Apia

Apia’s conceptual platform, an analogy about collective creativity that symbolizes honeybees, reflects their uniqueness, reading at one point on their web site, “Music is arguably the greatest cultural transmitter known to man.” Drummer Josh Reece, guitarist Adlar Roberson, and bassist Joshua Chandler have worked together to forge a sound that mixes blues, rock, and jazz influences, creating a diverse group that defies most attempts at categorization.

The band attributes its uniqueness to a lasting division during their formative years. Though they are longtime friends, the members of Apia did not collaborate until their band’s formation. While they cannot account for their prior separation, they are grateful for it. “We were sealed from each other until very recently, allowing us a lot of time to explore before this project,” said Chandler. “When we did come together, we all brought different influences. I was studying jazz at the time, Rhett was looking into pop rock, and Josh was following jam ideas.” The band lists diverse influences, from Miles Davis to Days of the New.

They are currently recording their first studio album. Additional information about the band, including live dates and music, can be found at their web site: http://www.myspace.com/apiaband.

Band Members:
Adlar Rhett Duran Roberson - Guitars, Vocals - Inflences: "Everything has a strong influence of John Mayer. I was floored by something in every album. Whether it is songwriting or musicianship he is always on point. Other influences come from all over. Stevie Ray Vaughan, Victor Wooten, Robert Cray, Warren Haynes, etc... The biggest influences on me musically are the musicians that I have grown up under, the "locals". As of late both of the guys in the band have been major influences and inspirations for me. The musical freedom in APIA allows us each to stretch one another so we can move forward as a whole, and that to me is the most rewarding thing of all..."

Joshua "Raven" Chandler - Bass Guitar - Influences: "I feel like my bass playing is influenced most by Justin Chancellor and Paul D'Amour. Chancellor's more melodic, conceptual approach to the bass, and D'Amour's bass-meets-rhythm guitar ideas really impressed me at both initial and continued listening and I strive to learn from each of their unique examples. Similarly, I find myself drawn to forward-thinking players such as Marcus Miller and Geddy Lee. When it comes to writing and overall expression, I would like to say that I draw the most out of some of my favorite artists, such as Tool, Miles Davis, Tori Amos, Days of the New, Rush, and Tricky, among many others. In writing song lyrics, I think more like a poet, not a songwriter, and so my influences here often come from literature. But I would be a fool to deny the influence that certain lyricists, such as Maynard James Keenan and Tori Amos, have had over me."

Josh Reece - Percussion - Influences: "The first to come to mind is Carter Beauford. Although Apia tries to steer clear of any attachments to DMB, his ideas and nearly unmatched versatility have inspired me greatly as a musician and are continually aiding in my understanding of percussion instruments. Other influences come from many different breeds of drummers: Dave Weckl, Steve Gadd, Tony Williams, Danny Carey, Neil Peart, Chad Sexton, as well as each of the teachers that have pointed me in different musical directions over the years: Paul, Lorraine, Dave and Bart."

Some of Apia's collective and individual influences may not seem obvious on first or second listens. We like it this way. But when someone says without any prompting that they can hear a certain sound in our music, when they seem to have really penetrated our vision without any help, that is one of the ultimate feelings of pleasure and success. To be heard, to be understood.

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