The Illuminati - ProfilesArchive

About Me

Looking for something different musically? Pennsylvania's indie/alternative act, the Illuminati, is pushing the envelope of modern music with their unique collage of sonic intensity. The genres change from track to track, but elements of psychedelia, alternative, punk, white funk, ska, grunge, pop, jam, metal, jazz, and alt-country can all be found. The lyrics and moods run the gamut from humorous and sardonic to heavy and political. Frontman, Stephen Musti states that the band's primary ambition is to "genuinely transcend the boundaries of modern music classification . . . Our influences are extremely diverse and we're proud that our music reflects it."
Guitarist/keyboardist, Aaron Hoke, agrees. "We are undoubtedly an acquired taste. Not everyone will like everything we do, but most will find something to latch onto."
Although primarily an original act, the Illuminati does cover other bands in live situations. Songs by artists as diverse as Alicia Keys, the Cure, David Allen Coe, and Jimi Hendrix have all received the signature llluminati treatment. The tunes chosen are ones that most audiences are familiar with, but the numbers are often rearranged and given new words and meanings.
In 2003, The Illuminati launched with the five-song EP, Because, and they released their debut full-length album, Love and War, in spring 2006. On display are the band's technical and production talents as well as their ability to move seamlessly from one musical style to another, while always maintaining their immediately recognizable sound. Both recordings have received international acclaim and air play and their live performances have garnered regional attention.
The Illuminati is not trying to modernize 70's punk, regurgitate 80's new wave, or resurrect any other retro genres. The goal is to create something new, yet marketable, and they believe that the American (and global) populace wants the same. Few bands can legitimately profess the expansive repertoire and the distinctive vision that The Illuminati inherently possesses.
Check out the website at TheIlluminatiBand.com Peace.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 1/21/2006
Band Website: TheIlluminatiBand.com
Band Members:
Stephen Musti
"Sanchino"
Vocals/Guitar/Keys

Aaron Hoke
"A-Ho"
Guitar/Keys

Mathew Boyer
"El Pollo Loco"
Bass Guitar

Dana DeLong
"Everybody hit da bong!"
Drums

Influences: Include but are in no way limited to (in somewhat of a chronological order) Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Thelonius, Ray, Miles, Coltrane, Lightning Hopkins, Willie Dixon, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, the Supremes, the Temptations, Sly and the Family Stone, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, the Leaves, the Beatles, The Stones, the Who, Leonard Cohen, Dylan, Donovan, Cream, Hendrix, the Doors, Joplin, Neil Young, the Dead, Velvet Underground, King Crimson, the Moody Blues, Floyd, Zeppelin, Sabbath, Skynyrd, CCR, Marley, Peter Tosh, Van Morrison, David Allen Coe, David Bowie, the Sex Pistols, the Clash, the Stooges, the Ramones, the Meters, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Parliament, JB, the Police, Petty, the Dead Kennedys, the Misfits, Danzig, Social D, Talking Heads, U2, R.E.M., the Smiths, the Cure, the Femmes, the Pixies, the Pogues, Sonic Youth, Stone Roses, RHCP, Jane's, Slayer, Metallica, Primus, Tool, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Radiohead, Soundgarden, Nirvana, Jeff Buckley, Pavement, PJ Harvey, Cracker, Cake, Sublime, Blues Traveler, the All Mighty Senators, Coldplay, the White Stripes, the Vines, the Hives, Muse, Lucinda Williams, the Killers, the Distillers, the Stills, the Libertines, Nick Cave, Stellastar, SOAD, the Strokes, Modest Mouse, Bright Eyes, Deathcab, Arcade Fire, Alicia Keys, John Legend and many, many more. Deepest apologies to those whom we've forgotten.
Sounds Like: "Everything and nothing you've ever heard" -- Notorious L.I.Z. Koch
Record Label: Independent
Type of Label: None

My Blog

Fri January 26 2 the Whitaker Center for the Arts and Sciences

Please check out the First Annual Central Penn Productions Original Music Showcase at the Whitaker Center in Harrisburg. Acts will include: Tim Cooney, Wilmington, DE (acoustic rock/folk/...
Posted by The Illuminati on Sat, 13 Jan 2007 09:08:00 PST

New Songs

Hey peeps, We've shuffled in some other songs from our recent release Love and War for your MySpace listening pleasure. Actually, the track "Holiday" is now available at the speed...
Posted by The Illuminati on Fri, 22 Sep 2006 10:24:00 PST

Mike Francisco Benefit Concert

Mike Francisco, the former bassist of the Trespassengers, was killed in an auto accident on May 4. Although we at the Illuminati were not close to Michael for the last few years of his life,&nbs...
Posted by The Illuminati on Sun, 04 Jun 2006 01:22:00 PST

Love and War

The debut full-length album Love and War, is now available at CDBaby.com/theilluminati2 and at the Illuminati's website www.theilluminatiband.com ...
Posted by The Illuminati on Thu, 30 Mar 2006 09:57:00 PST