Bassist/composer living in Los Angeles.
I'm originally from a small town in upstate New York named Mechanicville, about 20 miles North of Albany. Originally I started off as a pianist but switched to bass a year later, with the hope that it would get me more chicks: it did.
My first band, consisted of me on bass, my brother on guitar, a drummer, and some kid on the accordion.
We played birthday parties and bar Mitzvahs. Busting out such chart stoppers as, "The Candy Man," "Sitting On The Dock of The Bay," "Proud Mary" and of course, "Wipe Out." I also think we were one of the first bands to cover "Signs" by The Five Man Electrical Band. (That's right Tesla, we did it way back in '72)
My earliest musical influences were probably the bands I heard growing up in the late 60's: Herman's Hermits, The Beatles, Dave Clark Five, Otis Redding, the Motown sound and whatever else was on AM radio at the time. From my mother, I was introduced to Johnny Cash, Johnny Horton, and tons of big band and musicals.
Eventually, I began to spend time with what my parents deemed "The wrong element." Soon, myself and the wrong element were holding after-school socials, smoking pot, drinking beer and listening to the Beatles and Stones.
This downward spiral (that's what my dad called it) led me to bands like Steppenwolf, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Hendrix, Alice Cooper, David Bowie and Deep Purple and
of course, Queen. (Freddy was gorgeous with his long hair). I credit him, David Bowie and Marc Bolan for making me the girl I pretend to be today.
My folks were worried because I was listening to what they deemed--how did they put it? Oh yes: "horrible music." Well, they were raised on Sinatra, Tony Bennet and Dean Martin. Funny, those three crooners are currently three of my favorite artists. Parent's, God bless 'em.
Anyway, In '78, my brother, who plays guitar and a drummer named Cartwright (yep, just like Bonanza) hatched a crazy idea about moving to Los Angeles to experience the west coast explosion that saw bands like Quiet Riot and Van Halen at the Vanguard of a new metal scene. Well, we did and ended up living in some girl's car.
I eventually secured a burger flipping position at Jack In The Box. However, I soon tired of the glamorous life and decided to enlist in the military: 4 years U.S. Army Recon. I guess all the John Wayne war movies I watched as a kid, had finally taken their toll.
So one minute I'm holding a bass, and the next, I'm crawling around in the mud with an M16 in Ft Knox Kentucky, while some maniac wearing a Smokey The Bear Hat is screaming about my mother and throwing stuff at me.
It was a harsh and demanding environment, but I wouldn't change the experience.
Also, during the rare moments when I wasn't running around with a map and a compass, I met some great people from all walks of life, and some surprisingly awesome musicians.
After defending America from any enemy my Commander and Chief (the President) pointed to, I moved to Los Angeles (again) to be a rock star. Since then, I've performed live and recorded with dozens of great bands and artists.
My Web Site:
carldemarco.net
Carla's Music
Guessing Game
Lies
Slave's Chantey
December
When Darkness Falls
IT
Tell Me Why
Instrumentals
Where Are They Now
Canadian Whiskey
Out For A Ride
Cathorine
Regurgitated Dreck
Thunder
Burn Down The Garage
Smashed
