Dan Nelligan is his name and STEMM is the outrageously incredible band that he is a part of – and Dan can not only be listed with the above drummers, but he will end up knocking each and every one of them aside. Every week, I`ve been giving you news after news about STEMM. From their soon-to-be-launched CD,Crossroads (which is guaranteed to knock you flat because it is THAT good); to the news that STEMM can now be voted for inThe 2012 Rockstar Uproar Festival at:
http://battle.rockstaruproar.com/u/_STEMM
This trio of immaculate rock-and-roll talent have proven time and time again that they are the `best of the best.` In this ridiculous world that has singers who you don`t even want to look at, let alone hear their screeching voices come through a microphone, STEMM is a band that you wish for that you pray to the `rock gods` for. STEMM is the very real and true rock item that writes lyrics and music and offers performances that are so energy-filled and freakin` fantastic, that STEMM ends up to be the only band you ever want to hear again.
Dan Nelligan is just like the other two STEMM band members in the fact that they all care about their fans. STEMMcares about the music they write, and they put their entire hearts, minds, and souls into each and every word, note, and performance. STEMM is open, and they leave it all on the stage for their fans to salivate over.
Think about it. There are many CD`s you might play in all different genres that you bop your head or move your feet to, but after the CD comes to a close and the music is shut off, the rest of your workday or life goes by unassumingly – boring, if you wish to say it that way. When you put a STEMM CD in, however, that music, that feeling of complete and utter righteous invincibility stays with you the whole day. And one of the main reasons is because of Dan Nelligan`s talent. With his perfect drum beats resonating in your mind, you feel as if you`re no longer walkingthrough life, you are marching through it! The courage, energy – the love of life that you were missing before is suddenly put into every movement you make, because STEMM does not recede or evaporate from your mind when the music stops. STEMM does not go gently into that goodnight.` They stay! And, oddly enough, your life automatically changes for the better.
This writer (and I`m glad you don`t have my home address, because I know someone would come slap me around out of jealousy alone) received in the mail this weekend a package from STEMM. Not only were there very cool items which have become part of my wardrobe, but the CD`s that I got in my hands “WOW! Monstrous, ferocious, beautiful, stunning I know, the English language doesn`t contain the right word. So I`m going to go with everlasting.
And, again, I will share. (See that? I`m not all that bad.) I won`t give you my CD`s because YOU need to go purchase them right this second! But I will be kind enough to silence myself and introduce you to the most amazing drummer (not to mention, very cool and very funny individual) - Dan Nelligan!
Can you tell us a little about your beginning – when it came upon you, personally, that being part of a band – being an artist – was the direction you wanted your life to go in?
Well, honestly, it all started from the minute I saw Animal from The Muppet Show True story, LOL! I mixed that with wanting to make people feel good about something I helped write that, Master of Puppets or, Reign in Blood, did for me. The challenge of always bettering myself, as well as the musicians I work with, is also a big component.
Did you begin playing the drums at an early age?
Yes, I did. I believe I was around seven or eight years old when I was given a bass drum, snare drum, and two cymbals….no stands, no bass drum pedal LOL. So, I turned the bass drum on its side and used it as a tom. I placed the cymbals on chairs to my left and right, and when the head on the snare broke, I duct-taped a book to the top so I could still play it. J
When did you join STEMM? Can you offer readers a little bit of past history – who you performed with before?
I joined STEMM in 2003, but my time playing in bands spans back to 1990. Everything from `rapcore` to a `dream theater` type rock band, to the beginning with `death metal,` and before that AC/DC covers.
My regrets go out to you because of the departure of Steve Crowl. I know that STEMM is much more than just a band it`s a family. How will you deal with this loss? Will you be searching for a new bassist for the tour?
Losing Steve was a huge blow for me. He and I had played in bands together since 1999. Anytime I stepped on stage he was right behind me. Being on stage without him has been an adjustment, but his reasons for not being able to continue with us are understood and respected. We`ve been working with long time friend, Mario Nobilio, as a replacement, and Mario`s a great bass player and an awesome guy to boot. One thing many of our friends know is that, STEMM will not be stopped for a long period of time.
