CLIFTON GREENWELL (May 22, 1981) - Lead Vocals & Guitar
Clifton comes from a family and generations of musicians. He has been immersed with performing and musically talented people his whole life. His family encourages him in the business while they help to guide him as the band As-Is continues to grow in popularity.
Greenwell is the youngest of the band and at 27 years old he fills the shoes of the lead vocalist with his strong and incredible vocal range. He admits to having not only being influenced by family but also by Garth Brooks, Journey, ZZ Top, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Elvis, and another "fabulous four" The Beatles. When asked about his future in the music industry Greenwell replied, "I hope to take this as far as the good Lord allows me to take it, it's my life, and it's what I do best." Greenwell said that in the next five years he hopes that the group will grow to "play even more and bigger gigs and record their first complete album!"
BRYAN MATTINGLY (August 25, 1980) - Lead Guitar & Vocals
Bryan is a Nelson County, Kentucky native. His childhood memories include riding his bicycle as a young boy to visit with friends as they performed in "garage bands" for all the local kids on the block. At a young age he had a heart filled with rock and roll. Bryan with his shy personality lights up on stage when he can take his guitar on a real ride and charge the audience with his vast quick variety of chords that mesmerize the fans. It is as though he escapes all reality and enters into the music personally. His fans attest through their reactions to his performances of his sheer "love of the guitar." A professional person who wants to make it big in the industry he admits "We do it for fun, "said, Mattingly. "If there weren't any fun, it wouldn't be worth doing." Mattingly admits to be heavily influenced by rock and roll. His favorite musical influences to him both musically and personally are the group Metallica and Jimi Hendrix. He also states that the influences of the versatility of his As-Is band mates has helped him to open up to a love of different types of music. Mattingly says, "The band has helped to diversify my musical tastes." Mattingly throughout his performances explodes from the first song of the evening to the last song at daybreak creating a sound that puts a lasting energy into the audience leaving them fulfilled.
TRAVIS GAFFNEY (December 1, 1980) - Bass Guitar & Backup Vocals
Hailing from New Haven, Kentucky this 27 year old began playing with his school band with the saxophone. The quieter rather shy Travis was also influenced by his family to pursue his love of music. His Grandfather was his strongest influence and taught him about music, reading, timing and performing. He states that his grandfather's influence is with him the minute he gets on stage and throughout his whole performance.
His band mates and the fans all agree that Travis's solid and deep guitar strumming helps to bring their total sound together. His sounds top off the groups mix and bring them a more professional sound. Gaffney is quick to respond that his music is influenced by his relationship with his band mates. Gaffney also admits to being highly influenced by Elvis Presley, Garth Brooks, The Beach Boys, and MatchBox 20. Gaffney says, "I don't get nervous before or during performances." Being on stage is about the best feeling in the world that you could ever have.
MICHAEL RULEY (January 10, 1978)- Percussionist (Drummer)
Similar to the other AsIs band members, Ruley too, has been influenced by family and friends to go after his dreams. Michael began his musical interest playing guitar but soon found out that his true love was playing the drums. Although his parents were not as excited about buying him the drums his Aunt Mag and Uncle Boot came to his quick rescue. They were able to convince the Ruley family to let him try his talent with the drums. Aunt Mag did not sit back though she quickly led Michael by practicing with him daily as she played along with her guitar. Their favorite song together was "Don't be Angry with me Darling." Ruley says, "She was the one person who helped me to understand that timing is everything." Michael lists his musical influences as Scott Phillips of Creed, Phil Rudd of AC/DC, John Bonham of Led Zepplin and Kenny Arnoff of John Cougar although he insists that he does not have a favorite. "I think that if you really love music you really can't have a favorite." Good music comes in all styles!" Michael has blond hair with steel blue eyes and a smaller stature that stands out against the darker hair and eyes represented of his band mates. He states as an individual he likes to be different. He likes to state his opinions and his viewpoint but adds, "I always respect your viewpoint, when different." Michael says that his goals for the band are simple. He wants to continue to work on more original music and travel. As the band grows he says, "I want to go traveling with the guys and go to different parts of the world performing our music."
Four young men from Nelson and Marion County, Kentucky formed a band in August of 2000. The band consists of lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist, Clifton Greenwell, vocals and lead guitarist, Bryan Mattingly, vocals and bassist, Travis Gaffney, and the drummer extraordinaire, Michael Ruley. These young men have strong Kentucky roots that through their families and friends and lifelong personal friendships they represent a flavor of the bluegrass and its rich heritage. All four have been nurtured in a musical surrounding since early childhood.
AsIs performs an eclectic combination of songs that range from country, alternative, new & classic rock and those oldie but goodies tunes from the late 60's to early 70's. Their song list represents over 200 songs that are attractive to all ages. Many of the groups' performances have been at local festivals including a "best band" competition at the International Kentucky Bourbon Festival. They also perform weddings, charity benefits and private parties.
In December 2003, the guys traveled to Nashville, Tennessee to produce their first original song sampler. Music veteran producer, Joel Timothy of Louisville representing over 30 years in the recording industry assisted the young men in the production of their first four original songs at the Fireside recording studio. Timothy was assisted by Associate Producer, Vince Emmett and Engineer, Dave Salley, both of Nashville. The new CD "AsIs" is a recording of four songs taken from the heart and souls of these talented young men; Alone, Decisions, Blind Addiction and Walking Away represent only a sampling of the gifts and abilities of these four men and the spectrum of their musical future ahead.
AsIs continues to have a large group of fans that follow them to each of their performances. This following continues to grow along with the band's successes. The group has grown in their Seven years together and takes their music seriously with a maturity beyond their years. All four of the members enjoy the stage and performing to groups small and large. It is no surprise that the Kentucky Standard of Bardstown awarded the band the "Reader's Choice Award of Nelson County 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006" as "Best Live Musical Entertainment In Nelson County."
The group is currently not under any management, but is represented by Triangle Talent for some bookings. AsIs can be reached at Clifton@rockwithasis.com
what about it guys....see ya'll are taking a break from all the madness...well shit...guess ill have to wait till yall come out of retirement so to say...lol ill see yall out
Ur definately welcome, my heart goes to anyone sick especially little Angels!!!! Maybe even St Jude could help, Prayers r with her and all family. Hopefully see u guys this weekend!!!! God Bless!!!
Hey clifton read ur bulletin about little girl that needs help that is sick have u ever thought to tell them to try crusade for children? They may can help, i stand on road block every year with the fire deptartment and i know the money goes to children that needs help. Just a thought been thinking wished i could help every since i read ur bulletin, as a friend keep me informed if this helps in any way!!!! God Bless!!!!