Everseen Style Magazine
October 2007 Edition
By Nancy Kevorkian

Photo by Bree Dillow

The wait is finally over. After months of rumors and false dawns, bandleader, Jason Brownie, announced that alternative rock band, Shades of Gray, was getting together again. A year after calling it quits, the musicians are picking up right where they left off. For the thousands of fans who flock to their shows, bookmark their website, and download their music, the news spread like wildfire.

Shades of Gray was first formed in 2001 when three Florida-bred guitar players and one drummer joined forces to create a true rock band. Although each member came from a different musical background, their collective talents synchronized with élan. The end result was a melding of a distinctively profound sound that can be best described as modern alternative rock.

On August 1st, 2007, Shades of Gray held their premiere reunion show. From the second they burst on stage, the musicians pump out a commanding performance. They aspire to keep alive the true spirit of alternative rock music, share a brotherhood, and leave the audience begging for more. So far, the formula has been working.

The Boys in the Band
Shades of Gray consists of Jason Brownie (vocals and guitars), Mike Laden (lead guitar), Drew Helstrom (drums), and Russ Richey (bass). Together, they represent a balanced mix of strong musical talent from the Charlotte County area. All of the twenty-something band members are fun, good looking, and rock-tastic.

The name of the band, Shades of Gray, came from the lyrics to the song "To Whom It May Concern" which Jason originally wrote back in 1999. The musicians felt the name fit the multiplicity of their personalities. It was a simple, straightforward decision actualized in 2001.

It is evident from their websites that the musicians are worshipped in Florida. It is also evident that they have caught the eyes and ears of a loyal and diverse fan base all over the country. While they are amazed and delighted by the recognition, they remain well grounded with day jobs, college, sports, and fitness.

From start to finish, the beat goes on as the band members remain focused on masterminding a show designed to capture a diverse audience. They draw inspiration from groups such as Metallica, Alice in Chains, Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, and Sevendust while filtering new ideas through a business-minded sieve.

The Road to Stardom
The success of any band hinges on many factors that are trying. Gigs run long into the night. The practice hours are ongoing and often sporadic. The equipment is heavy, bulky, and expensive. It is no surprise that all of the band members literally work day and night to bolster their goals. Fortunately, their greatest supporters are family members, close friends and other musicians who believe in them.

“We are so lucky to have supportive families. It makes all the difference in our lives,” commented Jason Brownie.

Despite the challenges, it all boils down to a passion for music that gels the group. As the spotlight shines on each member, the talent of each individual musician is almost palpable.

Drummer, Drew Helstrom, is a powerful driving force. His commanding performances are laced with the kind of raw power and energy that captivates spectators. And yet, he is a 22-year old dichotomy. Behind the intensity of those drums is a passionate musician with a mysteriously shy side that fascinates his followers. Drew is completely in the moment while performing onstage.

Russ Richey executes a stellar performance on bass. His genuine enthusiasm on the stage is magnetic. The bassist is unmistakably the wild child of the group. On his website, he describes himself as the “jackass of the group”. Motorcycles, sport shooting, DJ-ing, and mixing music share a piece of his present day world. Russ was also a member of the United State Marine Corps. “I’ll do anything to make someone smile,” he quips online.

Mike Laden is a potent, sophisticated, and inventive lead guitarist. He brings extraordinary musical talents and onstage charisma to the group. Professionally, his kick-ass performance is like adrenaline for the ears, eyes, and soul. There is also something intrinsically wonderful about a man who yearns to share the limelight with his family. Mike holds a bachelors degree from the Florida Gulf Coast University and majored in criminal justice.

Every moment on stage is a testament to the excellent musicianship of all four members. They seamlessly craft a musical environment saturated with infectious nonstop energy.

Jason Brownie, Front and Center
A special spotlight shines on fast-rising musician, Jason Brownie who is the lead singer, lyrist, and a prolific composer. He singlehandedly is responsible for 95% of the band’s songwriting duties. However, the first thing Jason wants everyone to know is that he is far from being a one-man band. In fact, he makes it clear that his fellow band members, Mike Laden, Drew Helstrom, and Russ Richey are gifted and individually vital to the success of Shade of Gray. “We are best friends, and most importantly, we have respect for one another,” commented Jason.

The music that Jason Brownie writes has been rocking Florida music lovers for years. He draws inspiration from every aspect of his life and translates those feelings into words. Subsequently, his lyrics send a message that relate to issues surrounding him.

Jason is poised to unleash some fresh, new cuts to add to his repertoire. The news is already creating a buzz in the Florida music world. If everything goes according to plan, Jason expects to release his first solo EP by the end of the year.

On weekends, Jason, performs as a solo acoustic artist at the River City Grill in Punta Gorda. So far, he is happy with the way his life has shaped but the 27-year old is shrewd enough to know the road to rock stardom is personally taxing and full of surprises.

Up and Coming
The band members continue to evolve in their musicianship and onstage presence. The combined performance of each musician forges the intensity that the audience has grown to expect.

Clearly, the band continues to sustain a strong musical prowess while snowballing in popularity. It will be interesting to watch as they take their music to a higher level. Bottom line is Shades of Gray is a powerhouse of talent priming for success.