BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer
Shosta includes East Brunswick High School students (l-r) Kevin Da’Cunha, Chris Gregory, Nick Santoro and Paul Gaudio. EAST BRUNSWICK – Anyone getting tired of the singing contest that is “American Idol” need not look far to see a full musical competition.
Four East Brunswick High School students are among those fighting for a shot at stardom at what’s being billed as the “Global Battle of Bands.” The boys make up the band Shosta, and begin their battle Sept. 10 at the Deep End club in Asbury Park.
At stake is the chance to go on tour and have a record company put out money for a recording, according to Chris Gregory, the band’s drummer.
It’s his goal to be a professional musician.
“Every musician’s dream is to hit one big and get there,” he said of earning a contract.
But first the band will have to dispense with some competition and overcome some long odds. Shosta will face at least seven other bands during the qualifying round Sept. 10, Chris said. If Shosta finishes in the top three, the band will compete in the regionals. Winners from there go to the nationals, where an ultimate champion is selected.
Paul Gaudio, guitarist and singer for Shosta, said the band hopes to at least come out in the top three during the qualifying round.
“We’re not expecting to win it all, because there are some professionals there,” he said.
Chris said Shosta will be the youngest band performing at the Asbury event.
Beating long odds won’t be anything new for the band, which already has overcome one of the toughest hurdles a band can face – staying together.
Shosta has been together two years, which he said is longer than any other band at the large high school.
“We’ve been together since eighth grade, and I’ve known Paul since first grade,” Chris said.
Shosta also features Nick Santoro on guitar and vocals, and Kevin Da’Cunha on bass.
The members, all 16 years old, have known one another since they were little kids, Chris said.
The name Shosta came from Santoro, who just blurted it our during a brainstorming session, Chris said. The boys realized the name was close to the name of a soft drink, Shasta, but kept it because it was short.
Chris said the band was formed while its members were in eighth grade.
Paul described the music as “pop-punk” and cited Blink 182 and Rufio as influences. Chris said other influences include the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and older acts such as Chicago, Boston and Foreigner.
The band plays a mix of originals and covers, and expects to perform two originals, “What We Do” and “Black and White,” at the Asbury show.
Chris said he writes most of the lyrics, though Paul contributes as well. All of the members write the music.
Chris said the band, which already has done some recording, practices at his house, which means that his mom, Carolyn, has been a big supporter.
Carolyn said she has also been bringing her son to drum lessons since he was in eighth grade. The family has lived in East Brunswick for 18 years.
Shosta already has some performing pedigree, having played shows at the high school and benefit concerts, Chris said.
Paul, who said he’s played guitar for five years, is “not at all nervous” about the upcoming big show.
“I don’t usually get nervous,” he said.