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MEDITATED ASSAULT
Topics: Bakersfield, Rockin Roots, 2008, Bakotopia, band, Meditated Assault
Posted by NoShitLindsay Sun Apr 13, 2008 13:52:14 PDT
Viewed 293 times
0 responses 1 comment Location: 3805 N. Chester, Bakersfield, CA 93301

MEDITATED ASSAULT:
Get Ready For a Rock Show!
Appearing at Rockin Roots on 5/31! - Stage 1 at 1:10pm!

Lindsay Biedermann, Bakotopia.com contributor

Meditated Assault is a band of four boys with a passion for authentic rock and roll! They have formed an ever-growing local fan base enjoyed by all ages!  Lead vocalist and guitarist Rico Ponce, lead guitarist and backup vocalist Stephen Parker, bassist Adam Goss and drummer Tony Pierce all come from very different and diverse musical backgrounds, but have one thing in common: The love and drive to create aggressive rock music! Stephen says, "I hope one day rock will be what it used to be. My goal is to try to make the best music I can humanly make."

Over the past year alone, Meditated Assault has shared a stage with big names; such as The Starting Line, The Almost, The Misfits, The Sick Puppies and Powerman 5000 among many others. Tim Gardea is responsible for producing most of these great concerts throughout Bakersfield, and teams with Meditated Assault to open for many of these notable acts. "He does a really great job bringing the shows to you, he is a good promoter for our band," comments Adam.

Meditated Assault has sold hundreds of shirts with original band logos designed by Rico, Stephen and Jason Ruben of Impact Apparel Printing, whom also manufactures their merchandise. Along with their shirts, the band has distributed an astonishing amount of demos; recorded by Bakersfield's distinguished Nick Forcillo of Fat Tracks. These tracks include crowd favorites: 'Reach', 'Screaming for Life' and 'Scorching the Sun.' 

Family and friends are completely involved and support every performance of Meditated Assault. Every band member appreciates and acknowledges the encouragement of  benevolent  parents, siblings, friends and girlfriends; crediting them as the foundation of their fan base.

The band dedicates much of their time to rehearsals. "Our practice routine is set up, plug in and play. It's pretty loose, that is unless we have a show; then we make a set run and make sure it flows and transitions nicely, " says Rico. The band speaks nothing but the best about one another's talent and devotion to produce well-constructed memorable songs! Every practice is fun and as Tony describes, "a blast every time we get together!"

They practice in a studio downtown below Front Porch Music. "The studio reminds me of a dungeon; it's dark and damp. There may  be a dragon hiding in it too... I don't know!" jokes Stephen. The studio allows them to practice through all hours of the night and are known to play until four in the morning, perfecting and improving their play list. Tony believes, "We're going to get better because of it. We can play as long as we want and no one can tell us to stop! That's the best part!"

Catch the band headlining The Nile Bar and Grill April 24TH and appearing at the Rockin' Roots Fest May 31ST at Stramler Park. They also occasionally play local scene favorites including The Golden State Mall, The Silver Fox, The Dome,  Vinny's Bar and The Mint.

"Bakersfield should know about us because we genuinely love what we do and what we do is make great music!" Exclaims Rico. Meditated Assault has developed a unique sound aside from our local musical scene. With influences from Pearl Jam, Guns 'N' Roses,  Chris Cornell, and Rage Against the Machine, this band's wide musical range shines through their cohesive, intense style.

Expect an animated performance and contagious energy amongst the band and their enthusiastic audience. Every show starts with "I hope you're ready for a rock show!" and ends with an assembly of fans wanting to hear more! Stephen remarks, "Expect four guys up on stage giving you the best performance of their lives! We've spent many days pouring out our sweat and blood, it took awhile, I hope you like it!"

CLICK HERE - Listen to Meditated Assault!

Story also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 29, 5-29-08

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Comment From: matt

I'll be checking these cats out! Thanks Lindsay!