Formed in 2004 by singer/songwriter Brian Bauers and guitarist Jaime Sturm,
The WMDs blend
timeless songwriting, string arrangements and aggressive guitar work to underscore
ambitious
lyrics and catchy hooks. The sound of The WMDs has been compared to Radiohead meets
Tom Petty
and the Heartbreakers. The band's line up is completed by drummer Paul Amorese (Bacci,
Hypnotic
Clambake) and bassist Mike Chiavaro (Lenka
Dusilova, Spencer Day).
Their unique sound has caught on quickly with crowds throughout the Northeast and recent years of
touring and radio play have garnered the band a loyal following in markets across the U.S. In addition
to original material, The WMDs aren't afraid to mix it up. Covers that range from Africa (Toto) to
Jay-Z's Hustler showcase the band's dexterity, and fearlessness to keep the crowds moving.
The WMDs cut their teeth on Manhattan's Lower East Side, becoming regulars at venues such as
Piano's, Rockwood Music Hall and the legendary rooms CBGB's and Luna Lounge, the Ludlow street
crawl that spawned The Strokes and Interpol. The group's first single, "New Amsterdam", received
several awards from Garageband.com including Best Lyrics, Best Male Vocals and Track of the Day
over several weeks in 2005. This same single was also rated "#1 Mix Most Requested" by 94.1 Las
Vegas, "most notable new music" on XM Radio, and is in rotation at
KSMT (CO), WRLC (NJ), WSNU
(PA), KRSX (ID), WWCD (OH), KGNU (CO), and KCLA (CA).
Despite being in their twenties, the four have impressive resumes:
Brian Bauers is an award winning producer, engineer, vocalist and composer. His 2003 Nike "Pull Up"
campaign was declared the year's "No.1 Sound Design" by Shoot Magazine. His resume also includes
producing guitarist Kaki King's first album, "Everybody Loves You" (Epic), and playing keyboards in
reggae star Matisyahu's live band. He has contributed production, songwriting and session work for
names like Gavin Degraw, Akon, Jojo, Nike, AOL, BlueFly, and BMW to name a few. More about Brian
Bauers Music Design can be found at www.BrianBauers.com
Jaime Sturm has been playing guitar professionally in New York City for 10 years. He studied with jazz
legend Dan Converse and spent many months under the tutelage of experimental guitarist and songwriter
Chris Whitley. Along with co-writing and performing with The WMDs, Jaime also performs with New York
City groups Bacci, J.aims, and Kirsten Dehaan Band. His guitar can be heard on several recordings and
television spots including commercials for Exxon-Mobile, Kraft Foods and Sears.
Paul Amorese, drummer and percussionist, plays on both WMDs albums. He's toured the country with several
acts including Hypnotic Clambake and Bacci. He has shared the stage with artists such as Wyclef Jean, John
Mayer, Fishbone, John Entwhistle (The Who), Jefferson Starship, TommyChong, Jesse McCartney and Joss
Stone. In addition, Paul
performs as a New York session drummer for upcoming artists and
commercials.
Mike Chiavaro is the newest addition on bass. Mike graduated from
Eastman School of Music and has toured
with many national acts. At 25
years old, his meticulous musicianship is reflected in his session work
at Sony
Music with producers Phil Ramone (Paul Simon, Billy Joel), Jack
Douglas (Aerosmith, John Lennon) and
international tours with two-time
Grammy award winning singer Lenka Dusilova.
Heading into the studio for work on their new album "We Are Waves", The
WMDs teamed with Midtown
Sound Studios in NYC and producer John White
(Chick Corea, DJ Logic). The goal of the sessions was to
develop the
sound of the band by pushing the creative envelope of each individual
member, and the new
album showcases this band's most ambitious material
to date.
Their self-titled debut "The WMDs", and their sophomore effort, "We are
Waves" are available on iTunes.
For tour schedule, videos and more visit Myspace.com/WMDband