asiago

Biography Asiago was formed in early 2005, by bassist Jen Esquivel in the Central California town of Dos Palos. Her original purpose for forming the band was to put use to some of the local talent by getting together with some close friends a couple of times a week to write music and have a good time. Jen picked up vocalist Shely Jelen, a staple singer in the small community who had already competed and done very well in many solo singing competitions. She recruited Lee Shaeffer to play...

Biography Asiago was formed in early 2005, by bassist Jen Esquivel in the Central California town of Dos Palos. Her original purpose for forming the band was to put use to some of the local talent by getting together with some close friends a couple of times a week to write music and have a good time. Jen picked up vocalist Shely Jelen, a staple singer in the small community who had already competed and done very well in many solo singing competitions. She recruited Lee Shaeffer to play guitar and Patrick Laird to play the drums. Lee and Patrick had been highly involved in the California music scene for many years. Since it's conception Asiago has skyrocketed far beyond Jen's original expectations. The four members clicked as a songwriting team. The more songs they added to their set, the more they realized that they have a very genuine sound and needed to pursue their musical career as far as possible. Asiago has essentially become their whole life. Being located in the middle of California gives the band many opportunities to travel out and play shows all around the state, consistently expanding their fan base. In 2006 they did very well in the Emergenza International Showcase Competition in San Francisco, and in 2007 they recorded a six song EP in Oakland, Ca, that has received a lot of positive recognition. In 2008 the band picked up a new member, guitarist Nathan Vega, another hometown friend. They came up with some new material and recorded a 4 song EP in San Rafael, Ca with producer Scott Llamas of Popsmear Records. The song "Word for Word" received a lot of radio play on local stations, and was put into regular rotation for the Summer of 2008 on 92.5 "The Bear Rocks" in Merced, Ca. Asiago then went on to compete and win many band battles and competitions in their area. In August of 2008 Asiago won the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands, which gave them a featured slot on the Vans Warped Tour at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, Ca, where they had an outstanding audience response, significantly increasing their local fan base. Playing at the Warped Tour also gave them a good opportunity to meet and talk to signed bands in the industry. In April 09' Asiago returned to Popsmear Studios to record their newest EP. Since their last recording session, the band has enhanced their sound significantly with the addition of prominent backup vocals from both guitar players. The contrast of male/female vocals really sets them apart from a lot of other female fronted bands. With this new 4 song EP full of their most recent material, Asiago feels they now have an appropriate representation for the style and sound that they had always set out to achieve. (All 4 new songs are available to download for free here on Sonic Bids) The band now hopes to delve further into the music industry, with aspirations of meeting the right people who can assist them in releasing a full length album with nation wide distribution. Asiago is very interested in hooking up with signed bands as a supporting act for a national tour.