Young band hopes to make a future worth listening to

SPARTA — Young aspiring artists Joe Parella, Mike Linardi, Jon Rodney, and Steve Viegas hope to soon be on their way to fame and fortune. The four Sparta High School students all share a love of music, which has bonded them so closely that they decided to assemble a band. The band, which was recently re-named Something About January was created in 2008 and has taken off since. The boys’ love for music is not something new; they all started playing at a very young age. “When I was eight I got my first snare drum. Up until then I would play on pots and pans, any thing to keep the music coming.” Said drummer Mike Linardi. The band’s rocking style appeals, not only to their own age group, but an older, more mature crowd as well. The boys don’t see their music careers ending anytime soon, Joe Parella and Mike Linardi plan on going to college to pursue the music industry. “We play at any party we are offered, Kroghs Restaurant lets us play certain Tuesdays every month and we try to play at any little coffee shop we can.” Said lead guitarist and vocalist, Joe Parella. “Battle of the Bands is what my band and I try to win every year.” Something About January is now recording its first original called “Broken Patterns.” The band plans to record an entire album by the end of this summer, and sell the them at their shows once they are finished. The album is to be called “The Other Side of Tomorrow.” The band said their inspiration comes from Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, AC/DC, Angus Young, Stevie Ray Vaughn, John Mayer, Pink Floyd, The Who and others. With an album on the way, the band makes sure to practice every weekend and book as many gigs as possible. The crowd size doesn’t matter; just that the music is enjoyable to their fans. “This is a really fun project for me, I’d love to see it go somewhere. I’d like to last throughout high school, and depending on the circumstances, maybe even after.” Said Mike Linardi. Joe Parella believes that music is what helps people keep a straight mind. “Music is what brought us together and our take on music is that it can bring the largest amount of people together and that is what is so beautiful about it. Music is what brings me back to earth after a bad day.” The band’s upcoming shows include Sparta High Schools talent show on April 30, and the Sparta Township Talent Show held on May 6. You can also catch Joe Parella playing at Kroghs April 26, and May 21. The band enjoys playing at parties and can be reached at 862-219-8703.