MJ12 - Kramer Entertainment Inc. 1-888-655-7263

Every once in a while a band emerges from the crowded New York music scene that has all the elements to set them apart from their peers. MJ12 is just such a band. They combine sharp, edgy song writing, passionate vocals, and air-tight musicianship in their unique brand of acoustic/electric rock. The group was co-founded by principle songwriters, Steve Messina and Dave Diamond, and has been turning the heads of fans and industry alike since their first appearance on the scene in 1995. Their debut CD, the lush and atmospheric, “The Secret Life of Ester Stevens,” sold over 3000 copies in the first year. Since then, there has been no looking back for MJ12, as they have continued to amass an impressive and ever-expanding list of accomplishments. For all their studio savvy, this is an outfit which truly shines in performance, due largely to the strength of it’s individual members.

Front man and principle songwriter, Steve Messina, is a multifaceted guitarist and composer of more than two hundred and fifty songs, in styles as diverse as orchestral, pop, jazz, and avant-garde music. Although Steve has earned a reputation as a ubiquitous solo performer by appearing at over one hundred venues in the Tri-State area, MJ12 continues to be his passion and primary focus.

Drummer, Dave Diamond, is a musician who can do it all. Equally proficient on the drums, bass, keyboard, vocals, and guitar, Dave is one of the area’s most in-demand players, having performed with such bands as the Zen Tricksters and Rainbow Trout.

Anyone who has ever seen guitarist, Thad DeBrock, can attest to the fact that he is someone who loves to perform. His soulful accents and sparkling solos lend themselves perfectly to MJ12’s organic texture. DeBrock’s credits include performing with singer-songwriter, Duncan Sheik.

Rounding out the line up is bassist, Andrew Pfaff With a diverse background in R & B, jazz, and rock, Andrew is one of New York’s most sought-after session players.

With this much collective talent in the band, MJ12 is able to stretch out musically, but never loses sight of what is at the heart of the music, the songs. With all of the elements binding this unit together their five independent CDs, extensive studio experience, do-it-yourself business approach, top-flight songs and musicianship, one can only wonder how long it will be before MJ12 ascends to the very top of the scene and stays there.