Artist description Recently nominated "BEST ROCK ACT" by the Asbury Music Awards, Slushpuppy is New Jersey's band to watch. In their short two-year existence, they have garnered a "spec" deal with renowned producer John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr., Jawbox, Screaming Trees), CMJ chart positions, opening performance spots with national acts and an army of loyal fans. Led by Dawn Botti, a millennium rock diva, Slushpuppy pumps out hard guitar rock with passion and strength. Drawing upon diverse classic and new rock influences like The Cult, Pink Floyd and Foo Fighters, their music is a mix of dark melodic groove and upbeat post-punk pop, topped off by Botti's powerful presence and voice which state finally that a woman need not hide her emotions to be strong, or her sexuality to be taken seriously. Slushpuppy's debut EP "Unleashed" was the #15th most added CD on college radio the week it was released in July 2000 and was played on over 300 stations throughout the U.S. and Canada. The CD climbed onto the CMJ Top 30 Charts on over 15 stations including reaching #4 on WMHB and #5 on WUPI. The single "Cryin'" was featured on New Jersey's WHTG (106.3 fm). The UK Cable Network, UK-NOW, featured the bands second single, "Losing Ground" on its "10x10" cable show (130 million subscribers) ranking it the #3 most "popular" song on the Internet. Veteran producer John Agnello is currently working with the band on what will become their first full length CD, tentatively entitled "Welcome To Wallington." A 4-song pre-release of the CD is now available and evidences the bands growth, both as musicians and songwriters. The members of Slushpuppy are all originally from New Jersey, but their upbringings could not be more different. Botti and drummer Gary Szczecina grew up in "cow-country"—75 miles from New York City where they became high school sweethearts and married in 1994. Szczecina played with the college-indie outfit SEAMLESS, before joining musical forces with his wife. Guitarist Rich Sarnicola (who replaced original guitarist Mike Jones) was raised in the gritty, tough neighborhood of Cliffside Park where he experimented with all styles of music, including "reggae-funk" and "punk new wave". Cory Baker, the newest member of the band, hails from the southern part of the state, but cut his musical teeth in the hard-core punk scene in San Diego. With all members collaborating on arrangements and writing, the result is a unique merge of hard rock and contemporary alterna-pop, punk and ska styles. The birth of the band can be traced to 1998 when Botti decided to stray from her classical piano lessons, teach herself electric guitar and start her own band. "It seems that there are less and less female singers that also play heavy electric rock guitar and write, "she muses," most do the acoustic singer/songwriter thing. But that's ok, it really helps set us apart." Gigging relentlessly in the tri-state region at top venues like Maxwell's, The Stone Pony, Brownies and Arlene Grocery has brought good things for the band; including: opening for The FIXX, OURS (DreamWorks) and Goudie (Elektra); playing the famous Roseland Ballroom (NYC) to raise over $250,000 for Citymeals-on-Wheels; and making music history by performing as part of the Grand Re-Opening of the legendary Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ with John Cafferty and Gary U.S. Bonds. The bands popularity was instantly heightened when Botti was chosen to be the "cover girl" for New Jersey's Hipnosis Magazine's premier print issue released in September 2000 (circulation approx. 10,000). The new CD promises more excitement as the intended first single entitled "Everybody Knows", has already been selected as the feature track for the independent full length film "Baby Doll Forever" (Directed by Vladimir Slavica, Written by Daryl Haney) and several of the tracks can be heard on MTV’s new hit series, Spyder Games.

Music Style Femal Fronted power pop/rock

Musical Influences Blondie, Led Zeppelin

Similar Artists Fuel, Incubus, Foo Fighters, Blondie, No Doubt,

Group Members Dawn Botti Gary Szczecina Rich Sarnicola Cory Baker

Instruments Guitars/Bass/Drums

Albums Unleashed - EP

Press Reviews "[Unleashed Review] Resolutely tough-minded and hard-nosed in its durable, down-to-earth attitude towards life's usual array of spirit-testing hassles, bittersweet relationship break-ups, asshole boyfriends, lack of communication, that kinda shit this superbly gritty, kick ya in the guts, rough'n'tumble 5 song EP rocker definitely has the right no-nonsense sensibility to win over yours truly. Of course, it also helps that the music is every bit as rugged and forceful as that aforementioned attitude: fiercely poppin' guitar rifts, solid-asmarbled drums, and sturdy bass lines which go heavy on the deep, hard-diggin' groves and sprinkle a tuneful dash of melodicism with consummate musicianship. The lead singer's robust, throaty soprano radiates an appealing mix of strength and vulnerability, thus rounding off this simply terrific effort."Joe Wawyrzniak - JerseyBeat - 7/00"[Slushpuppy] gave a powerful performance at the Whiskey Bar. Their singer, Dawn Botti, was able to catapult the seemingly timid audience with her impassioned vocals, aggression and unabashed sexuality. The band is influenced by such rock greats as: Led Zeppelin, Blondie, U2, the Police, Foo Fighters and Pat Benatar. It is rare treat to see a band these days with such a strong female singer. Slushpuppy is a return to much of the great rock of the past, but with an undated twist and attitude."Jennifer Rossi - Hipnosis Magazine - 6/30/00"[W]e have to laugh at whatever . . . rockcrit compared Botti to No Doubt's Gwen Stephani ; i.e. Stenpani's just a girly-squeak in comparison, as this puppy girl's pipes are just ballsier, with a range better compared to a Pat Benatar or Sheryl Crow, and the lyrical depth of a Chrissy Hynde, Joan Armatrading or even The Murmurs."Chris Barry - The Coaster - 6/15/2000"With Jones's guitar hitting dead-on riffs, we caught another jolt from the fluid-hook machine showcased on their debut Slushpuppy "Unleashed" CD in the balls-out rocker and fave single "Cryin"."Chris Barry - The Coaster - 6/15/2000"Lead by charismatic and occasionally menacing vocalist, Dawn Botti, Slushpuppy was the most attention grabbing of all the outdoor acts."Lisa Rose - Star Ledger - 5/28/00"Pat Benatar fans come on out of the closest and meet your newest crush! Founded in 1997, Slushpuppy plays hard hitting R&R, "Grrl" style. Often described as the [modern] "Janis Joplin" , Dawn Botti is just as comfortable delivering her growls and whines to the audience as she is with her belting pop stylings or sultry sighs. This voice, combined with high energy, hooky songs makes SLUSHPUPPY "one of the most fun bands in NYC!"Cheryl Spelts - Rockband.com"I loved Slushpuppy from the moment I popped their CD into my player. (Lead singer) Dawn Botti sings her ass off, and individually the guys all rock !" Dave Cruz, owner Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ"Slushpuppy is going to be the next big thing to hit the airwaves. They invigorated the audience leaving them wanting more !" Jackie Sarno, DJ for DiskJockey.com" Slushpuppy's brand of Alternative rock doesn't stray far from the sounds you've heard wafting from your radio as of late, although they do jazz up their music (so to speak) with hints of New Wave. They're most interesting asset is their lead singer, whose voice alternates between the sweetness of Debbie Harry and the just slightly rougher textured Ronnie Spector-esque crooning style."Kali Holloway of Listen.com"...and the hits just keep coming !" Fred Giobold, DJ for National Public Radio, WBAI (90.5 fm, NY) 11/99

Location Jersey City, NJ - USA

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