About Ferengata
Ferengata
Biography
Debut CD 'Fire in the Heart ' currently available on CD Baby, on their website (http://www.ferengata.com) and in selected stores in Florida.
Ferengata delivers a refreshing, original and intelligent brand of hook-heavy, enjoyable melodic pop rock, which hints at Santana with lyrical lead guitars and rhythmic beats, and also has the influence of good solid classic rock mixed with the rhythmic variety of the islands. Ferengata is an edgy rock band that pays attention to the details required to put on an excellent performance.
Ferengata’s leader David Laracuente has recently put the finishing touches on the Florida based band’s new album 'Fire in The Heart'. The music that unfolds from this collection mixes a timeless brand of classic pop with updated alternative and rhythmic styles. Originally hailing from the big city of New York David Laracuente’s own musical background began at a young age when his parents encouraged him to play guitar. Weaned on bands such as The Beatles and The Who from the early radio days, Dave later fell in love with the sounds of British hard rock and the sweet sounds coming out of Motown. In 1971 Dave formed his first band Spice. 'Spice' was an acclaimed success in New York and opened for acts such as the 'The Isley Brothers' and 'Patti Labelle' amongst other artists of the day. 'Spice' recorded an album for boxing promoter 'Don King' at American Star Studios (West Virginia) ... a single from that album 'Everything is you' reached #16 on the Billboard Soul Charts.
In the late 1970’s Dave formed the Band 'Spring Fever' which was named one of New York City's ten most promising bands by WNBC radio and affiliates in 1980.
One of Dave's songs entitled 'Sneaking in the Back Door' was selected to be included on the 'WNBC Hometown Album' release in 1980 by DJ and Music Mogul Don Imus. After 'Spring Fever' broke up Dave went on to play as a studio musician for many recordings in some of America's finest Recording Studios including New York's 'Electric Ladyland Studios', 'The Hit Factory', and 'The PowerStation', among others. Dave continues to write a majority of 'Ferengata's' original music. He has written music for both TV and radio, including shows on 'HBO' 'Access Hollywood' for European radio and television. Dave’s song 'Celebration' also continues to be played on XM radio, Sirius satellite radio and played in Concert in many European countries.
In 1999 Dave partnered with Canadian songwriter and musician Del Aitchison. Del has been playing music since the age of 5, and serves as producer, bassist, keyboardist and vocalist in 'Ferengata'. Strongly influenced by Canadian Rock, he grew up listening to April Wine, Trooper, Rush, Kim Mitchell, The BareNaked Ladies, The Guess Who, BTO, Fludd, Goddo, Triumph, and many other Canadian acts. Of course, he also has many favorite bands from the US and Europe. Additionally, Del has a love for country and folk music, including Canadians Gordon Lightfoot, Murray McGlaughin, George Fox, Bruce Cockburn and others. A talented singer, songwriter and instrumentalist, he started his first band 'Feedback' at the age of 15 when he was living in Southern Alberta, Canada. For more than a dozen years they performed in Western Canada and became regionally well-known. In the late ‘90’s, Del relocated to Florida, and teamed up with Dave Laracuente to create the Florida version of 'Feedback' (now Ferengata). Del has had the privilege of appearing onstage with "Mark Gray (Exile)" and "Kenny Olson (Twisted Brown Trucker Band)" as well as opening for "Southbound" and "Salvador". His songs included on the new CD are "Two in the Morning" (a semi-autobiographical rocker which includes tributes to Murray McLaughlin and April Wine), "Fast Track Baby" and "Me and the Captain and Jim". Songs penned by Del have added another dimension to the variety of musical styles played by Ferengata.
Jose Lorenzo is "Ferengata’s Drumcussionist". He was born in Cuba in 1973 and moved to NYC in 1980. There he grew up listening to all different types of music: Hip Hop, Latin (Cuban, Salsa, Merengue), Rock, and later Club music (House, Techno, etc.), Reggae and Jazz were part of his normal listening routine. He began playing drums in 1994 and percussion in 1996 and has mastered many of the styles of music he listened to. His playing combines technique, feeling, and showmanship. In New York, Jose served as drummer for three original bands (Birthmark, Peter’s Blade, and Anomie Mind) from 1994 to 2003. Working with these bands lead to studio work from 1995 to 2002. He also appeared live in top NYC & NJ venues and Clubs such as CBGBs, Continental, Downtime, Coney Island High, Don Hill’s, Maxwell’s, Love Sexy, Pyramid, China Club and Club Deep, among others.
