Charlotte Sun-Herald
November 18, 2003
By Dana Helstrom

Artwork by Dana Helstrom

Have you ever listened to a band that was so good that it gave you chills down your spine? Every note they play triggers adrenaline that gives you an instant high, and the lead singer's voice is so powerful and unique that you sit in awe of such undeniable talent.

That adrenaline is what sets Shades of Gray apart from the pack. With catchy lyrics, talented musicians, and an awesome live show, not to mention all around good looks, Shades of Gray is bound for stardom.

Shades of Gray is a Charlotte County-based band comprised of four gifted performers: Jason Brownie (lead vocals and guitars), Mike Laden (guitars and vocals), Drew Helstrom (drums) and Rob Ziruolo (bass). The local alternative rock band has been compared to acts like Default, The Calling, Fuel and 3 Doors Down.

Shades of Gray performs original as well as cover tunes. Their playlist includes songs from bands like Creed, Staind, Stone Temple Pilots, Sublime and Nickelback. The diversity between their songs of choice and their drenched-in-talent originals makes for one heck of a show!

With FM radio airplay on stations 99.3, 105.9, and 92.5, and performances at places like Bennigan's Restaurant, Chubby'z, Florida Gulf Coast University, Gotham Hall, Melon's Bar & Grill, The Reef, Strikers Billiards, and miscellaneous parties, they continue to climb the popularity ladder, rung by rung, with style and ease.

The band, which has been together two years ("in a very heterosexual way," Laden joked during our interview), puts forth all efforts in accomplishing their dream. They practice three and four times a week, work on new material, record CDs and send out CDs to record labels. These determined boys also produce merchandise and, "keep a tidy and entertaining web page," said Laden.

Aside from regular practices, shows and promo tasks, each member also attends college and has a regular job. "Shades of Gray is our second full-time job," explained Laden.

With the stress of perfecting songs, school and work weighing on them, Shades of Gray still has their outgoing and enthusiastic senses of humor on their side. This ultimately oozes through during their live performances, displaying their passion and enjoyment with an awesome stage presence. Not only do you feel their music, your mind becomes captivated by their polished aura, exposing their dedication to the music.

Many mainstream performers today are assembly line bands. This leaves out the hard work and talent that is essential for a great group. The next step in that factory line is teaching models how to sing, play an instrument and showcase their artificial talents, or has that already happened?

The music industry is suffering from a lack of skilled musicians. We need more artists like Shades of Gray in our sound waves, the kind with raw talent.

Shades of Gray plans to "continue playing shows, building a fan base and getting airplay. Ya' know, keep on truckin'," commented Brownie, when asked what is in the band's future.

Having had the chance to spend time with this band, watch them practice and get to know them; I feel more than privileged. It is inspiring to watch them incorporate humor into their practices and into their music. It ultimately becomes a reflection of themselves - full of personality.

I have observed the work and dedication that goes into this band and have come to the realization that Shades of Gray is not going to be one of those bands that is "successfully found." They are going to find success.

Log onto the band's website (www.shadesofgrayband.com) where you can find band info, news, upcoming show schedules, sign their guestbook, listen to mp3s, browse photo galleries and get booking information.