The SeaWeedz

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Cute MySpace Layoutshttp://cdbaby.com/cd/seaweedzEli Weed - Biography / Interview - December 2007 Eli Weed was exposed to music at a very early age. At the age of 4, he remembers staying up past his bedtime to listen to his father's barbershop quartet, The Henchmen, rehearse. His mother introduced him to the piano before he could read.Eli's first grade teacher called him "her little pitch-pipe" and he soon auditioned for the "Time For Sounds" television show with Arletta Railey on South Carolina Educational Television where he sang on location and in the studio until his family moved to Fairfax, VA. It was there, at the age of 12, that Eli was told by his guitar instructor that he would "never make a lead guitar player, maybe rhythm" which instilled him with perseverance, if not great confidence.At the age of 13, however, Eli discovered the bass guitar and convinced his parents to help him purchase a Gibson Grabber Bass and a Sunn Amplifier that barely fit in the back of the VW Bus. Eli went on to sing in church choirs and sang for the Singing Generals in Springfield, Illinois under the direction of Larry Moose.At 13, he formed his first working band. "We used to play all the local teen skating rinks as well as for the Civitans and the Woman's Club. We called ourselves Airborne because that sounded pretty cool when we were young".His early exposure to making music continued through high school where he studied music theory under Gloria Westmoreland in Columbia, South Carolina. He also studied electronic music under Dr. Douglas at the University of South Carolina. Weed has been a principal song-writer and bass guitarist in an assortment rock bands including Hyjynx, Rude Lucy, and Scruffy Moses. Weed is know known to perform solo, with his stylish flame-graphic acoustic guitar and a wailing harmonica.During his formative years, his bands opened for such major acts as Nightranger, Rick Derringer, the Outlaws, Alvin Lee, and Rare Earth and Blackfoot. Weed once shared the stage with the late Danny Joe Brown of Molly Hatchet fame. More recent shows include opening slots for Blake Shelton and Lonestar at The House of Blues.Siting influences such as Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Johnny Cash, ZZ Topp, The Eagles, and the Doors, 2004 brought the release of Weed's first solo recording, "Tales of the Strand - Volume 1." December 2006 brought the release of "Tales of the Strand- Volume 2." The projects were recorded in Myrtle Beach, SC, at Island Green Studios and mastered at the Diskfaktory in Irvine, CA. Weed plays all the instruments on his CD's. Tales Volume 1 blends his soft romantic style with spirited acoustic rockers showcasing Weed's range and versatility.Although the acoustic guitar continues to play a prominent roll in Weed's songs, Tales 2 is more upbeat and electric than Tales 1 and incorporates keyboards and synthesizer as well. Weed's CD releases, "Tales of the Strand - Volumes 1 and 2", are a retrospective look at life on the Grand Strand. Cuts from his CD are currently enjoying airplay on "Dead Dog Saloon's Homegrown" on The Sound 107.1.We asked Weed about his recent recording, “Tales of the Strand - Volume 2.”Q. How do you respond to those folks who suggest that you broaden your song writing to be less regionally-specific?Weed: They’re probably right if they are wishing me to become some sort of popular musical act. The goal of the two “Tales” albums was to provide a sound-track to those who have visited the area, or might wish to visit in the future.”Q. For our general audience that is reading this article, just what is “The Strand”?Weed: “The Grand Strand reaches from Calabash, North Carolina down to Georgetown, South Carolina over on the east coast of the south-eastern United States. Myrtle Beach is the most recognized portion of what’s known as “The Grand Strand”, and that’s where I’ve lived for about 10 years now.”Q. What is it about The Strand that inspired you to put together two albums so far, and what’s next for The SeaWeedz?Weed: “This area is just so vibrant, there’s something for just about everybody as far as entertainment and recreation. I’m so keyed up over the advent of the Hard Rock Park which features a roller coaster ride dedicated to my favorite band of all time, Led Zeppelin. The SeaWeedz was a studio project, but we are currently auditioning musicians to see about performing live.Q. What types of promotion have you done?Weed: Besides the website, very little. We have a presence at CD Baby and I’ve been told we need a MySpace page, so I guess that’s next. We’ve also contracted with Artist PR out of Hollywood. California to see about getting some ink. Our website allows us to see where the hits come from, so it’ll be interesting to see what kind of traffic Artist PR can generate. Q. What advice would you have for aspiring artists?Weed: Based on experience, I would recommend making sure your career path allows you not to have to depend on making music for a living.Tales 2 is available through Best Buy retail outlets by request and on the web at CDBaby.com and I-Tunes. Eli Weed was recently on tour as the bassist and background vocalist for Southern Blue, a southern rock band whose tour has taken them to the main stage at the House of Blues and to the Carolina Entertainment Complex, a 4,000 seat arena in Marion, S.C. Check out the SeaWeedz at TheSeaWeedz.com. The most downloaded songs include, “Naomi” from Tales 2 and “Two Ways” from Tales 1. ..