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| Listen to THE 8TH GRADE! |
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James PecoradrumsMatt Sextonbass/background vocalsPaul Cassellavocals/guitar |
Fusing the punchy guitar pop of Cheap Trick with the intricate wordplay of Elvis Costello, The 8th Grade creates a kind of music that is more than the sum of its influences. With their rare blend of jazz chords delivered at roaring volumes and choppy shuffle beats played at frantic tempos, The 8th Grade has truly honed their own sound in the studio and on stage.
The 8th Grade founding member, Paul Cassella, started writing songs almost as soon as he could spell. “I used to write songs in first grade. It was never more than a few lines of material but I always felt driven to create. And I think I’ve progressed a bit since,” Paul laughs. Soon after his arrival in Nashville, Cassella started assembling what would become the The 8th Grade. Drummer James Pecora, a Boston scenester formerly of Beantown favs, Fire Pig, found Cassella through a classified ad and the two quickly established an inspired, if sometimes tumultuous rapport. “We don’t often agree on things, but I think the tension gives us a potent chemistry,” Pecora reports. With the recent addition of D.C. native and self-described “sarcastic and twisted optimist,” Matt Sexton on bass, the current lineup was solidified. The 8th Grade plays fast and hard, with a high level of musicianship, and audiences are quick to respond to the band's mix of raw power and pop sophistication. As Sexton modestly puts it, "Bring your earplugs and brace yourself for more entertainment than you can handle." In addition to gigging throughout the Southeast, The 8th Grade is recording their debut album, “Your Requesence is Prested,” with Grammy nominated producer, Scott Rouse, and Dani Amendola. Look for songs from The 8th Grade on soundtracks for major motion pictures, Employee of the Month and Kalamazoo. |
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