Begun as a concept in 1993, in Baton Rouge, LA,
Swerdlove started when three friends
(Scott Gremillion-guitar/vocals, Scott Bezdek-bass, Andre Marquette-drums)
embarked on a “grab some guitars and drums and sing Nirvana
and Smashing Pumpkins at the top of your lungs” kind of
endeavor. Most of their creative material flowed from love, relationships,
and angst; and they continuously tried to experiment with styles
of music and influences.
As they evolved from their
“parking lot fun” infancy, they went through many changes,
and blessings. As they grew, several players came in and out of
their lives. An attachment to a flute player (Rea Sharkey) led to
a few years of experimentation and the development of a very distinctive
sound in their hometown. Several guitar players also graced the
stage, but were short-lived. However, in 1998, Cole Callihan
(former guitar player for Rotating Fonzie) became
a permanent addition and everlasting friend and musical source of
inspiration. The music took on a harder edge with emphasis on intertwining
guitar arrangements and a rhythm section whose endless imagination
drives the underbelly of the band. They continued to write songs
expressing the turmoil/envy/joy/love/alienation and
all those emotions so often tucked away inside our
hearts and thoughts.
The final piece to their puzzle was a front-man. They needed someone
with the ability to project these intense feelings, but also understand
the delicate nature of the musical movements the band
sought to capture. After many auditions and two close-calls
(from which lifetime friendships were forged), Swerdlove
met a crux. Chemistry with these talented singers never
clicked the way it should, and tensions within the band surmounted
a creative and open breeding ground with an outsider.
After two years of searching, they realized they must work
with the talent they each possessed and the
decision was obvious. Scott Bezdek became the lead vocalist, a position
he once held as frontman for Rotating Fonzie.
Rounding out the mix with Scott Gremillion's backup vocals, the four
relentlessly work in harmony.
With their title Debut released in 2004, the band is currently
writing and recording their follow-up. Never refusing a chance
to play, Swerdlove strives
to better connect with their audience. They want
nothing more than to envelop themselves in “the song.”
Four individuals come together with no pretence, to
delve into something larger and discover a connection between
themselves- something they can shape and share.
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