Taost is a unique punk band out of Long Island. They have a great live set and have shared the stage with some great bands. They have yet to have an official release, but they have working on a release later this year. I got the band to tell their story...
Introduce yourself…
TAOST is a 4 pc (drums, bass, 2 guitars) rock band from Eastern Long Island that fuses Kansas City blues, NYC punk, and San Francisco psychedelia into our unique style of punkadelic rock. The members include Darren on rhythm and slide guitar, Fred on lead guitar, Dwayne on bass and Charles on drums. Our vocals reflect the different styles and textures of our varied influences and whose voice is most prominent depends on the type of song.
How did the band start?
Actually, the band was started by original drummer Kyle. He was back in our hometown and itching to jam. While working at a local store he ran into Fred, who mentioned he played guitar but didn't know anyone out here, since he'd moved from Brooklyn. Kyle got Darren on board and they jammed a bit on their own. I came in a short while later and took over the bass duties from Darren. We added keyboard player and a backup singer for a while and called ourselves Hot Buttered Toast. That didn't last too long. The chemistry was close but not exactly what we were looking for.
A funny side note: Fred would occasionally talk about his brother, Mark, but never anything too specific. Very vague. About 6 months after we start playing together he shows up with a cassette and says, "I wrote one of the songs on this album". The tape is Marky Ramone and the Intruders. He wrote the song, "Telephone Love", according to the credits. So, I ask him.......how'd you have that happen. And his answer is, "That's my Brother Mark's band". That's how we found out Fred & Marky Ramone are twin brothers.
How did you come up with the name?
When Hot Buttered Toast dissolved, the remaining core members found new life and energy. We could all relax and we really started to find our sound and stride. At first, we figured we’d just be TOAST. But, there are 10 billion bands named toast. The idea of flipping the o and a just popped out there. TAOST. It has a Zen like quality to it, and it wasn't being used by a ton of other bands....more like none.
Who would you say are your influences?
We all have very different musical tastes and influences. Some stand out more than others. Fred & Darren have a lot to do with the biggest influences on our sound. Fred grew up in the 70s punk scene of New York City. He was right in the middle of it all, playing in his own bands at CBGBs, Max's, The Red Door, etc. He was also riding around with his brother in The Ramones van constantly. He didn't just live it, he WAS it. But, Fred also loves the blues and British invasion era stuff, and he can send licks out like salvos of heavy ammo. Darren lives in the realm of Hot Tuna, The Dead, Blues Traveler, psychedelic/jam rock which acts as the yin to Fred's yang. It's taken a bit of time, but the 2 guys are really creating a unique guitar tandem sound. Dwayne’s bass influences include Geddy Lee, Bobby Sheehan, and Les Claypool. Often holding back a bit, Dwayne’s Bass act like an anchor between Fred's soaring play and Charles' ambitious drumming. Charles has 2 REALLY diverse influences. He is equally steeped in country drumming and heavy progressive drumming ala Danny Carey of Tool.
What is the punk scene like in Riverhead?
Riverhead is hip-hop and Slayer territory. Central Long Island has a strong underground punk scene that we tapping into this winter. We may be older, but we have plenty of material that is undeniably punk rock. It pours out of Fred like he's still in 1977 hanging out with Johnny Thunders.
Describe the song writing process...
Songs come about in 1 of 2 ways. Either someone brings a song in and we mold it like clay, or they come out of creative jam sessions. We definitely have a bit of a split personality going on with the blues/punk dichotomy, but it all feels good to us, so we go with it.
What have you released?
We're going the DIY route with our music. Over the last year, we've been building our studio and laying the foundation for a proper full length release in the spring of 2012. We did an introductory 3P with Kyle, and we also have a single 'Take Me Home' with Marky Ramone on drums which is available on iTunes. It's kick ass. When we finish recording this winter, the TAOST machine will be put into drive with solid promo and management. You can follow our progress on Facebook and Reverbnation.
Who are some of the bands you have done shows with?
In 2011, we shared the bill with Gordon Gano (Violent Femmes), John Eddie, Foghat, Corky Laing and the Memory Thieves, The Loose Endz, Ev Corwin and the 65+dbs, Thirteenth Hour, BIG SUGA, Big River Ransom, Kerry Kearney, Jay Scott Band, Larrin and The Locomotives, Joe Allegue, The Lost Patrol, Ron Rothman and The Meyer Rossabi Band. We are kicking of 2012 playing a show with our new friends The Como Brothers at Four Doors Down in Mattituck on January 14th.
Do you prefer to do shows at large venues or small clubs?
We like to play for people, the more the better. Our energy level grows with the audience. The more energy we get from our fans, the more authentic and exhilarated we become.
Have you toured?
Not yet. Still working the day jobs.
Is there a favorite band you like to do shows with?
Both The Loose Endz & The Meyer Rossabi Band are great guys to play with.
Is there a favorite place you like to do shows at?
Four Doors Down in Mattituck is very supportive of the original music scene; we appreciate their efforts and love to play there.
What do you see is the future of Taost?
We're going for it in 2012. We're gonna put ourselves out there and see what happens.
How can people contact the band?
our website is www.taosttheband.com , email us at taost@optonline.net, or send us a message on Facebook or Reverbnation
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