Photo by: Aaron Huniu
About five years ago, THE DROPPERS began playing for their own personal entertainment. Joe Puccio (vocals/guitar) and Mike Fitzgerald (drummer) are two original members who have aided in the band’s musical identity. Two years after the founding, Ramsey Sindaha, a.k.a. Dr. Shred, (lead guitarist) joined the band. And in the last year, there have been three new additions: Kim Gram (violist), Bryan Downey (bass), and Tim Newman (saxophonist).
They’re not your typical rock band, since some of the instruments include viola and saxophone. Another thing that makes this band distinctive are their ages: the Droppers might not be spring chickens but this works to their advantage. Somehow they’ve managed to balance humor along with maturity, and the band is able to joke around while still being productive.
Rhiannon: Who typically writes the music? With six members, is it a collaboration?
Ramsey: Mostly me and Joe. We present it to the band…
Joe: But it is a collaboration because there is a song called “Friends” that we’ve played forever. Before Bryan joined the band there was never a bass line that worked. When he came in with a bass line, it changed the whole feel of the song.
Photo by: Aaron Huniu
Bryan: You guys kind of bring the meat and potatoes. And we just add our own little garnish.
Mike: Chives and butter (laughs).
Rhiannon: What is the band currently working on?
Joe: We’re working on our new album. We got a development deal with Big Fish Music Group, so we’re working on a three song LP… then after that, we have five or six songs to add to that.
Rhiannon: When will that be available?
Joe: Right now Big Fish is trying to package us and sell us to a bigger label. Or get us on tour with a bigger label….it will be released later this year.
Ramsey: One way or another. We’re already on iTunes and Amazon.
Rhiannon: Lets talk music…influences?
Mike: Backstreet Boys (laughs). Don’t write that. For me, Zeppelin and the Stones. Janis Joplin.
Kim: For me it’s Yellowcard, or bands that bring violin or viola players. And Dave Matthews Band.
Tim: I have a real classic appreciation. Classic rock. And song appreciation for jazz. I like the idea of cross-pollinating different genres together.
Joe: Our producer added this disco beat and bass line to some of our new songs. And at first we were like, “no, we’re not doing this.” But melding those styles together…
Tim: We’ve done a lot of fun things with it.
Rhiannon: What makes this band different?
Bryan: We’re not your typical bar band.
Ramsey: We have the sax and the viola.
Bryan: The viola adds so many different textures to the music, especially in a live situation.
Ramsey: We’re not into heavy guitar solos like most bands. We try to stay away from that to distinguish ourselves. I don’t know anybody who goes to a bar and wants to get their ears blown out.
Tim: Joe, you said one time we’re a jam band and that makes a lot of sense because there is plenty of opportunity to improvise and showcase individual contribution with your instrument.
Photo by: Aaron Huniu
For more information, check out The Droppers at www.myspace.com/droppersmusic or www.droppersmusic.com. Their 2009 album, Live For Today, is also available on iTunes, or see them live on May 21 at The Blue Beet in Newport Beach.
