10 Minutes Down

Bio:

The Offical Story

"Ska- and punk-fused hipsters 10 Minutes Down combine a rowdy stage act with a gig-a-minute approach to performing that has earned them a strong following among local college-aged music goers. More importantly, they make people jump up and down excitedly, always adding to the overall enjoyment of a show." So begins another performance review for the Northwest's most boisterous ska band, 10 Minutes Down.

10MD's live shows are legendary, the members spend more time in the air than on the stage. The band has not lost an ounce of energy during their non-stop, frantic effort to conquer the music scene both in their home town of Spokane, WA and the rest of the world.

10MD's upcoming release, "Of Cabbages and Kings" is enjoying the same fervor that surrounded their last full length release,"The Manhattan Project," one of the most highly anticipated Northwest releases in 2003. One review calls "The Manhattan Project," "the gift that keeps on giving. This 12 song album is loaded with through-the-roof energy from start to finsh. The guys of 10 Minutes Down continue to impress with their successful blend of ska and metal... The Manhattan Project is a fantastic display of catchy melodies and clever lyrics."

The strength of their live show combined with the response to their recorded material has allowed 10 Minutes Down to accomplish great things, including:

- Winning a total of 11 Local Best awards in four years including best local band and best local album, three years in a row

- Selling more than 5,000 copies of their 4 independent records at live shows and through 10minutesdown.com

- Playing alongside such acts as Five Iron Frenzy, Mad Caddies, Blue Oyster Cult, Green Day, Fishbone, Papa Roach, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Tesla, and even Sir Mix-a-Lot.

- Three years on the regional stops of the Vans Warped tour, including performing at VIP after parties for headlining artists.

- Penning a deal with Warner Brothers television to write songs for the Kids WB cartoon series Static Shock.

- Independently booking two Western US tours encompassing more than 30 shows in 11 states.

The band is looking further forward than ever before in 2006, 10MD is currently putting the final touches on their newest full length release, quite certain that it will surprise and please their most loyal fans, as well as those just joining the fray. They continue to promote themselves with their typical fervor, tenacity and determination around the Northwest and beyond. Check out www.10minutesdown.com to see when the circus is coming to your town.

Member Since:

February 08, 2005

Members:

Mike Renes - Vocals
Sam Scheibner - Guitar
Ted Teske - Bass
Jon-Michael Farley - Drums
Julien Perrin - Trumpet
Tim Leinhart - Trombone
Phil Clements- Trumpet
Brian Mueller - Trombone

Influences:

With eight guys in the band we draw on everything from The Specials and The Clash to hardcore and indie stuff like Drive Like Jehu and C-Average. We've been known to throw in some Stevie Wonder, a little U2, and even a dash of Snoop Dogg live. We're also 80's cover fiends. We do Bon Jovi, Poison, Bryan Adams, Wham!, and one occasion even some Digital Underground. We grew up listening to music that makes you want to participate in the show and we try to write music the same way. Infectious, fun, and not too serious. It's entertainment after all!

Sounds Like:

"A punk-rock version of Chicago."
An A&R Rep from Capitol Records in Dallas, TX after seeing 10MD at Club Clearview.

Record Label:

Unsigned/DIY - We do it all ourselves!