NJ ARTS INterview Feb 2015

STRATOSPHEERIUS LEADER SAYS IT’S A GOOD TIME TO BE A PROG ROCK MUSICIAN 

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Roxy and Dukes in Dunellen usually presents pretty earthy, straightforward music — blues and country and rockabilly and hard-rock — as well as the occasional burlesque show. But it also hosts the NJ Proghouse series, devoted to the more sonically adventurous sounds of progressive rock. The next show in the series takes place Saturday, and features The Levin Brothers (led by bassist Tony Levin of King Crimson, and his piano-playing brother Pete) and the New Jersey quartet, Stratospheerius.

“(NJ Proghouse founder) Jim Robertson has been carrying the torch of progressive rock music for many years, with NEARfest and all the other stuff he’s been doing,” says Stratospheerius’ frontman, singer-violinist Joe Deninzon of Dumont. “We’re honored to be a part of it.”

Stratospheerius was originally formed in 2001, and has released four albums since then. It improvises like a jam band in concert, and its latest single, “Guilty of Innocence,” is as catchy as is is forward-looking, with echoes of The Police and Talking Heads.

In the current lineup, Deninzon is joined by guitarist Aurelien Budynek, bassist Jamie Bishop and drummer Lucianna Padmore. The band’s name, by the way, is a play on Stradivarius, the name for the highly regarded violins and other string instruments made by Antonio Stradivari and other members of his family in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Deninzon was once playing in an orchestra at a Smokey Robinson concert, he said, and another violinist had a high solo, and said, “That’s up in the stratosphere. I should have brought my Stratospheerius.”

“I just took that word and ran with it,” says Deninzon, “because our music is up in the stratosphere. It’s very trippy and spacey, and the violin is doing crazy things.”

Deninzon is also doing a lot of writing these days, having been commissioned to compose a piece for violinist Rachel Barton Pine, and having premiered an electric violin concerto with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra in Indiana in September.

He also is doing some prog rock organizing, putting together a traveling festival, Sonic Voyages, that hits New England in May and may come to New Jersey at some later point.

He believes this is a good time, in general, for progressive rock.

“I see a lot of mainstream acts incorporating elements of prog music, even though they’re not known as prog acts. The last few Coldplay albums, there was some really interesting stuff going on with arrangements and time signatures and production. Muse is a band that really blew up, especially in Europe, and became a mainstream act that had hits, but they’re really, technically, a progressive rock band in a lot of ways.

“More and more bands are hitting the mainstream and reviving an interest in prog-rock, especially among younger generations, and as a result you’re seeing groups like Thank You Scientist and Tea Club coming up that are really doing some cool, innovative stuff; they’re rooted in the history of progressive-rock music, but taking it somewhere else.”

STRATOSPHEERIUS NEWS MARCH/APRIL 2015

STRATOSPHEERIUS NEWS MARCH/APRIL 2015

www.joedeninzon.com

joe5
Howdy,
Happy Spring! Some great shows and events coming up.
Stratospheerius just tracked two new songs in the studio. One is called “Parallel Reality,” which is my composition, and the other, “Affluenza,” is our drummer Lucy’s first writing contribution to the band! Hope to have ’em ready by the summer, but our long-term plan is to be perpetually writing and recording and coming out with new music, and we will be releasing a new single every three months or so, so stay tuned…
Here’s what’s next…

Upcoming Stratospheerius shows

IMG_0069
Saturday, March 21st, 8 P.M.
We are honored to open for the Levin Brothers band, featuring Tony Levin , legendary bassist/stick player for King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, John Lennon!
NJ Proghouse Concert Series
Roxy & Duke’s
Sunday, April 12th
8 P.M.
Pianos, NY
158 Ludlow St.
New York, NY
10002
212-505-3733
Stratospheerius is:
Joe Deninzon-lead vocals/electric violin/mandolin
Aurelien Budynek-guitar
Lucianna Padmore-drums
Jamie Bishop-bass

Sweet Plantain will also be doing a two-day residency for Pre-Concert Performance series at the 

NEW STRATOSPHEERIUS SINGLE, “GUILTY OF INNOCENCE,” AVAILABLE NOW

GOI cover

Ladies and Gentlemen,
The new single by Stratospheerius, “Guilty of Innocence,” is now officially available for streaming and downloads. Going for a retro new wave Police/Talking Heads sort of vibe on this one, with mad electric fiddle spray painted all over the track.
Inspired by a recent stint in jury duty. A commentary on how we are all just trying to save ourselves and refuse to take responsibility for our actions, and look the other way when injustice is being committed.
The cover features the debut artwork of my 6-year old son, Max Deninzon.
Stream or download for $1. Enjoy!
Written by Joe Deninzon
Performed by Joe Deninzon and Stratospheerius
Joe Deninzon-lead vocals, electric violin
Aurelien Budynek-guitar, background vocals
Jamie Bishop-bass/background vocals
Lucianna Padmore-drums
Benny Koonyevsky-percussion
Engineered by Rave Tesar. Studio X Ridgewood, NJ
Mixed by Nic Hard
Mastered by Rave Tesar
Check out our other recently-released single,  “Behind the Curtain,”
behind_the_curtain cover

New Recordings

I am honored to appear on the new CD by the progressive band Tiles. This CD also features Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull, legendary jazz guitarist Mike Stern, and drummer Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater).