We would like to acknowledge and give special thanks to our guest vocalists on the CD:
Tammy Dry (who finished in the top 14 finalists out of 2500 entrants for the worldwide “Voice of McDonald’s” competition)
George “Definite” Aber, doing the Jamaican raps on “Nerd” and “Feugo en mi Corazon”.
Joanna Rose who added her distinctive lead vocals on Fuego and Rosa Maria.
Summer Pfieffer who added her voice on Fuego, Rosa Maria, Paradise and Two in the Morning.
Many more of Ferengata songs and other music included on the following websites:
http://www.isound.com/ferengata
http://myspace.com/ferengata1
Website
http://www.ferengata.com
Discography
'First Light' by Feedback/Ferengata BMI 2000 available at: www.cdbaby.com/feedback
'Fire in the Heart' by Ferengata BMI 2006 available at: www.cdbaby.com/ferengata
Ferengata's Blog
"Just the basics"
by dave@ferengata.com
(This article is geared toward a younger audience but the principals apply at whatever age you would like to start a Band. I know players in their teens through players in their fifties that are still playing and have used these same principals)
Last week we looked at:
* Lots of work
* Finding a Space to Rehearse
* Practice makes perfect
Make sure you have read Part One first:
http://www.guitarsite.com/newsletters/010416/11.shtml
Discuss each player's commitment:
How long and often are the guys in the band willing to rehearse? How often would they like to play out? How will you split up any monies received? How long do you want the Band to last? How far do you want to go? What type of music do you want to play? This takes time, so set aside some time to discuss these things and then once a month ask the band members once again how are things going? Get to know the people you play with, go to lunch with them and spend time with them outside of music, this helps build a bond. Friendships are more important than music. If the band or music ever get in the way of friendship be willing to compromise. Remember that we all have to make decisions in life and if music is your sole source of income and one of your players has decided to embark on a life of drugs and partying and is missing gigs, then you have got to make a band decision. This is not necessarily a friendship decision. Even though it may affect your immediate friendship you have got to move on. Commitment drives people to success. Maintain your commitment and try your best to help each band member maintain his.
Find a Place to Play Out:
This is always the most exciting part of being in a band. Playing somewhere like a party or a talent search is fun and helps the group to have something to strive and focus on. Early on in my career I can remember the excitement of playing at talent shows and parties. With each step you gain experience. After playing parties and talent shows we moved up to playing Clubs and local Festivals. I finally got to the point in my career where I shared the stage with Mega Talent like the Isley Brothers and Patti Labelle. I have actually played inside Prisons (Rahway State Correctional/New Jersey) all because I had committed to the principals listed above and was willing to play wherever we had a good opportunity. Music agents are willing to find places for your group to play for a small percentage usually around ten percent of the gross earnings. Go to clubs yourself with a tape and some pictures. Ask Club owners if you cam play one night for their club for free (this will normally get you in the door) and once they hear you and like the band they make offer some future bookings. Let all your friends know that you have a band, it's the easiest way to get a "gig".
Never Give Up!
If you want Fun and maybe one day Fame and Fortune it is there for the person who:
1) Is dedicated to working hard.
2) Practices to polish his Talent.
3) Commits himself/herself to accomplishing a goal.
4) Never Gives up!
5) Puts friendship first and acknowledges the source of his talent (God).
May you live long and prosper in your musical career! : - ]
This article was written by David Laracuente a member of the Band "Feedback", find more articles at Feedbacklive.net. If you have any questions or would like to contact Dave directly please send your inquiry to dave@ferengata.com.
Part one was last week:
http://www.guitarsite.com/newsletters/010416/11.sh
"Just the basics"
Pyramid Strings Contest Entry by dave@ferengata.com
(This article is geared toward a younger audience but the principals apply at whatever age you would like to start a Band. I know players in their teens through players in their fifties that are still playing and have used these same principals)
Have you pondered putting a Band together? Whether you're contemplating putting together a singing/vocal band, rock band, hip hop/rap group or accordion band the same principles apply. Here are some basic principals that should help you to put a band together:
Lots of work:
Work, work, and more work. Don't expect your rise to stardom to be sweet and easy because no matter what road you take it is hard work. So now that you've been warned, the first thing you want to think about is who do you want in this group? It's always best to select people that are supportive of your same ideas. It's called "vision". If you and your partners have the same "vision" for the band there is a much better chance that you will succeed in accomplishing you goals.
