By D. Beall

Lo-Watt Radio

Lo-Watt Radio

Buzzbin reviewed the polished twang of Akron’s own Lo-Watt Radio last year and we liked what we heard.  Influenced by Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young and others, Lo-Watt Radio brings a roots-rock sincerity to every song they write and every show they play, making them a band to watch for in the coming months.  These quintessentially American boys will be headlining the ArtisAlive Festival in Canton on April 10th.

Buzzbin talked to Lo-Watt Radio’s Ron Cerosky recently about the history of the band and their plans for the future.

“Michael Harven, the main singer and songwriter, started a project 4 years ago with Joel (Geiser)  drumming, but that didn’t really last,” Cerosky says.  “About one and a half years ago, Low-Watt Radio started as a sort of side project with Michael, me, and Joel.  We had our first show about a year ago on April 10th.”

It became apparent that things weren’t quite right.  As Cerosky explains, “We needed something more for the sound, to even out the band.  Something was missing.”  The answer came from Massillon, in the form of Doc Blankenhorn, a jack-of-all-trades with a startling gift for doing whatever, whenever.  “He smoked the try out” Cerosky says, “He pretty much told us ‘I can play anything except brass’.”  This is true.  Lo-Watt’s myspace page lists Blankenhorn (who, by the way, has the coolest name in showbiz) as playing banjo, mandolin, fiddle, something called a dobro, lap steel, and contributing backing vocals.

The band played out around Ohio and finally decided to do what smart bands do.  “We recorded an album just to have something out there- it was done real quick.”  That’s definitely not a statement on the inherent quality of the album.  The album is called “Crushing Plant”, an EP released last August that stands out as distinctly American music- footstompin’, headnoddin’ and definitely  summerbranded goodtime sh*t that’s as country folk Ohio as it gets.  Garnering positive reviews from all corners, it’s a strong start for a band that’s only a year and a half old.

Hardworking fellas, Lo-Watt Radio’s plans for the future are anything but ambiguous.  Cerosky says, “The new album is currently being recorded at Magic Child Studios in Akron, it should be done soon – we’re looking at around August this year.”

The ArtisAlive Festival is a two day art fair with live music, showcasing plenty of cool art including jewelry, ceramics, clothes, and photography.  The ArtisAlive show will be the one year anniversary of Lo-Watt Radio’s first show.  Other bands making the scene will be Scott Paris and the Shipwrecks, Passport 7 and more.  Head down and be sure to check out Lo-Watt Radio.

The ArtisAlive Festival takes place April 9th and 10th at The Cultural Center for the Arts in Canton, Ohio. 1001 Market Avenue North. 44702

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