cale lives in Milton and enjoys riding his Harley, and making his rounds to all the local bars visiting his friends. Cale plays Ibanez Guitars, and uses GHS Boomer strings.

Bass Guitar: Zach Lenig

DOB: October 11, 1981

Raised in West Milton, Pennsylvania, Zach started playing bass at the age of 16. When it became clear to him that he loved to perform, he joined his first band called "The Great Red Spot". During his time with the band he was able to develop his own style of writing, and his songs convey heartfelt stories about life and love.

He was heavily influenced musically by such bands as The Grateful Dead, Sublime, and Green Day. Among his Bass influences are such greats as Les Claypool, and Flea.

In his spare time, Zach is a fixture on his motorcycles, and he is the Treasurer for the Susquehanna Motorcycle Club. Zach plays Ibanez Bass, Memphis Bass, uses Steinberg Effects pedals, and GHS Boomer Bass strings.

Drummer: Paul Scharf

DOB: September 3, 1985

Raised in Rohrsburg, Pennsylvania, Paul began playing drums at the age of 16. Paul grew up in the era of musical change when bands like Pearle Jam hit the scene. Even though he was heavily influenced by Pearl Jam, he still could not get enough of his favorite, Led Zeppelin. Paul's first band, Rumpleforskin, was formed in his garage when he was only 17, and he would later play with The Villians. In 2005, Paul toured nationally with The Villians and later in 2007, he performed with Seven Hour Drive for over 1200 people at the Norva in Norfolk, Virginia. Paul brings amazing dynamics to the band, and has helped finish some of their most challenging songs.

In his spare time Paul enjoys boating, fishing, and shooting his guns. Paul plays Pearl drums, uses Zildjian and Paiste cymbals, Pro Mark drum sticks, and Audix Drum Mics.

Sound Technician and Mr. Fixit: Aaron "Killer" Coup

DOB: March 1, 1984

Aaron was raised in Milton Pennsylvania. Legend has it that he was never the same after the first time he heard "Re-Load" from Metallica. Aaron is a die-hard Kirk Hammett fan, and he is always sporting a Metallica T-Shirt and hat. He is an avid guitar player, and enjoys his collection of KH model ESP guitars. Aaron is a master guitar technician, and can fix just about any problem on the spot. He has worked with the band during the recording process, and is always making sure things are just right. Aaron is in charge of the stage set-up, sound, and lighting. Even though he is not on stage, he is considered by the band as their sixth member. Aaron also loves the Allman Brothers, and Warren Haynes.

In his spare time he enjoys playing his guitars, and hanging with his best buddy in the world, his dog Norman.

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