Passion,hard work, and dedication are just a few words to help describe Chris Stone. Born and raised in the competitive state of New Jersey, he started from nothing and began his struggle to the top. As soon as he was able to hold a pair of drumsticks in his hands at age 3 he knew that was what he wanted to do with his life. Having his father's drum set in the house, a drummer affiliated with Joe Walsh and the James gang, it was impossible for him to keep his hands off of it.
Growing up, Chris had numerous successful drum teachers/mentors...Max Weinberg (Bruce Springsteen and The E-Street Band, Late Night With Conan O"Brien), Ingo Marte (Scorpions ex drummer), Joey Vitale ( Crosby Stills,Nash,and Young/ Elton John/and Joe Walsh). With them he not only studied all different styles but also learned stage presence, how to read and write music, and many other aspects of the industry.
Throughout his career in the past he has played/sat in with numerous different National acts. Within that Journey he has gotten the pleasure to play in every kind of situation whether it be a small club, an amphitheater, or an enormous outdoor concert. Playing shows that would range in numbers of anywhere from 50 to 100,000 people has left him with a good understanding of what people like to hear.
Chris has also worked closely with The Paul Green School of Rock Music educating young children on the performance and art of rock and roll. He strongly feels that teaching his talent from what he has already learned is an adventurous and ongoing learning process with itself as well. Anything to further his path in the drumming world is what he is looking to do. Currently Chris is a for hire studio musician, private drum instructor, and a member of the National latin rock band deSoL.
deSoL is a brotherhood from Asbury Park, NJ whose music mixes rock hooks with fiery Latin rhythms sung in English, Spanish & "Spanglish." The result is a musical stew where the individual styles of the six musicians combine to create a sound that keeps audiences on there feet.
deSoL's vibrant and energetic live show has been pivotal in seeing the band earn praise in The New York Times, USA Today, Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, New York Post and Paste Magazine. The band has been featured on the globally syndicated World Cafe radio show, performed at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Bamboozle, Langarado, and a Miami Dolphins halftime show. They have appeared on numerous network television morning shows including CBS New York, and Fox in Boston, Austin, and Chicago. Having played over 1500 shows in the last 3 years, They've opened for R.E.M., Cypress Hill, Arrested Development, Kinky, Ozomatli, Suzanne Vega, Rustic Overtones, Shawn Mullins, Soulive to name a few and toured with The Legendary Wailers, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Los Lonely Boys, Blues Traveler, Particle and Widespread Panic on several cross-country tours.
Prior to taking time off the road to record their latest album "On My Way", deSoL spent time in the Middle East playing for the troops. After hooking up with the Department of Defense's Armed Forces Entertainment program, They brought their music to the immensely appreciative men and women of US Military personnel in Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Djibouti, and Kuwait.
Following a "buzzworthy" (LA Times) showcase at Austin's South By South West festival, deSoL's first single "Karma" climbed to 5 on the Triple A radio chart. Their holiday single "Little Drummer Boy" entered the Billboard AC chart at 6, setting a record as the highest debut chart entrance since James Taylor in 2004. There song "Blanco Y Negro" is featured on the Dr. Pepper Brotherhood CD, a compilation of Latin Rock acts including Los Lonely Boys, Kinky, Ozomatli and Del Castillo, as well as being featured in a Bose Headphones retail display promotion across the US, and numerous Radio Station Acoustic Compilations.
deSoL's self-titled CD was released nationally, also a live EP "LiVE/ViVO," recorded Live at Antone’s in Austin Texas. Their newest release “On My Way†has already brought radio success with its first single "Sing It All Night" serviced to Triple A radio. It was the Number 1 most added for 5 weeks. In its fourth week it debuted on the Triple A charts at number 25 and grew to 6. Making fast friends with radio stations around the country. deSoL collaborated with KPRI in San Diego CA on a free CD sampler for 100,000 listeners, and is also included on KINK Portland, OR yearly release of live performances being sold at Starbucks. As of right now deSoL is working on releasing their new Heineken sponsored music video for their song "Sing It All Night".
Chris is very thankful for his opportunities and his talent and considers it to only be just a small step on the long haul to his future. Be sure to watch and listen for him in the years to come...
