Artist description Sometimes the impermanence of a situation generates its own creativity. Like the impetuous hero of James Barrie's beloved tale Peter Pan, those who are willing to embrace the fleeting essence of the moment are those who frequently capture what the more settled and mundane among us will inadvertently miss. Which is why Sol 17 co-founders Melissa Gaddie (Sockmonkies, Medusa 580) and Ray Wegimont haven’t spent too much time worrying about the fleeting nature of the band's seemingly revolving personnel roster. A cellist here, a drummer there, a few false starts since the original friendly jam sessions that began in the summer of 1999 - all have merely added to the experience, and each has left something of their own mark upon the group. Nor do they worry about carving out their own original sound – with influences as diverse as Led Zeppelin, Ani DiFranco and Jeff Buckley, and with comparisons to Bob Dylan and the Cowboy Junkies, there's not much fear of being typecast. The forecast so far is, well . . . sunny. Sol, of course, is the Spanish word for sun. (The band members readily admit they're not sure about the 17 part, but they easily acknowledge that the name is better than previous suggestions like "Skullfucker" and "The Dirty Muffins"). The sun is perceived somewhat differently in Iceland, where Ray was stationed in the Navy (please, ask him about meeting Bjork in a Reykjavik bar!). Sunshine is something of an all or nothing proposition there, not to be taken for granted the way it is in the band’s home base of Louisville, KY. Yet even closer to the Equator, there are days when a person has to be able to create his or her own personal sunshine to get through the grey days of winter, be it a season of the year, a season of the mind, or of the heart. The members of Sol 17 appreciate the sunshine more for having embraced the darkness. Sunshine is also frequently associated with gold, and both Melissa and Ray share something of an interest in alchemy and the mystic arts. Ray has had a keen interest in magick since childhood; as a photographer, Melissa tends to practice her private alchemy in the darkroom. Together with former Medusa 580 drummer Drew Duvall, they're now making musical alchemy as Sol 17, and the critics are starting to take notice.

Music Style Alternative Folk Rock

Musical Influences Ani DiFranco, Jeff Buckley, Led Zeppelin

Group Members Melissa Gaddie/Vocals, Bass - Ray Wegimont/Guitar - Drew Duvall/Drums

Instruments Guitars, Bass, Drums

Albums Sol 17

Location Louisville, Kentucky, KY - USA

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