Artist description In an age when most teen bands sound like punk crap, Ratz is a refreshing throwback to the 60s classic rock sound.

Music Style Classic Rock

Musical Influences Gov't Mule, Bob Marley, Allman Brothers, CSNY, Black Crowes, Led Zeppelin, Beatles

Artist History As the summer of 1998 was nearing its end, Vamsi Nadimpalli, Jon Sugar, Matt Hollander, and Marc Frost decided they were going to start a band after jamming in Vamsi's back yard produced the song "Facades". The foursome started playing and writing at Holl's house, but were still in need of a drummer. A month later, Marc saw his old neighbor Joel Berk at the public library and informed him of the band. Joel was an aspiring drummer who was looking for a band. Plans were made to jam, and hours later, Joel was in the band. Sector 7G (as they were first known) began to play when and where ever possible. In the summer of 1999, Matt, Jon, and Joel met bluegrass/jazz legend Béla Fleck. They asked him to think of a name for their band. Finally, Béla exclaimed, "I got it! Rats - with a 'z'!!!" And so Sector 7G became Ratz. That same summer recorded a demo and began to push for larger gigs. In the summer of 2001, Ratz recorded their debut album "Youth of America". Youth of America is a testimate to the power classic rock can have in the hands of todays youth.

Group Members Joel Berk - drums/percussion/guitar Marc Frost - harmonica Matt Hollander - lead vox/keys Vamsi Nadimpalli - vox/guitar Jon Sugar - bass/backing vox/cello

Instruments drums, guitar, bass, keys, harmonica

Albums Youth of America

Additional Info email PFCIDB@aol.com for more info

Location Chicago, IL - USA

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