Gene The Werewolf
Gene The Werewolf | |
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![]() Gene The Werewolf performing in 2023 | |
Background information | |
Origin | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US |
Genres | Rock Hard Rock |
Years active | 2007–present |
Labels | Frontiers Music |
Members | Jon Belan Drew Donegan Nick Revak Andrew Marks Aaron Mediate Chris Serafini |
Past members | Tim Schultz Michael Ofca Britton Sloan |
Gene The Werewolf is an American rock band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, that was formed in 2007. The band has released three full-length albums, including the European release "Rock n' Roll Animal" on Frontiers Music, one EP,[1] and multiple one-off singles.
History
2007-2009: early years
Gene The Werewolf was formed in 2007 as a so-called "Supergroup" of Pittsburgh musicians originally consisting of Jon Belan (lead vocals/guitar), Drew Donegan (guitar), Nick Revak (drums), Aaron Mediate (keys) and Tim Schultz (bass).[2]
In 2005, after the demise of The Berlin Project (Orange Peal Records)[3], an established band from the Pittsburgh area, Belan and Revak decided to team up to write new music focusing more on the Rock n Roll roots in which they were raised.[4]
The band took the name "Gene The Werewolf" after a friend told Belan he resembled a werewolf because of the beard and long hair he had at the time. At first, Belan thought he mumbled "Gene" rather than "Jon" and the name stuck. [5]
On October 12, 2007, Gene The Werewolf played their first live show as a full band to a sold out crowd at Club Cafe in the South Side of Pittsburgh.[6]
In January 2009, Gene The Werewolf hired Lucas Keller as their manager and signed with Uppercut Management.
On October 20, 2009, Gene The Werewolf released their debut EP "Light Me Up" in the United States with producer Jamie Woolford. [7]
On October 24, 2009, Gene The Werewolf had their "Light Me Up" album release party at Club Diesel in Pittsburgh. It was at this time that the band added Mike Ofca as a lead guitarist and new member. Shortly after, the band parted ways with Uppercut Management. [8]
2011 - present
On November 23, 2011, Gene The Werewolf released their first full length album "Wicked Love" in the United States, again with producer Jamie Woolford. The album was recorded in Paradise Valley, Arizona and produced the single "I Only Wanna Rock N' Roll".[9]
On December 2, 2011, Gene The Werewolf had their "Wicked Love" album release party at The Altar Bar in the Strip District of Pittsburgh.[10]
In 2012, the band signed an international one album record deal with Frontiers Music. Later that year, they released their international debut "Rock n' Roll Animal" on the label featuring the single and video for "I Only Wanna Rock n' Roll".[11][failed verification]
In 2014, the band started writing new music with producer and engineer Sean McDonald (The Clarks, Soul Asylum) for a new upcoming LP. [12][failed verification]
On June 17, 2016, the bands second full length LP "The Loner" was released. The album featured the title track as the single, withe the album release show at Altar Bar, Pittsburgh that same month. [13] The album was produced and engineered by Sean McDonald at Red Medicine Studios.The album also featured a lead guitar solo by Reb Beach of Winger and Whitesnake on the song "The Walking Dead".
In late 2016, the band parted ways with lead guitarist Mike Ofca and named Britton Sloan his replacement.
In 2017, the band hired Andrew Marks as their new lead guitarist and started to writing a new single with Sean McDonald to commemorate the bands 10 year anniversary.
The song "Keep It Together" was released on January 30, 2018 and was followed up with a music video shot at Red Medicine Studios. The song is an ode to the ups, downs and struggles of keeping a band together after a period of time. [14]
In December of 2018, the band parted ways with original bassist Tim Schultz and he was replaced by Chris Serafini (Gin Blossoms, Pollen (band)) [15].
Serafini's first show with the band was for 105.9 WXDX's Kick Ass Christmas Show with The Struts [16]
Members
Current members
- Jon Belan – vocals, guitar (2007–present)
- Nick Revak – drums, (2007–present)
- Drew Donegan – guitar, (2007–present)
- Aaron Mediate – keyboards, (2007–present)
- Andrew Marks - lead guitar, vocals (2017-present)
- Chris Serafini - bass guitar, vocals (2018-present)
Former members
- Tim Schultz – bass guitar, vocals (2007–2018)
- Mike Ofca - lead guitar (2009-2016)
- Britton Sloan – lead guitar (2016–2017)
Discography
Albums
Release date | Title | Label |
---|---|---|
November 23, 2011 | Wicked Love | Self-released |
November 23, 2012 | Rock n' Roll Animal | Frontiers Music |
June 17, 2016 | The Loner | Self-released |
EPs
Release date | Title | Label |
---|---|---|
October 20, 2009 | Light Me Up | self-released |
One Off Singles
Release date | Title | Label |
---|---|---|
January 30, 2018 | Keep It Together (single) | Self-released |
June 20, 2019 | Love And Touch (single) | Self-released |
November 13, 2020 | I Should've Known Better (single) | Self-released |
September 20, 2022 | Dying Breed (single) | Self-released |
References
- ^ Srl, Frontiers Music. "Frontiers Music Srl | Record Label". Frontiers Music Srl.
- ^ Theiner, Manny. "Local supergroup Gene the Werewolf has both classic-rockers and MySpace kids howlin'". Pittsburgh City Paper.
- ^ "The Berlin Project - Things We Say Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic" – via www.allmusic.com.
- ^ Mulkerin, Andy. "Gene the Werewolf returns with a new plan of attack". Pittsburgh City Paper.
- ^ "Gene The Werewolf – October 13, 2016". October 13, 2016.
- ^ @genethewerewolf (October 12, 2022). "October 12, 2007 😱 Today officially marks 15yrs of rockin' the Burgh! We love Yinz! 🖤💛" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Singled Out: Gene the Werewolf - Gene the Werewolf News @ antiMusic.com". www.antimusic.com.
- ^ Simkin, Sarah (October 21, 2009). "Gene the Werewolf entertains with beastly sound, stage presence". The Pitt News.
- ^ "Gene The Werewolf – Wicked Love (2011, CD) - Discogs".
- ^ Tady, Scott. "Get Out! B.E. Taylor, Gene the Werewolf and Chris Cornell in concert". Beaver County Times.
- ^ Srl, Frontiers Music. "Frontiers Music Srl | Record Label". Frontiers Music Srl.
- ^ https://seanmcdonald.com/ Sean McDonald.com
- ^ https://www.soundsceneexpress.com/gene-the-werewolf-make-fans-howl/ Sounds Scene Express
- ^ https://heavyharmonies.ipbhost.com/topic/36342-gene-the- werewolf-keep-it-together/ Heavy Harmonies
- ^ http://www.ginblossoms.net Gin Blossoms Official
- ^ https://1059thex.iheart.com/content/2018-12-02-recap-kick-ass-christmas-2018// Kick Ass Christmas