Your next CD, Crossroads, will be coming out in September. Seeing as that STEMM has evolved with the times, Can you give fans a little background on this CD and how it all came together?
The writing process with Crossroads was definitely different from our previous two records. With the first two, we had the songs completed before we tracked them; they changed here and there through the production, but the `meat` was there. With Crossroads I think we had four or five `complete` songs done, the rest we wrote and tracked in the studio. And, honestly, I like the way those came out the most.
Is there a Crossroads tour in the future?
Absolutely! We`re `chomping at the bit` to get back out and see our friends!
Is live performing still the number one benefit of being in a band?
I would say, yes, for sure. There`s nothing like the connection we make with people from the stage. The energy, the vibe….it`s always a great feeling. Whether five people or 5000, it`s all the same to us. Making new friends from city to city, building existing friendships and making them stronger……LIVE is where it`s at!
Do you have any personal idols?
In life my Grandma, great aunt and great uncle. They raised me from one-year-old. They`ve all since passed on, but they`re still, and always will be, in my heart.
As for music The Oak Ridge Boys would be my idols. Here, you have four of the most down to earth, genuine guys you could ever meet. They`ve toured the world, sold millions of records, and have done so for thirty plus years. I`d been a fan of theirs since 1981. One day, I reached out to Joe Bonsall via YouTube - just telling him a little about me and my three angels – and the next day he responded.
Fast forward to this past February I found out they were going to be playing an hour from my home; I`d never seen them `live` and wasn`t going to miss them this time. I reached out to them via Twitter, just saying how happy I was to finally be able to see them, and the next morning Joe (Bonsall) had messaged me saying that I had two tickets and VIP waiting for me! The message went on to say that I could come to the bus before the show. Next thing I knew, I was standing on their bus in front of my four idols. Bands these days should take tips from the `Oaks` for sure. Some of the clowns these days get ONE record or tour under their belts and they`re untouchable. To that and those cats, I say….what the f**k ever! Respect those who helped get you your status – THE FANS!
Readers and fans like to know this one
As an artist, what do you think of shows such as American Idol to launch a career?
Is there any place better to perform than a stage in front of millions of viewers each week worldwide? I personally don`t really watch those shows, but some of the talent those kids have is ridiculous. Even the ones who don`t `make it` still go on to do great things with their music careers.
What is your favorite time period or era when it comes to rock, and the music of the past?
Hands down, 1984 to 1994! Hair bands - the rise of death metal when the word original still meant something! Yes, that period is, and will always be, my favorite.
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I end with the questions that readers and fans seem to absolutely love!
Other than STEMM, what career would you like to try?
Anything related to music. Producing, recording, I love every aspect. If I couldn`t do music “maybe a mortician. Dead people don`t talk back. LOL.
What career would you NEVER like to try?
A mortician. Dead people give me the `heebie- jeebies`
What is your favorite word?
Hmm maybe success!
What is your least favorite word?
Definitely, failure. That is not acceptable.
What is your favorite curse word? (This is everyone`s favorite J)
The good, old-fashioned – F**K!
And, finally, If Heaven truly exists, what would you like God to say when you enter the Pearly Gates?
You are SOOOO lucky I`m in a good mood right now!
Is there anything better to end on, people? Dan Nelligan has a humor that rivals his drumming, and it is absolutely fantastic to spend time with someone of his character! I`ve said this before, and I have to say it again, the band members of STEMM are not only gathering fans because of their music, but they are also causing more than a few “crushes` out there in America – I`m just one J.
STEMM`s music steals your heart, seduces your mind, and reawakens your soul!
Until Next Time, Everybody!
DO NOT Forget to Vote Once A Day!
http://battle.rockstaruproar.com/u/_STEMM_
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AND, MORE GIFTS!!!
STEMM now has four new songs streaming on this music player available to the public:
http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/3387028
Listen and Rejoice to STEMM`s: Salvation, Fleur de Lis`, Dead Inside, and Left Behind!
ALSO!!
STEMM provides a YouTube video release for each song, with lyrics included,HERE!
