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Breaking Ground
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Breaking GroundNot Another Cover Band
2005-06-12
Article Written by: Benjamin Cameron
"Breaking Ground is Stellar"
-David Grant Williams...Dream Launcher Studios (Dreamlauncher@Bellsouth.net)
"Take the grimness of life and turn it into something beautiful"
-Jamie Pohl (bass player)
"Music is a product of your environment"
-Chris Yetter (guitarist) "Boogie"
As you make your way through the densely crowded Adobe Gilas of Daytona, you hear, over hundreds of screaming fans, the melodic phrasing of guitarist Chris Yetter. Next emerges the lyrical and unmistakable style of lead singer and guitarist Derek Anderson. Amidst a backdrop of smooth, solid bass playing by Jamie Pohl comes forth the straight forward and infallible drumming of Sean Sedita. Finally, the perfect compliment to it all, the percussionist, in whom there is no deficiency of groove; who adds an ethereal balance by doubling on keyboards...Glenn Sedita. Regardless of whether they are playing an original or a cover tune, Breaking Ground's personality shines through as a tightly knit cohesive unit made up of each musician's individuality.
So you think they're a cover band? You're not paying attention. Sure they play at venues that require them to perform the cover tunes we have all come to know and love, but they also color their set with originals and even hand out their CD's for free! Boasting a full sound with professionally orchestrated material that often erupts cataclysmically, the music of Breaking Ground is like a different story within each song. Each of their compositions sustain great energy, and it never drops at their shows regardless of how much they might slow things down. Keep an eye out for their new full length CD that is soon to be released to the public, and keep an eye on the band's progress. With a long and continuing list of great achievements, this band is definitely going places and is destined for great things.
Breaking Ground, playing all originals, walked away from the 2005 Hawaiian Tropic Battle of the Bands as the crowned champions. After performing at the Bandshell, they went on to defeat the Orlando champions "Kaiser Soze". Breaking Ground has toured extensively throughout New York City, Jersey City, and Cleveland, just to name a few, and was the winner of the Florida Motion Picture & Television Association's "Crystal Reel Awards - Rising Rock Stars" in 2003. Having been together for four years, this original rock band has definitely had their share of unique experiences, epic tales, and of course, plenty of sacrifice. If you ever have the chance to gather 'round for story time with Breaking Ground, take it with reverence.
"I want our music to inspire people", says lead singer Derek Anderson. The rest of the band adamantly agrees. Having been a singer for as far back as he can remember, and having played guitar for about thirteen years, Derek's lyrics are thought provoking; his presence as a front man leaves nothing lacking. Perhaps it has something to do with the green and white fly swatter he would dance around with as a child while belting out Michael Jackson tunes.
Guitarist Chris Yetter ("Boogie"), has known his craft for about fourteen years, during which time he has done session work with numerous producers. He has experience with many different styles, and he even spent some time with Embry Riddle's jazz band. Just a few of his greatest influences are Jeff Buckley, Coldplay, Pantera, NIN, U2, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The backbone of Breaking Ground, drummer Sean Sedita, took a break from playing drums at the age of eleven after playing for about seven years. After pursuing sports for a while, he eventually put his basketball back on the shelf, dusted off his drum kit and picked up his sticks. For the last six years, Sean has been back in the scene, boldly building his legacy with his uniquely straight up "this is how it is" style. Among Sean's influences are drummers Chad Smith, Carter Beauford, Travis Barker, Tre Cool and Jose Pasillas.
"Bongo Boy"!!, the crowd chants as Sean's brother Glenn Sedita expresses himself through the fine art of hand drumming. Various percussion implements serve to accentuate the rest of the band while Sean lays down the strong, solid foundation, giving the music space to breath, as Glenn brings to life the silence in between the notes. A new ambiance is cast as he switches to keyboards, further captivating all who behold. Glenn began his musical excursion on drum set some seventeen years ago, and began studying piano at the age of twelve. Ever aspiring for more, he started with congas five years later and even ended up studying with world renowned conguera master Giovanni Hidalgo in Kissimee, Florida. Now armed with his keyboard, percussion "toys", and an arsenal of various hand drums, his influences of world music, raw emotion, and an ethereal Enya-esque escape from the norm gives Breaking Ground just the right extra flavor.
Never to be sold short of course, is the all encompassing bass playing of Jamie Pohl. Formerly with the band "Yummy", he has been acquainted with his instrument for about fourteen years. He is the newest member of Breaking Ground, but his passionate ardor for the flow of music is sure to contribute an energy that will keep them moving forward. Jamie is influenced by Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Tool, Mr. Bunghole, and anything from the traditional jazz period; just to name a few.
One of the greatest attributes of Breaking Ground, perhaps the very fabric that is the band, is the bond of brotherhood. When asked for their greatest influences, one of the first responses from each of them is "my bandmates". Each member of Breaking Ground shares a very serious, very powerful admiration for one another. After four great years as a band, being on the road, making sacrifice after sacrifice for what they believe in, they are steadily on their way to performing those large shows in stadiums and arenas. They are holding on to the pursuit of their dream, and are heading toward a long and fulfilling music career of inspiring people everywhere...with all of their great original songs. Breaking Ground shows the integrity of their skills by covering a broad range of musicianship. Their original "What's Coming Next" knocked Audioslave off the #2 spot in Cleveland on the radio station 88.9 FM (The Sting). In Central Florida, they can be heard on O-Rock 105.9, Real Rock 101.1, and 103.3 the VYB. They've even gotten air time in Germany and a few other countries. Let's not forget, of course, their professionally done video of "Paper Cup" that has earned them recognition from top producers around the country.
So, there you have it. Breaking Ground - another cover band? Not at all! They are one of the greatest original bands you'll hear of today.
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