Damien Riley - Vocals and guitar |
Jeff Koclanis - Drums |
Collin Riley - Bass |
Dan Rodgers - Electric guitar |
Influences
Del Amitri, Dave Matthews Band, David Gray, Jason Mraz, REM, The Alarm, The Smithereens, The Beatles, Big Country, Matchbox 20, The Police, Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash, Dave Sharp, XTC, Tom Petty, Jim Croce, Dan Fogelberg, Jimmy Eat World, Dave Gilmour and Pink Floyd, Roger Waters, ABBA, J.Geils Band, Huey Lewis and the News, B.B. King, U2, Joe Satriani, Eric Clapton, James Taylor, The Jayhawks, Chris Falson, A Flock of Seagulls, The Cars, Kenny Loggins, Hoyt Axton, Gen-X, Billy Idol, The Cult, John Cougar Mellencamp, Phil Collins and Genesis, Boston, Chron Gen, Alice in Chains, Howard Jones, Hootie and the Blowfish, DEVO, Madness, Nick Lowe, The Monkees, Six Feet Deep, The Kinks, The Who, The Bongos, Five for Fighting, Men at Work, Smashmouth, The Eagles, America, Blondie, AC/DC, Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits, Chet Atkins, Allison Brown, The Innocence Mission, Neil Diamond, the Allman Brothers, The Smiths, The Smithereens, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Del Amitri, Simon and Garfunkel, Edie Brickel and the New Bohemians, Stone Temple Pilots . . . and more in those genres . . .
Sounds Like
Modern rock. Tunes you'd hear on: and a bit of country.
Find links to my podcast, blogs, and photos on flickr at:
Riley Central
I'm a singer/songwriter coming to you from the High Desert Sands of Victorville, California. I have been recording, playing guitar and singing in bands since I was 13.
After strong runs with bands such as "The Resolution" where I played lead guitar and "The 63 Lipless Fish" which I sang lead in, I went solo as an acoustic act in 1995. In early 1991 I hired Producer and musical hero Dave Sharp to produce two songs for my band. He was the lead guitarist for the 80's arena band "The Alarm." I used to figure out all his riffs when I was starting out. The two stretches of time I worked with him were highly formative to my music and performance style.
As a solo performer since 1995, I play a Martin triple-o acoustic guitar and play originals and covers at local venues up here once in a while. My primary focus is my teaching career where I have experienced much success and joy. I have a beautiful wife and three kids who keep me pretty busy as well.
With a following of fans made of friends, co-workers, and people who are just plain cool. I play live occasionally throughout the year and write about my shows here at Myspace and on my blogs. I have 3 blogs and a podcast that I publish professionally. I invite you to check them out at rileycentral.net
Recently, I have used my podcast to broadcast my songs. It's called "The Damien Riley Podcast" and you'll hear a garage concert once in while there. I've become friends with a local musician on Myspace like myself and we've been bouncing musical ideas back and forth so we'll see how that goes. For many years I have done my recording at my friend Eric's house and at the time of writing this, I have a song in the pipeline. It's called "The Land of the Living" so watch for it in the blog when it updates.
I encourage you to visit my Myspace blog. I'll be entering show dates and notes about the new music I am writing as well as update about my family, friends, and teaching news. God bless.
Thanks Damien. These five songs are only half of my first album. The drummer was the guy who played with Ike Turner (he just came in, without hearing the songs first, listened once, sat down and recorded them all in 1 or 2 takes--amazing!!!!) If you have any suggestions or criticism...I'd love to hear it. I still have a lot of respect for your musical talent.
Thanks Damien. We had a really good time too --- thank you so much. We never would have gone there if hadn't been on the bill. Really enjoyed finally meeting you and your family. ("Hi" to Sarah and Brandon!)
You sounded great! I liked "People" quite a bit and your covers were great too. "Daytripper" is pretty hard to play solo -- bravo.
I hope you guys can make it tonight -- it's a fun show. Soimetimes we get a lot of people, sometimes a few, but it's usually pretty interesting. I think we'll a fiddle player sitting in tonight. We'll see how THAT goes!
Sweet, wish I was closer..would love to come out and check your set. You should tape the show and post it :)
We are doing ok...revamping some of our older songs, adding in some electric tunes, and trying out a cover or two. Just posted a few tunes from last week's practice in the old MySpace player. Still pretty rough but progress nonetheless.
Hope your doin great..... We had A lotta snow and a 3 day black out ... But all is well So far.... Your Pal.... Fasteddie Blues.... P.S. Don't forget to Vote for us.....
Hey Damien, thanks for the add. I'm sorry about your December gig. I couldn't make it to the Oct 19th show -- you have a history of playing on nights when I'm working or playing my own gig. Eventually though I promise I'll come see you! BTW, I like "People" -- I don't think I've heard that one before. Catchy! Thanks again, and hope to see you soon.
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