Verdict

Interview with Verdict

February 19, 2016

Describe your band, telling a little about it.
Verdict is a 5 piece cover band that continues to provide a rear-view mirror experience back to the days of angst and excitement that thrived in the years prior to 2000, rocking the local scene with their party rock show featuring all of your favorites from 90's thru today.   You know the songs, you know all the words and you will never forget the great times!

What are your names? / Who plays what?

Patrick Barrett- Vocals

Mike D'Amico- Guitar

Mark Miller- Lead Guitar

Bill Waugh- Bass

Curtiss Johnson- Drums

Have members played with any other bands?

Curtiss also plays with the Makeshift Allstars, and Mark came to us from the now defunked Cherry Red.   Mike started with the Suspects, which transformed to Verdict when Pat joined. 

Do you write your own music or perform covers?  Has it always been this way?

We are a cover band, and currently have 3 originals recorded at Studio L in Weirton.  

What year did the band form?  Late 2007

Where is band based out of?  Weirton, WV

What's your style of genre?  Mainstream rock covers from the 90's & newer.

How often do you rehearse?  Weekly when learning new songs, rarely when playing 2 to 3 times per month.

Do you utilize a booking agency, and what are your thoughts around that?

No.  Our bass player, Bill, handles most of the booking.  He consistently books an average of 35 shows a year, thus we see no need to pay fees to an agency.  

Who does writes the lyrics?  Pat

Do you start with the music or the lyrics?

Either, depends on who's idea.

Do you compose in a certain enviroment?

Rehearsal space in Wintersville, OH

Have you done any covers live?

Yep, every show!  We are a cover band. 

What are the least and most people to attend one of your gigs?  As low as a dozen and as many as 1000.

What ages are most of your concert attendants?  21-65

Do you always play the same songs live, or do you vary?  Tend to mix set based on venue while regularly adding new songs. 

Do you have a regular place you play live often?  Most venues book us 4 times per year, all have become regular and appreciated.  

What was your first gig like?

Lynnwood Pool.  It was hot and sweaty. 

What was your latest gig?

Brooke Baseball Steak Fry.  Great crowd and great stage/lighting set up with DJ Dave Ott.

Have you had to cancel a gig?  

Moved dates but never cancel.

Where do you plan to gig the coming year?

Many norms, and also new venues.  

Tonight, we will be at the Blue Steel in Weirton, WV.   Come out and party!

What do you think about people downloading music instead of buying records now a days?

Unfortunately, it is the way of the industry.  

What have been your biggest obstacles?

Replacing members as they leave or are asked to leave.  Most recently lost our lead guitar player to sunshine, as he moved south.  Mark has been working hard to debut tonight.

What advice would you give other bands or artists?  Get out and play!  Never give up.

How do you get psyched for a gig?

1st set starts with a group shot of Fireball, and we accept additional shots all night.

Do you have any new material?

Not yet.  In the works.

What are your web sites?

www.verdictband.com 

How can people reach you?

Call Bill at 304-374-1707, email verdictrocks@comcast.net, or message our Facebook page.  

Social media addresses?

www.facebook.com/verdictrocks 

YouTube channel moving from Verdict26062 to VERDICT rocks!, as we have forgotten our password.   The new channel URL is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCuen5c4rbESA1QOMGFdQMA    (yea, will change the long Url to something more easily recognizable after our account is open for 30 days....the hoops we must jump through.)  We also have a rarely updated Reverbnation page too.

What are your plans for the future?

Continue rocking the Ohio Valley, and getting out to see other local bands on nights off. 

What is one thing even your biggest fans don't know about the band?  Last year we were booked to play a nudist colony!  Truth be told we expected an awkward night and were terrified before the gig, and it ended up being one of our most fun shows...ever.  We have been booked to return and can't wait!

Do you have something to add?
Thanks for the support from all wtho have attend our shows over the years.  Keep up with our schedule at www.verdictband.com 

Also, a shout out to our bass player, Bill Waugh for putting together this project of interviewing our peers and bringing additional awareness to the Ohio Valley Music Scene.