Education Station

Friday, March 20th, 9:30 A.M.
Joe Deninzon to give “3D Rock” Clinic at ASTA (American String Teacher’s Association) Conference in Salt Lake City.
www.astaweb.com
Special thanks to D’Addario for Sponsoring this clinic.

This class explores the concept of “Three- dimentional playing” in the context of a rock arrangement and how all three dimensions inform the musical choices one makes. Using recordings of well-known rock and pop songs, we simulate a scenario where you are asked to join that band and given a blank canvas on which to add your part. This class follows the thought process behind being more than just a player, but a “sonic architect.

REGISTER NOW FOR THE 6TH ANNUAL MARK WOOD ROCK ORCHESTRA CAMP!

JD MWROC 2013b
This summer, I will be once again returning to teach at the incredible Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp.
This is the ONLY CAMP IN THE WORLD centered around electric strings, but is also open to vocalists, guitarists, drummers, keyboardists, and bassists. I am honored and humbled to be among world-renowned faculty including Tracy Silverman, Daniel Bernard Romaine, Doctor David Wallace, and the trailblazing Mark Wood!
This year, the camp will also feature the rock cellists, Emil and Dariel from America’s Got Talent!
Register TODAY at www.mwroc.com

GIVE THE STRING PLAYER IN YOUR LIFE A PARADIGM SHIFT!

ORDER “JOE DENINZON’S BOOK/DVD/CD “PLUGGING IN” FROM MEL BAY PUBLICATIONS

plugging_in
Cheers!
-JD
STRATOSPHEERIUS NEWS MARCH/APRIL 2015

Stratospheerius February/March 2015 NEWS

STRATOSPHEERIUS FEBRARUY/MARCH 2015 NEWS

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Hello, There.
I hope you’re all staying warm this winter and toughing it out until the SUN blesses us once again
February and March are Jam-packed for me on all fronts. Stratospheerius is releasing a new single, playing some cool shows, and going into the studio once again to record new music.
Stratospheerius had two amazing shows in Binghamton, NY on Feb 6th and Erie, PA on Feb 7th. Thanks to all who came out! Thanks also to Jeff Khan from Cyber Cafe West, the Bingham Press & Sun Bulletin, Erie Times, Ryan Bartosek, Dave Richards, and the incredible musician, Eric Brewer, and his band who opened for us in Erie with a killing set!
NEW STRATOSPHEERIUS SINGLE, “GUILTY OF INNOCENCE,” AVAILABLE NOW
GOI cover

Ladies and Gentlemen,
The new single by Stratospheerius, “Guilty of Innocence,” is now officially available for streaming and downloads. Going for a retro new wave Police/Talking Heads sort of vibe on this one, with mad electric fiddle spray painted all over the track.
Inspired by a recent stint in jury duty. A commentary on how we are all just trying to save ourselves and refuse to take responsibility for our actions, and look the other way when injustice is being committed.
The cover features the debut artwork of my 6-year old son, Max Deninzon.
Stream or download for $1. Enjoy!

“Mad genius fiddles while Stratospheerius burned!”

Read the LATEST Review of “Guilty of Innocence.”

Written by Joe Deninzon
Performed by Joe Deninzon and Stratospheerius
Joe Deninzon-lead vocals, electric violin
Aurelien Budynek-guitar, background vocals
Jamie Bishop-bass/background vocals
Lucianna Padmore-drums
Benny Koonyevsky-percussion
Engineered by Rave Tesar. Studio X Ridgewood, NJ
Mixed by Nic Hard
Mastered by Rave Tesar

 Upcoming Stratospheerius shows

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Thursday, Feb 26th, 8 P.M.
COMPOSER’S NOW FESTIVAL
Joe Deninzon-Earl Maneein-Gadi Caplan
Joe Main Live.jpg
The Shrine
2271 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd (@34th st. NYC)
212-600-7807
8 P.M. Cadi Caplan-Incredible fusion guitarist from Israel
9 P.M. Electric violinist Earl Maneein 
 FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T BE THERE, THIS PERFORMANCE WILL BE STREAMED LIVE AT:
Stratospheerius is:
Joe Deninzon-electric violin/vocals.mandolin
Aurelien Budynek-guitars
Jamie Bishop-bass
Lucianna Padmore-drums
Saturday, March 21st, 8 P.M.
We are honored to open for the Levin Brothers band, featuring Tony Levin
legendary bassist/tick player for King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, John Lennon!
NJ Proghouse Concert Series
Roxy & Duke’s
745 Bound Brook Road
Dunellen, NJ 08812
Buy tickets HERE!

