Artist description In your face acoustic alternative rock.

Music Style Acoutic Alternative Rock

Musical Influences Days of the New, Dave Matthews, Creed, Finger Eleven

Similar Artists Days of the New

Artist History Dante's Lounge was formed in the summer of 1997 by Jason "Tino" Martinetto and Brent Lassi in an apartment near downtown Minneapolis. Bands such as Creed, Days of the New, and Dave Matthews were breaking into the scene at the time, and there was a resurgence of a new wave of heavy music to compensate for the slew of punk and ultra-pop bands that arose out of the ashes of the grunge years. In addition a surprising instrument was integral to the sound of these new bands. The acoustic guitar was no longer an instrument reserved for cheesy love ballads or as a country western vocalist's prop. Bands such as Days of the New and Alice in Chains were swimming in tuned down minor keys while Dave Matthews revealed his explosive playing style to the ears of the top 40 listeners. Dante's Lounge had found a goal. Bring these two worlds together. Adding seasoned rock drummer Adam Harrington and metal bassist Aaron "Ron" Rolloff to the mix completed the first lineup and the first dozen songs. Only half of the songs in the inital set featured the acoustic guitar, but it was clear that a path had been discovered. In late 1998 there was some restructuring as Aaron departed the band but continued to work with Brent and Adam on another project. Tino, Brent and Adam threw out nearly every one of the 20-some songs they had penned and refocused their energy. This time Tino came ready to sing with the confidence that 18 months of rehersals had built. Brent hung up the electric guitar totally and committed to building an acoustic sound bigger than all the rest. Adam played drums with both projects for awhile, but eventually ended up back in the Lounge with tighter chops and a renewed vision for songwriting. A difficult, but productive 9 months passed as the three searched for a bass player to fill the gap in their trio. New song ideas were so plentiful that the group could afford to throw out everything but the best. Finally in the summer of 1999 the drummer of another local band, Radio 5, introduced the band to Mike Brant. Mike brought a variety of skills to the band. He filled the much needed bass slot, but as an experienced front-man himself, Mike brought a strong vocal supplement to the band as well as complete bag of songwriting talent. It was a perfect fit. Now, Dante's Lounge continues to refine their unique sound that has been described as a blend between Days of the New and Dave Matthews. They plan to record a full length album in the near future, and now have a 4 song promotional disc available to the public.

Group Members Jason "Tino MartinettoMike BrantBrent LassiAdam Harrington

Albums Dante's Lounge - EP

Location Minneapolis, MN - USA

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