Points North creates melodic guitar-driven instrumental music, combining musicianship and a modern aesthetic with classic tones, song structures, and pop sensibility.
From the Avalon Nightclub in Santa Clara to the Last Day Saloon in Santa
Rosa, Points North have been turning heads throughout the Bay Area with their powerful performances—drawing comparisons to artists such as Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Rush, and the Dixie Dregs.
Who We Are
Eric Barnett
Eric Barnett began playing music at age 5 as a violinist, attending Manhattan School of Music and Juillard summer programs. After switching to guitar, Eric attended GIT in Los Angeles, and played and taught in LA until 1991. Later on, Eric worked in New York as a studio musician, including with noted performer/producer Kenny Vance (Jay and the Americans, Steely Dan). Prior to joining Points North, Eric has shared the stage with national acts as diverse as The Offspring, Henry Rollins, Ween, and The Lemonheads.
Eric
was also a finalist in Guitar Player Magazine's Guitar Superstar 2008
Competition, hosted by Andy Summers (the Police), with judges including
Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Elliot Easton (the Cars), and George Lynch,
and performed (with Points North) at the opening night of the Guitar
Superstars Live! tour in San Francisco.
Additional recent accomplishments have included an
unprecedented
18 month stint as the Pro champion on the respected music competition
site guitarwar.com, and recording the lead track for a videogame to be
released internationally on Playstation and Nintendo Wii for Crave
Entertainment.
Eric is endorsed by Sfarzo Strings and Snapjack cables.
Points North represents a long time dream of Eric's to develop
the guitar as a lead instrument and primary voice.
Damien Sisson
Damien Sisson has been a fixture in the Bay Area for the last several years, establishing himself as a player and performer with some of the area’s best known rock and metal cover bands, including Whiplash (Metallica), Children of the Damned (Iron Maiden), and Junkhead (Alice in Chains). Damien
has also had a rising profile with his original music, with the bands Arc, Premeditated, Scarecrow, and now Points North. Damien brings a dynamic combination of technique, feel, and presence that is uniquely suited to the challenges inherent in being a bassist in an instrumental three piece band.
Damien is endorsed by Snapjack cables.
Kevin Aiello
Kevin Aiello is a seasoned veteran drummer who grew up in the SF Bay Area. Having played in many working bands over the years covering many styles, Kevin brings versatility and an amazing range of musical knowledge to Points North. Prior to joining Points North, he has shared the stage with a number of classic blues acts such as Etta James, Mark Ford, Stu Blank, and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. A long-time fan of instrumental music, Kevin's solid foundation and visually exciting approach is the perfect compliment and adds a fine finish to Points North.
Hi Eric Thanks Eric, I think I am playing at the Line Six Booth and the Jackson Booth and maybe Clayton. But I will make sure to find you somewhere there ha ha. We are staying at the holiday inn anaheim so we will be close to the convention center. Comments by ZingerBug.com I hope to see you before NAMM though. Have fun and be safe Hugz Juliana
Hey Just Got Tix For Al DiMeola At Coach House Coming Up And I Noticed You Guys Are On The Bill.... It Will Be A Great Pleasure to see ya'll Yet Once Again ... Looking Foward to it Take Care .....
hi eric stopping by to say hi, we won the kfox last band standing contest. that was really awesome. after all this time we finally won and we play originals now so it was kind of cool to win with a cover. the videos of the show are on here if you want to check it out. we were cramped on that little stage. but it was cool. hope your having a great week. will i see you at namm?? Compliments - Myspace Comments
Hey Points North People Check This Out! Fans who purchase their tix to the Jan 14th Brixton show from the Points North website www.pointsnorthband.com between Nov. 16th and Nov. 30th will be added to the guest list for an exclusive pre-party with the band. Hang out with the guys, take pics and check out the cool PN merchandise. There may even be a special guest or two dropping in to say hello...
Eric Barnett of Points North will be on the air tonight at www.wflmradio.com (Host is Vic Mendoza, Co-Host is Dave Gutierrez) at 9:40pm PST talking about upcoming shows, Points North news, NAMM 2010, and the launch of a really cool promotion...
Hi Eric WE Won the radio contest. It feels so cool, we will be on the air Friday in the morning. Hope you can check it out. We have to pre record it tomorrow night but that works out better....we won't have to get up at 4am to be there ha ha. Hope your doing good, and lets hang out at NAMM.... Your Friend and Fan Juliana
Hey Boys!!! Miss you all!! So? Can I get fancy at the JAZZ club?? We will put that on our calendar...;) My life is Pointing North and I hope that I will be at NAMM this year with everybody....gotta make it happen!! Is the whole crew going to go? That would be great!! I'm feeling good and things are COMING TOGETHER RIGHT NOW!!!! WIth much admiration and LOVE, me <^..^> and HUGS too!
Hi Eric Wow its good to hear from you. Our next show is Saturday at the Big Fox. It is the first and last all ages show. I guess the place is up for auction as of today. At least we will get a chance to play there before its gone. My band is a finalist on KFOX Last Band Standing for best video so if you feel generous (ha ha) you can click the link and vote for us. Its really fast and easy and if it says error you just refresh your page. Here is the link http://kfox.clearcontests.com/front/OpenContest.asp?Action=Login&SurveyID=38741&zx=342 The voting ends I think Saturday and if you really want to you can tell other people to vote for us to...:] I want to come see you play so tell me where and when they will let me in to see you again. You know how much we love your band, I want you to listen to some of my originals when you have time. I am really liking composing and I also have another influence, of course Randy Rhoads forever but I am finding that Danny Elfman is amazing. I think that combo would make a great sound. Don't forget me, miss you guys a lot Hugz Juliana
Hey I was at Brixton Last Night !!! WOW. YOU GUYS ARE TIGHT AS FUCK.... Shredders.... My Girl And I Really Enjoyed your set ... This was actually the second time I have seen you the first vwas at Coach House , I think with Al Di Meola's band.. anyway Keep up the good work , you guys ROCK!!!!! Take Care , Best Of Luck
Eric Barnett
Damien Sisson
Kevin Aiello
