Mark Lynch is a "seasoned" musician, in most senses of the word, having played guitar, bass, and keyboards in numerous projects since the mid-1970s
on a consistent basis. During that time, he has learned a prodigious amount of music, as well as the dynamics of a working band and how to interact with other musicians. A rather quiet, unassuming person, Mark is very content to be a team player; to burn in the shadows while accompanying the front vocalist. But after 30-plus years of this, his guitar technique has entered that zen-like realm where mind, hands, and instrument become one. Mark does not try to impress, and therefore does so even more. The past few years have seen him in demand for the guitarist's slot in several bands, but here in middle-age he had been searching for a way to get his own project happening, with one crucial ingredient needed: a strong vocalist with lots of soul and presence... someone to create the energy and capture the audience.
Enter Hamilton Wheeler... Almost a polar opposite of Lynch, Hamilton is young (mid-20s), intense, outgoing, and in-your-face sure of himself- the perfect personality for a lead vocalist. Attitude alone isn't enough, of course, but Mr. Wheeler has an amazing voice, tons of soul... and an encyclopedic knowledge of music both classic and modern, with lots of respect for the former.
How many times have you seen a band where a female singer covers the likes of Journey. Led Zeppelin, etc.? Hamilton turns this compromise on its head by covering artists such as Sheryl Crow, Fleetwood Mac, No Doubt, et al. Quite refreshing...
And so a partnership was established... Two key components of a great band, guitarist and singer, in place. Enough in itself for smaller, coffee-house type settings, which they did for a few months, building a repertoire and getting to know each other better. But the desire was there to take it to a different level; additional members as support for larger venues. And that is where things got really interesting...
Matthew Decker is a drummer, percussion educator, sound engineer, producer, and mentor. He has had the privilege of studying under Dom Famularo, the global drumming ambassador. Some of Matt's percussive roots lie in classical percussion ensembles, orchestras, machine drum lines, and traditional West African hand drumming. After attending Lenoir-Rhyne College in North Carolina and The Audio Recording Technology Institute of New York, he constructed The Mattador Drum Academy in Hickory, North Carolina. His goal was to provide a studio to suit only the most dedicated to their craft in order to share the incredible knowledge that he has obtained in his travels. Matt strives to be as versatile and dynamic as possible, on and off the stage. He brings grimy funk mixed with mathematical precision to the sounds of Unity Village, with influences from all corners of the drumming world. Music is his life, and Matthew has an insatiable need to perform. For more information on Matthew Decker, please his his website at: www.mattadordrumacademy.com
Levi Lynch has spent his entire young life surrounded by music, growing up as the son of a working musician and having access to guitars, keyboards, etc. since he was a small child. He discovered the bass in his mid-teens and it quickly became apparent that he would excel on the instrument. With Jaco Pastorius as a major influence, Levi really stands out on fretless bass. He is also an excellent keyboard and synth programmer, adding unique atmospheres and textures to the band's sound.
