Terra Stigma

Terra Stigma was started by long time friends and songwriters Justin Aaron (vocals, guitar, lyricist, piano) and Shawn Stuart (Bass, composition). Justin is a naturally talented and gifted song writer with an incredible voice that speaks to the soul. With his beautiful melodic style and powerful range, fans have described his vocal style as “haunting” and have proclaimed he is “born to sing”. Shawn is an innovative bass player who plays a vital role in the writing and collaboration of the ban...

Terra Stigma was started by long time friends and songwriters Justin Aaron (vocals, guitar, lyricist, piano) and Shawn Stuart (Bass, composition). Justin is a naturally talented and gifted song writer with an incredible voice that speaks to the soul. With his beautiful melodic style and powerful range, fans have described his vocal style as “haunting” and have proclaimed he is “born to sing”. Shawn is an innovative bass player who plays a vital role in the writing and collaboration of the band’s music. His raw talent and determination is a valuable influence of the creation of Terra Stigma. Terra Stigma (formally known as RYZE) had several member changes during their 3 years playing the NYC and Long Island club scene. With over 200 live performances under their belt, Ryze was known as “a hard working band determined to have their music heard” according to an article in Good Times Magazine. Fronted by distinctive vocals described as “a mix of grit and passion, with heartfelt soulful melody” the band had a certain quality that stood out. It did not take long before they attracted an impressive local following plus the attention of labels and management. At the time Ryze’s music was noticeably influenced by grunge, classic rock, and 80’s metal. Their sound was a blend of heavy riff hard rock and classic melody with pronounced and unpredictable time signatures. In time, this allowed their songs to become unique to one another as the band evolved. Ryze were finalists in the Long Island Music Festival and had eliminated several talented acts to receive the honors. In the months that followed, guitarist Tim Dahle was recruited from Baltimore based punk band Chaotix. Tim was the main writer and sole guitar player of his band at the time. His original writing, playing style and sound was highly sought after by the founding members of Ryze Tim was intrigued enough and within 2 weeks, left his life and hometown behind to pursue his dreams in New York. At the same time, one of Ryze’s close friends and favorite local drummers Frank Amico was asked to bring his diverse background of percussion to complete the project. With roots stemming from blues to metal, Frank had already created his own brand of hard rock and jam band style drumming. His professional work ethic and ear for sound have been major components in sustaining the group’s progression. . They were amazed at the new sound they were discovering together, which would inevitably define them. They soon headed into the studio to record 4 new tracks. After showcasing at NYC hot spots including CBGB’s, The Elbow Room and Arlene’s Grocery, the band signed a management deal . Terra Stigma completed their first self titled EP with producer Marc Jordan(Velvet Revolver,The Cult, Static Lullaby) Their song Vital received radio airplay on NY Rock radio stations 92.3 KROQ, 92.7 WLIR and 102.7 WBAB. Terra Stigma also played the sold out Vanderbilt in Plainview, NY opening for signed recording artist’s Phantom Planet. They later went on to headline events with opening acts such as Reach 454 and Interscope’s Rev Theory in jam packed venues, and in front of large crowds. About a year later, a management deal and investing large sums of their own money, and “waiting for something to happen”, it was clear Terra Stigma was “being put on the back burner” by the companies representing them.. This unfortunately led them to lose a bit of passion and drive. . 3 more years would pass before Terra Stigma would reunite. After a year of practice, Shawn, Tim and Frank convinced Justin to return home from L.A. and pick up where they had left off. Having always known they had the talent and after a five year break, the members had rediscovered themselves, personally and musically. This led to a name change, a new conceptual direction and a rebirth of their music. In less than a year, Terra Stigma had recorded a 5 song EP entitled “And Beyond” produced by Marc Jordan(Velvet Revolver,Slash, The Cult,) and Mastered by Tom Baker(Deftones, Stone Temple Pilots, Seether, NIN, Beastie Boys, 30 Seconds to Mars,Marlyn Manson,Disturbed,)They also released their first single “Leave My Body”. The song is available on Itunes and all proceeds are donated to Peaceful Minds. A wellness center for treating active combat veterans for PTSD. Guitarist and friend of the band Pete Shappaport has recently joined Terra Stigma as the fifth member. Pete is the former guitarist of Whiskey Life and has played in the Alice in Chains tribute band Rooster. With years of recording and live experience, it did not take long for Pete to see the band’s vision, learn the parts and add his own incredible creativity to enhance the Terra Stigma sound. After only 5 live performance, and 2 benefit concerts, the positive feedback has been flooding Terra Stigma’s Social Network Websites. With comments like “Wow, simply Wow!” and “Who are these guys and what are they doing here?” Terra Stigma is already gaining new fans from across the globe, with songs being featured on radio stations worldwide. They remain an “indie band with the option to sign” according to the members, who have coined the phrase “New Age Rock” as the genre of their music. Terra Stigma has once again found the passion and drive to live their dreams, with an edge and sound that is more polished than ever before, they are bound to leave an impression...