Local Band Network Member Since: September 30, 2008
Last Update: September 30, 2008
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Music types:
Metal, Ska
Description:
Brewed in the deep south culture of the Florida Keys in 2001, 20WT (“Twenty Weight”) moved to Jacksonville in 2003 for greater access to more venues and fans throughout the Southeast. The band combines elements of ska, roots reggae and groove metal to create a sound that could be the bastard child of Bob Marley, System of a Down and the Police. Rick Grant of Entertaining U described 20WT’s music as a “confirmation of my vision for the future of rock, with hot players intelligently combining the best of rock’s subcategories into exciting new sounds”. The members of 20WT continue to be happiest when they are working their hardest: booking venues throughout Florida, planning tours, collaborating on their music, recording, promoting their website (20WT.com), merchandising and looking for ways to expand. Self-sufficiency has always been their mantra. They own their own screenpress to print shirts, have their own studio for recording and do all of their own promoting. 20WT’s music is currently playing on indy stations in Florida, Germany and Canada, as well as the local hours on major stations in Florida. The album they are working on now at Vision Sound will be the first they haven’t tracked and mixed themselves. This latest album will be the follow up to Out My Window (2007 – available upon request). Aside from writing their next favorite song, 20WT’s focus is on their east coast tour slated for July. The members of 20WT love what they do, and it never feels like work when you’re doing what you love. “If you don’t have something you’re passionate about and run it down to the fullest, then fuck it – you’re just everybody else.”, Ryan Wilson. At the core of 20WT’s music and motivation are Ryan Wilson (guitar, vox), Jay Hooks (bass) and Dave Kelly (drums). Ryan and Jay met in the Florida Keys when they were 15, and have been writing and playing music together ever since. Ryan’s aggressive riffs and smooth vocals reflect the tone of his bold and sometimes biting lyrics. Jay’s pocket groove bass playing shakes glasses off the bar and his enthusiasm on stage connects the crowd with the band. In 2007 Ryan and Jay teamed up with Jacksonville native Dave Kelly on drums, who sets the pace with his driving rhythms and boundless energy. The combined styles and sounds of 20WT’s three members create an impressive experience. John Mahofski of 1340Mag wrote, “This is party music that makes the listener wish they could see this band live just to make sure all of this is really happening.” After touring this summer, 20WT will continue to promote and play in Florida, focusing on college towns and expanding their fan base. Like their influences, 20WT’s fan base is diverse – ranging from rural to urban, 8 years old to 60, music lover to party central. One young fan was recently suspended from school for holding a milk-chugging contest in the cafeteria after witnessing 20WT’s trademark beer-chugging contest at a show in Lake City. That hasn’t stopped her from attending 20WT’s shows when they are playing in town, but her dad does make sure she takes it easy on the chocolate milk.
Band Members:
Ryan Wilson - Guitar/Vocals J. Hooks - Vocals/Bass David Kelly - Drums
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