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Whale of a band
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During First Night Canfield on Dec. 31, Northern Whale was on its game during a live performance that was preparation for the rock-off in Cleveland on Jan. 29. The band, Brandon Fisher (left), Tyler Shaffer, Jake Capezzuto, and Jake Stevens (right), played a strong show that night.
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At First Night Canfield, bassist Jake Stevens showed off his new bleached hair. Although the band said they are not planning crazy antics for their show in Cleveland, Stevens offered that he would bleach out his hair to prepare in his own way.
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Joey Capezzuto, little brother of Northern Whale's lead singer Jake Cappezzuto, is the band's unofficial roadie. He uses his sweatshirt with the band's logo to spread the word about the band.
By SARAH FOOR
What started as a few friends trading guitar riffs in middle school has blossomed into a band who is now recording its own music, playing its own gigs, and heading to the High School Rock Off at the Cleveland House of Blues on Jan. 29.
“This year has definitely been our big break,” said Northern Whale bassist Jake Stevens. “We’ve always had the Rock Off as some far away goal, but we’re here now. It feels totally rewarding.”
Northern Whale, an alternative rock group, consists of Fitch students Stevens, lead guitarist Brandon Fisher, singer/guitarist Jake Cappezzuto, and drummer Tyler Shaffer. The band has been working with Imperfekt Music in Austintown for six months, focusing on sharpening its sound in preparation for the Rock Off.
“They’re a great group to work with,” producer Bob Beals said of the band. “They know what they want to sound like, and they’re not afraid to voice their opinions even though they’re young. They know when to have fun, but also when to buckle down and get to work. I can see them going far.”
The High School Rock Off semifinals will start Jan. 29, and if the band advances, it could possibly play in the Feb. 12 finals. The winner of the Rock Off will receive a prize package that includes money for new supplies, studio time, and the chance to open for a national touring band.
Fisher says they’re preparing for the Rock Off with “Practice, practice, practice.”
The band isn’t planning any wild stunts for the Cleveland show, but Stevens has his own idea on how to prepare.
“A few days before, I’m going to dye my hair white,” he said.
Beyond the Rock Off, the boys are focused on the road ahead.
“In everything we do, we’re just hoping to honor the music we make,” said Shaffer. “But the name, Northern Whale – there’s really no mystery there. We just think it sounded cool.”