Education Station

Friday, March 20th, 9:30 A.M.
Joe Deninzon to give “3D Rock” Clinic at ASTA (American String Teacher’s Association) Conference in Salt Lake City.
Special thanks to D’Addario for Sponsoring this clinic.
Click HERE for more specific information about the clinic.

This class explores the concept of “Three- dimentional playing” in the context of a rock arrangement and how all three dimensions inform the musical choices one makes. Using recordings of well-known rock and pop songs, we simulate a scenario where you are asked to join that band and given a blank canvas on which to add your part. This class follows the thought process behind being more than just a player, but a “sonic architect.

REGISTER NOW FOR THE 6TH ANNUAL MARK WOOD ROCK ORCHESTRA CAMP!
Mark Wood
This summer, I will be once again returning to teach at the incredible Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp.
This is the ONLY CAMP IN THE WORLD centered around electric strings, but is also open to vocalists, guitarists, drummers, keyboardists, and bassists. I am honored and humbled to be among world-renowned faculty including Tracy Silverman, Daniel Bernard Romaine, Doctor David Wallace, and the trailblazing Mark Wood!
This year, the camp will also feature the rock cellists, Emil and Dariel from America’s Got Talent!
Register TODAY at www.mwroc.com
GIVE THE STRING PLAYER IN YOUR LIFE A PARADIGM SHIFT!
ORDER “JOE DENINZON’S BOOK/DVD/CD “PLUGGING IN” FROM MEL BAY PUBLICATIONS
plugging_in
Cheers!
-JD
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STRATOSPHEERIUS NEWS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

STRATOSPHEERIUS NEWS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

STRATOSPHEERIUS NEWS JAN/FEB 2015

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Dear friends,
Wishing everyone peace and good health in 2015

UPCOMING STRATOSPHEERIUS SHOWS

Friday, Feb 6th

8 P.M.
Cyber Cafe West
607-723-2456
Saturday, Feb 7th
9 P.M.
King’s Rook
1921 Peach St.
Erie, PA 16502
814-456-6439
With special guest, Eric Brewer Band
Thursday, Feb 26th
8 P.M.
Stratospheerius is hosting an evening which
is part of the
Featuring cutting edge contemporary composers based in the NY area.
Composers_Now_logo_web
2271 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd (@34th st. NYC)
212-600-7807
8 P.M. Cadi Caplan-Incredible fusion guitarist from Israel
9 P.M. Seven Suns-A new, groundbreaking Heavy Metal string quartet. The brainchild of  violinist Earl Maneein.
Joe Deninzon-electric violin/vocals.mandolin
Aurelien Budynek-guitars
Jamie Bishop-bass
Lucianna Padmore-drums

NEW STRATOSPHEERIUS SINGLE, “BEHIND THE CURTAIN”!

behind_the_curtain cover
The new Stratospheerius single, “Behind the Curtain,” is  available for streaming and downloading. You can stream it at Reverbnation and download it for a buck on CDBABY and BANDCAMP, and of course, iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere that mp3’s are in orbit. The track was written by me, and features myself on electric “Viper” violin and vocals, Lucianna Padmore on drums, @Aurelien Budynek on guitar, and @JamieBishop on bass, as well as our secret 5th member benny Koonyevsky on percussion. Engineered and mastered by the incomparable Rave Tesar, mixed by the incredulous Alex Salzman. produced by Stratospheerius.
Stream at REVERBNATION
Download at BANDCAMP
Download at CDBABY

STRATOSPHEERIUS SINGLE INCLUDED ON NEW ASIA COMPILATION FOR BONGO BOY RECORDS

 #Stratospheerius is honored to have our single,  “Behind the Curtain”, included on Bongo Boy Records international compilation.

GIVE THE STRING PLAYER IN YOUR LIFE A PARADIGM SHIFT!

ORDER “JOE DENINZON’S BOOK/DVD/CD “PLUGGING IN” FROM MEL BAY PUBLICATIONS

plugging_in 

REGISTER NOW FOR THE 6TH ANNUAL MARK WOOD ROCK ORCHESTRA CAMP!

Mark Wood
This summer, Joe Deninzon will be once again returning to teach at the incredible Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp.
This is the ONLY CAMP IN THE WORLD centered around electric strings, but is also open to vocalists, guitarists, drummers, keyboardists, and bassists. I am honored and humbled to be among world-renowned faculty including Rachel Barton Pine, Tracy Silverman, Daniel Bernard Romaine, Doctor David Wallace, and the trailblazing Mark Wood!
This year, the camp will also feature the rock cellists, Emil and Dariel from America’s Got Talent!
Register TODAY at www.mwroc.com

Videos

Stratospheerius video for “One Foot in the Next World”
Joe Deninzon performing Van Halen’s “Eruption” and Stratospheerius “New Material”
Joe Deninzon and Stratospheerius performing “Shock Therapy” for the Mel Bay DVD, “Plugging In.”