About The WMDs:

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, 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 for reggae star Matisyahu.  He has also 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 also spent many months under the guidance 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, has been on both WMDs albums.  He has toured the country with several acts including Hypnotic Clambake and Bacci.  With these acts he has shared the stage with artists such as Wyclef Jean, John Mayer, Fishbone, John Entwhistle (The Who), Jefferson Starship, Tommy Chong, Jesse McCartney and Joss Stone.   Along with touring, he also 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.

 

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