|
 |
Artist description
The Ritual's socially poignant lyrics and powerful sound provides an explosive and persuasive element to the modern rock scene. |
 |
Music Style
Rock/Indie |
 |
Musical Influences
Incubus, Deftones, Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers |
 |
Similar Artists
Incubus, Deftones, Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers |
 |
Artist History
The Ritual | Band Bio
Making music together is anything but a ritual for the newest addition to the
modern rock scene, The Ritual. Within their first jam session together as a
full band in December of 2002, the five members of The Ritual recorded three
original tracks. During their session in the recording studio (and throughout
each one of the band’s rehearsals), the chemistry between the members is exuded
in the quality of their songwriting. After their experience in the studio, it
was obvious to all involved that The Ritual’s music-making was immediately
authentic, inventive, and overwhelmingly productive.
The next few months were spent writing and jamming together, further
establishing the bond of the band. The Ritual’s eclectic influences and talent
bring together a songwriting power that defines music at its finest with a most
distinguishing sound.
The distinctive and politically-minded vocals come from Winston Gainey; his
socially-poignant lyrics and powerful voice help define The Ritual’s sound and
the band’s passion and intentions. The Ritual’s music is the vehicle for the
expression of Gainey’s ideas and a means to explore deeper emotions.
Gainey’s pointed, intellectual vocals are supported by guitarists Mike Schuldt
and Mario Ortiz. Schuldt derives his musical style from a variety of
influences— he hails from a popular Las Vegas punk band and is currently
studying studio guitar and Music Industry at the University of Southern
California. Guitarist Ortiz’s diverse musical influences contribute to the
distinguishable melodic riffs that further enhance the band’s characteristic
sound.
Bassist Jay Yaskin whose experience in jazz and metal bands contributes the
effect-laden riffs to the band. He pushes the technical side of his music while
providing a solid foundation to The Ritual’s sound.
The fifth element of The Ritual, Derek Ward, defines the group’s multi-talented
genius. The drummer/vocalist utilizes a variety of instruments to achieve an
innovative and stimulating sound.
Two years ago, vocalist Gainey and drummer Ward dropped everything they had in
South Carolina and headed to Los Angeles. When their U-Haul broke down on the
way to California, there was less than $100 between them. Las Vegas, Nevada
became their temporary home.
As fate would have it, they met Schuldt at a local rehearsal studio in downtown
Las Vegas. The trio jammed together and by the end of the first practice, wrote
“Take a Bow.” Guitarist Ortiz responded to their classified ad and gelled with
the trio instantaneously. “Automatic Annie” was a result of the newly-formed
quartet’s first jam session. An acquaintance at the rehearsal studio introduced
17-year-old bassist, Yaskin whose energy and style further fused the band.
The Ritual’s main aspiration is to create good music for the right reasons.
Their studio talent and explosive live performances derive from their collective
rule not to limit themselves. Writing, creativity, and exploration are key to
the band’s evolving musical expansion. Different sounds and unconventional
instruments allow them to experiment and impart messages that comment on the
ailments affecting modern society. The band spends a lot of time exploring
themselves musically. Jam sessions for The Ritual usually involve the five
musicians coming together to simply enjoy the sounds of the music they make
together and the creative expansion of each of their abilities as artists.
The Ritual’s sound is impossible to pinpoint. The band’s music is flavorful and
colorful, with a mix of styles and techniques influenced by a variety of bands,
including the Deftones, Radiohead, and Incubus. Their songs are compelling and
interesting with clever lyrics drawn from social issues. Most importantly, The
Ritual is fueled by their effort to have their music heard.
Written by:
EVC
|
 |
Group Members
Winston Gainey - Vocals
Jay Yaskin - Bass
Derek Ward - Drums
Mario Ortiz - Guitar
Mike Schuldt - Guitar |
 |
Location
Los Angeles, California - USA |
 |
Copyright notice. All material on MP3.com is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. You may download this material and make reasonable number of copies of this material only for your own personal use. You may not otherwise reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, publicly display, or create derivative works of this material, unless authorized by the appropriate copyright owner(s).
|
|