As music fans continue to lament the bygone 1970’s—progressive rock’s Golden Age—a band of teenagers from Southern California have picked up the torch that has been handed down by some of the best rockers of the 70’s. Jetstream combines the experimental nature of bands like Rush, Yes, and Led Zeppelin with a 21st century outlook full of angst, love and irony.
Garrett Zeile (15) plays guitar, sings lead vocals and writes most of the music and lyrics for Jetstream. Although, he’s the son of an ex-Major League ballplayer and an Olympic Gold Medal Gymnast, Garrett has always felt a connection to music above all. It may or may not be a coincidence that he shares a birthday with his idol, Jimi Hendrix.
Jake Munk (15) plays guitar as well and sings backup vocals for Jetstream. He comes from a more musical pedigree, as his mother performed in various tribute bands and his grandfather was a jazz drummer. Jake, like the rest of his bandmates, enjoys a deep appreciation for all things musical and lists Pink Floyd and Foo Fighters among his influences.
Kevin Seven is the youngest member of the band at thirteen years-old and shares backing vocals while playing an energetic bass guitar. Unlike his bandmates, Kevin is a second generation rocker. His father, John Grimmett, was the bassist for 80’s hair-metal outfit, Black Bambi. In addition, long time friend, Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue), is more than forthcoming with hand-me-downs to the budding Jetstream star. Outside of his musical pursuits, Kevin is something of a Renaissance Man (by California standards, at least) who enjoys surfing, motocross racing and baseball in addition to jamming with his bandmates.
Ben Zelico (15) is Jetstream’s show-stopping drummer, whose skill and showmanship have made him a fan favorite. Although he is able to play just about any song, Ben is most inspired by the less rigid music of Rush and Dream Theater, which gives him free reign to his own creative impulses. Also the resident clown, Ben is constantly coming up with unique ways to make his bandmates laugh and keep them loose.
The members first met while playing AC/DC and Lynyrd Skynyrd covers at Paul Green’s School of Rock in Agoura, California. However, it was not long before the restless virtuosos got together to record their own music. Thus began the meteoric rise of these precocious talents, taking them across the pond to London, where they competed in the Global Battle of the Bands (GBOB) World Championship—in which they finished second despite being the youngest band in the competition. Then it was onto New York, where they auditioned for and were eventually signed by Barry Weiss of Sony BMG.
The next step was to get into the studio and record a four-song demo with acclaimed producer, Julian Raymond (Fastball, Cheap Trick, Glen Campbell). Since then, Jetstream has been playing gigs at The Key Club and The Roxy on Hollywood’s storied Sunset Strip, while opening for such headliners as Foreigner, and Bo Bice at their local haunt, The Canyon Club in Agoura. The members of Jetstream split their days between schoolwork and the studio, where they are working to compile material for their debut album.
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