How do you write an article about a band that needs no introduction in this town?  A question I’ve wrestled with for the last few days for sure. Being nothing more than a bartender with a quick wit and spell check I have decided to sink my teeth into its creators and give you some facts and a few opinions.
    I prefer the method of getting to know members of a band and in doing this I resort to one of my favorite quotes: “If you really want to get to know someone, go get drunk with them;” so that’s just what I did.
    I ran into Nate Clendenen at a local pub where I caught him enjoying a blues band fronted by a hot blonde named Skyla Burell that ripped up a telecaster with more sex appeal than I’ve ever seen. Now keep one thing in mind, especially if you are a seeker of the best live music available:  When a prominent working musician takes a little of his/her down time to go see another band, you know it’s gonna be good. In this case I saw Nate’s van in the lot and decided to have a look see.
    After several Natty Boh’s and PBR’s we got locked into a conversation of his love for the genre of Americana. The genre that best describes one of his two great bands The Electric Company. His newest project and what he, Johnny Sybert and Sonny Martin are dedicating all their efforts toward.
    A few days later Nate and I went for a swim in the ocean to chat about the future of the band, his goals and aspirations.  During this pre-gig ritual I came to understand that these men are serious about originality and their motivation to succeed is strong.
    John Sybert aka “Johnny Suit” (aka one of my favorite people ever), runs his portion of the business from the bass rig. An arduous task by any means believe me. A self proclaimed punk from the 80’s D.C. punk scene, he has grown into his Americana shoes after a long run with a phenomenon called the G-13’s.  
    A little older and wiser nowadays he makes playing the bass look easier than slicing butter with a hot knife. He has invested his entire life to everything music related and could write his own book on the word “sacrifice”.  A true slave to his dreams.  
    Having dinner with Johnny one night there were many ideas and wisdoms of the music industry tossed about but this is the summary of my lesson:  You see, being a musician isn’t any different than any other entrepreneurial choice in one major aspect. You work as hard as you can and persist on perfecting the product you’re selling and eventually it will sell itself.
    I wish I’d had more time to catch up with Sonny but I’ll have to let him speak for himself from behind the drum kit; a language that only Sonny speaks but one we can all understand for sure.
    An absolute must attend for me on this Fourth of July holiday will be an event at Fager’s Island called “American music on America’s birthday”. This event will feature the area’s most incredible bluegrass ensemble The Saltwater Stringband (featuring Nate as well) pre fireworks and The Electric Co. post fireworks. The party starts at 6p.m. and goes all night. And don’t forget to pick up a copy of “Whiskey Tonight,” The Elec Co’s debut CD. You can also check’em out at www.theElectricCoMusic.com or www.denenmusic.com and follow the links.  
    Have a happy Independence Day, brothers and sisters, and if you see a guy sportin’ a red, white and blue beard, buy that fool a cold PBR please.