So You Wanna Be a
Rock and Roll Star?
L o c a l Yo u t h P u r s u e T h e i r D r e a m s
B Y M I C H A E L C H AT F I E L D
Collaborative songwriting, infectious hooks and professional-level musicianship define the music of Hollister-based Smith Alley. Hollister is
a tightly-knit community and these bandmates have known each other most of their lives. That closeness is reflected in their music.
T
he future of rock is bright indeed. Three groups of Monterey Bay area
young people — Moses Nose, Smith Alley and Operation Rock—
take the art form quite seriously. They caught "rockin' pneumonia" at young
ages, determined to work hard, and see how it goes. Rock and roll is not
all fun and games; it requires dedication, determination, innovative mar-
keting, and lots and lots of old-fashioned hard work. As Moses Nose bass
player Trevor Lucier says: "We've got plans, man!"
Smith Alley hails from Hollister, led by the guitars of Alex Sanchez and
Omar Huweih, with Corey Cota (bass), Ryan Loomis (drums) and vocal-
ist Jesaiah Baer. Huweih says, "Our music is 'power pop' metallish but
melodic." The band has developed an efficient method of songwriting.
Their tunes are collaborations: one member spawns a riff, the group
expands and polishes it and Baer adds lyrics and vocals. Currently the
singer is in LA trying her luck at an acting and singing career, but travels
Photo:
Nick
Lovejoy
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