Aces Ashes
“Why did the Jan 26th 08 Rock Party at the Lo Kai in Dracut, MA become the first SOLD-OUT, line-out-the-door-all-night show in the Greater Lowell area in a year?” “What band’s got a sound that still draws attention and brings together the best styles of alternative and hard rock with meaningful lyrics?”, “What independently produced and professionally recorded 16-track album is now available to a starving rock audience?” The answers all revolve around a band called Aces Ashes.
Since 2005 Aces Ashes have not stopped writing, playing, and putting on events of incredible success, these are some of the countless rock n’ roll memories:
* Early in 2006, after only a year of writing and playing local showcases, the group was a featured opener for nationally touring officially endorsed Aerosmith Tribute band Draw The Line at Mark's Showplace in Bedford, NH. Selling over 50 tickets put the group into the 2nd slot before the headliner (out of 7 bands).
* In 2006 they headlined the annual concert event St. Matty’s Day in Pepperell, MA and played to a crowd of 150+.
* In 2007 they were invited back to St. Matty's Day a play to a crowd that had grown to over 300 screaming guests.
* In the summer of 2007 the band rented a 77-passenger bus and filled it with their fans to bring them to Round III of the Emergenza Battle of the Bands to see their Boston Paradise performance.. A prestigious venue that’s honored the likes of Tom Petty, Lenny Kravitz, and countless other national artists.
* Later in 2007 production of their first music video began for the song “Chasing Tail”, directed by world-class videographer/animator and longtime friend Matt McMillin. A popular local venue (Rusty G's in Lowell, MA) was rented as well as a video production company, and about 40 of the fans and friends of the band were invited to take part in the video. The video is in final editing stages and should be completed by June 08.
* In 2008 Aces Ashes released their debut record, “Brand New Matches” and played to a sold-out venue of over 350 people. The determined group also organized the event from the ground up, inviting supporting acts and over-seeing the entire production from Multi-Camera video recording for Cable and DVD release, to the Lighting Show, Venue choice, and renting a Professional Sound System with engineer.
Not only does this group write music that creates a strong body-movin’ backbone but also takes every aspect of the show and production with absolute professionalism and unparalleled conception. Dedicated to their cause, Aces Ashes have overseen every aspect of their own success. From the powerful live shows that result from stage energy and experience mixed with focused constant rehearsals, to hiring professional designers to create their logo and album art, to the high-quality merchandise such as the T-shirt line available in multiple sizes and colors with bubbled wash-safe print.
The 16-track debut album of all original compositions was developed with an Aces Ashes playing card included for each track to signify the unique tone and color of each song and make lyrics available in an unusually exciting way that plays into the theme of the band's name. Conceptually there will eventually be enough playing cards to account for a full deck of 52 songs and playing cards. Starting off with 16 tracks on a debut may seem a little overzealous, but with over 20 original completed songs, and over a dozen more in the works it was just scratching the surface of creation for these ambitious writers. The album was named “Brand New Matches” to illuminate the idea that each track has the potential to start a metaphorical fire, and included with the record sales are high-quality printed matchbooks with the band’s logo on the cover.
There is only one thing in the mind of the collective members of Aces Ashes, to create an exciting and unforgettable musical experience that inspires imagination and awe, and leaves the experienced craving another dose. As Hendrix asked, “Are you experienced?”
