Dear Friends and Fans,

We are writing this long overdue blog today to inform you of  some major changes that have occurred within Stereoreel over the last few months. Our good friend, Dustin Martin, has decided to relinquish his role as drummer in the band in order to better provide for and  focus on his family (but not with Dr. James Dobson). Dustin was the first to begin playing with Caleb, and he has been integral in helping to conceptually and musically develop Stereoreel over the past several years from a drum and keys duo to the 4 man band that exists now.

He has devoted untold hours to the creation of our initial website; designed and built entire drum sets, helped reinvent the piano case, and crafted together finely made monitor stands. He has labored intensively on working out song structures, recorded drum tracks for fun and recreation, and found time to discuss the merits of fine Sy-Fy shows like Stargate SG-1, while maintaining a serious desire to lead people in worship. A solid drummer and a great friend, a lover of Steelers football and Chipotle burritos, his decision to bow out comes with absolutely no strife or enmity between us, and we wish him the very best for him and his wife as they continue to follow God’s leading in their lives. And if they ever invite you over for a chicken dinner, do not hesitate to answer yes. If you have any words of encouragement for Dustin, please post them below.

Along with that change comes a few other swaps in the Stereoreel band lineup. Ethan has now discarded his Fender Jazz Bass and taken over drumming duties. Drums are his first love and passion, and he has been working diligently on utilizing some new gadgets behind the kick drum to go along with his finely honed skillz.

For many months after that move, there was a remaining vacuum of low end in the band that had been occasionally filled by friends as we needed, but never fully plugged. We’re excited to inform you of our new friend and bassist, NathanVencil. Nate is a solid bassist with a background steeped in the rumbly instrument, and he graciously agreed to play with us throughout our upcoming Teen Week gig. So far, we’ve had a blast getting to know him while playing as a group. We already appreciate his uncanny ability to pick out every single disgusting truffle in the chocolate box. All of us are looking forward to the impending barrage of Teen Week performances at Independent Bible Church in Martinsburg, WV.

The Teen Week Kickoff starts this Sunday morning at 10:45 AM, June 13th at IBC. Then, from Monday, June 14th – Friday, June 18th, Teen Week will be starting at 7:00 PM. Stereoreel will play a new worship set every night during the week, culminating in one BIG concert on Friday night. We hope to see you and all of your teenagers there! IT’S FREE! And we have new t-shirts. Those are not free. Bring money and cameras.

In regards to 52 Weeks, we have taken a hiatus since Easter in order to learn the new songs we wrote, and to work them up for live concerts. Why? Because it would be really stupid to write 52 songs that people liked, but never play them live for anyone to hear. So, in the spirit of the advice given by the great Dr. Leo Marvin, “Baby steps write 52 songs. Baby steps write 52 songs.” We hope to reengage 52 weeks as soon as we untie our emotional and musical knots, but before we explode.

Think you for your support and understanding!
♥,
Seth, Caleb, Ethan, and Nate