So … write your vision down on paper and discuss it with all your band members. If the vision is to sing at the local talent competition then you have to be ready to do whatever it takes to do that. I am sure that you heard of the group "Destiny's Child". Well the group had four young ladies ready to tour and then record/release a CD. They had practiced and were ready and began to tour (a crucial part of their new careers) but there were many "gigs" to play. Many places to sing and there was lots of work ahead. After the first leg of the tour one of the girls left to go home, she said she was tired and may not have been committed to going the distance, she never returned to be a part of the Band. "Destiny's Child" went on to gross millions in record sales as a threesome and is now a top selling act, but it took lots of work, and they lost someone along the way. It is a sacrifice … and you have got to be willing to work, it's almost like a marriage.
Finding a Space to Rehearse:
The easiest way to find a space to rehearse is almost always in somebody's garage or house. Paying for a space to rehearse is an option for that big gig or to really test the Band's sound. Remember to try and find a pleasant rehearsal space so that the atmosphere at rehearsal will always be pleasant.
Practice makes perfect:
This is really just another way of saying more work. Band practice whether it's singing or playing your instrument is crucial. If you do not practice then your talent will stagnate and never get to the level where people will notice you. You have to be better than the next guy to make it in the music business. If you are mediocre, your talent will not be recognized and that is exactly what you do not want. Recognition wherever you play or sing is crucial to a musician's career. Set your own personal rehearsal schedule and don't break it! Make sure you practice by yourself at least twice a week for a committed length of time. Professional musicians will tell you that they always practice, even if they have been playing for 20 years! That is because your practicing will make you the perfect musician or singer. Learn scales, learn chords, and learn to read music if you can, and learn from anyone that you can. If you can afford to … take lessons, be a real dedicated musician, practice makes perfect. Lessons and practice will only make you better and you will be recognized for that talent soon enough.
Now it's time to talk about your Band rehearsals. Make sure that they occur at the same time every week so that no one has a reason to forget. Have a plan worked out for every rehearsal so that you don't waste time. Never rehearse a song more than three times in a row or it will go stale. Come back to that song later. Concentrate on overall sound, not just the sound of your own instrument or voice and be prepared for criticism. If you are not ready to take constructive criticism then you are not ready to be in a Band. Be willing to teach another musician or to be taught, you can learn from everybody. If you have more experience, offer some tips to your fellow players. Also remember to tell each musician what a good job they did after the rehearsal! Never leave a rehearsal or practice without expressing appreciation for the talent of each of the band members. If you are a person willing to give thanks, start each rehearsal with thanks to the God that gave you your musical talent and ask him to bless your rehearsal and your goals. I truly believe that each musician's talent is a gift from God.
This article continues next week with:
* Discuss each player's commitment
* Find a Place to Play Out
* Never Give Up!
This article was written by David Laracuente a member of the Band "Feedback", find more articles at Feedbacklive.net. If you have any questions or would like to contact Dave directly please send your inquiry to dave@ferengata.com.
Offering
Ferengata does offer production assistance with recording and musicians available for evry type of recording. Contact Dave@ferengata.com.
(Reply)
Under the Influence
Santana
April Wine Bob Marley Tool Black Eyed Peas Audioslave Steven Curtis Chapman 3 Doors Down Tito Puente Stevie Wonder Van Halen Miles Davis Chicago Tupac Journey Del Aitchison Jose Lorenzo Dave Laracuente Jose Caro Joanna Rose Summer Phiffer Tammy Dry Fire In the Heart Rosa Maria Me and the Captain Paradise WE Love Tampa Bay! Ferengata Plays Many Clubs in the Tampa Bay Area and We would Love for you to come see us Live. If you mention that you saw our website on Indie 911 we will give you a free CD for Finding this secret hidden message. Ask Dave for the Free CD!!!!! |
Artist Links
Ferengata's Website
Ferengata's Own Website with lots of Extras including Band Information and links to the many sites that Ferengata's music is being played on! Ferengata on CD Baby Ferengata's New CD "FIRE IN THE HEART" is available here at a special discount price!! Ferengata Musicology - Hear all the tunes Listen to over 50 of Ferengata's constantly updated songs! Let us know what you like and what you don't. Ferengata's Official MySpace Page Become a myspace Friend Please! we are now closing in on over 5,000 friends! We have a whole community of Ferengata MUsic Fans! Ferengata More Tunes Our Old Myspace Page that has a different variety of tunes. This used to be a personal page and it was set up wrong so it was abandoned but it still has some good music! Ferengata's First Cd Ferengata's First CD when the band name was "Feedback" Ferengata's music on International - Discover Our Music Ferengata Ranks as the higest Artist on this International Website! |
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