Matt Martin – 2019 Equinox Rocks!

Matt Martin

Matt started playing guitar at 8 years of age, after initially exploring his love for the accordion. Once Matt’s father saw how much accordions cost, he let Matt know that he was gonna play guitar! After toiling on guitar for 6 years, Matt was the third-best guitarist in a three-guitar band and was encouraged by his bandmates to take up the bass, which has been Matt’s primary instrument ever since. Matt played in several hard rock and hair metal bands throughout the late ’80s and early ’90s and then just quit playing altogether in 1993. It wasn’t until 21 years later when Matt got pulled up on stage to play a few songs with a good friend’s band that he rediscovered his passion for performance, and he has been playing regularly since. Matt lists his influences as Tom “T-Bone” Wolk, Carol Kaye, John Paul Jones, Abraham Laboriel, Marcus Miller, and Geddy Lee. Matt’s rig includes SoundGear basses, MarkBass amplification, Tech21 effects processors, and Audio-Technica Wireless systems.

Will Ater

Will started playing drums at the age of 8 years old when his mom, after seeing him use lincoln logs to bang on trash cans in rhythm, introduced him to his neighbor who was a drummer. He learned to play drums on his neighbor’s drum set built from plywood and rubber pads for drums. Will played drums all the way from elementary school through college at Purdue University where he was the Outstanding Symphonic Band percussionist, Snare Drummer for the Purdue “All-American” Marching Band and played drum set for the Purdue Basketball band. After taking off 25 years to focus on building a career and raising a family, only keeping his chops in good shape jamming to Rush & Styx at home, Will was very fortunate to be selected the drummer of a great classic rock cover band in San Diego playing gigs nearly every other weekend. This reminded Will how much he enjoys playing live music and bringing that joy to all who comes to see us play! Nothing like playing music live and seeing the audience love what you are doing and having them participate in all that music gives. Will’s influences are Neil Peart of Rush, Todd Sucherman of Styx (unbelievable drummer), Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters and added John Bonham of Led Zepplin after recently covering several Led Zepplin songs. Will’s drum kit is the Pearl Reference Series with Sabian and Zildjian cymbals (Some of which are nearly 40 years old!). He also has two collectible Slingerland kits at home.

Ken Michael

When Ken was 15, a family moved in up the street and they had a piano. Ken, basically sat down and started playing. Oddly enough, his playing hasn’t gotten any better since then. Fortunately for us, Ken was smart enough to surround himself with musicians who make him sound better. This, unfortunately, led him to believe that he could also play guitar, bass, drums, and sing. None of which is true.

Getting ever so close to the half-century mark, he still fools himself that he can play, and yes, he fools those listening as well. To disguise his lack of musical talent, Ken bought fancy looking instruments to play, like guitars from Ibanez, Carvin, and Charvel. He also owns a keyboard with pretty lights on it made by Roland. Much in the same way a magician uses smoke and mirrors, Ken uses these pretty instruments to create an audible form of magic, often enhanced to listeners with the consumption of many tasty alcoholic beverages.

Dave Miller

Dave’s first memory of music was listening to Elvis Presley at an age of 3 (1970). Dave’s mom was always listening to Elvis, and he would grab his sister’s baton (that acted as his mic stand and mic) and pretend to be Elvis on stage. He would also perform these shows in front of his grandparents, aunts, and uncles when they would come over. Throughout many years Dave had never sung in a band but has practiced and honed his skills for when the opportunity presented itself. Dave has always been a lover of music, whether it be local talent at Baxter’s, or Park Place back in the day- to Pacific Beach local talent in the late ’90s. Dave worked a side job as a bartender and VIP waiter at the amphitheater in Chula Vista for 5 years, basically to see and hear good live music. Dave saw hundreds and hundreds of shows over the years and loved it all. From Country to Blues, from Pop to Funk, and Folk to ROCK—guess which one stuck? He still loves them all and has pulled knowledge from all, but- Rock n Roll is just— Rock n Roll (yeah). Dave got his opportunity to play in a band from 2016 – 2017, playing house parties and a few halls. That band fell apart and was lucky enough to start playing with four very talented individuals that surround him today in Equinox. Dave’s influences over the years have been; Elvis (come on), Eric Clapton, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Steve Miller, AC/DC (so kick ass), Eagles, and honestly- countless others.

Fritz Reich

When Fritz first heard Val Halen I at age 12, he knew what he had to do…play guitar. So, he did what any other kid would do and begged his parents for one. Soon he found himself in a band with similar eager but novice players who routinely jammed wherever they could. (Mostly in basements and garages so as to annoy as few people as possible). These formative years had a huge impact on Fritz. He discovered bands such as AC/DC, Cheap Trick, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Def Leppard, and Rush. He attended college in Minneapolis with its vibrant music scene – Prince, the Replacements, Husker Du, Soul Asylum, etc. These musical influences would forever shape his passion for music. He continued to play guitar and be in bands after moving to San Diego for the sunshine and warm weather. He has had the good fortune of jamming with many great musicians at top venues over the years. His passion for music is as strong as ever. But, most of all, Fritz has learned that live music is a catalyst that brings people together for a good time.